Matthew Perry, the prominent American sitcom actor, left behind a significant financial legacy when he tragically passed away on October 28, 2023. Best known for his role as the witty Chandler Bing on the globally acclaimed sitcom “Friends” Perry amassed a considerable net worth, residual income, and royalties. This article aims to delve into the details of the Matthew Perry net worth, his earnings from “Friends,” and the potential beneficiaries of his substantial estate.
Key Details of Matthew Perry and His Career
- Matthew Perry is a renowned Canadian-American actor and comedian, best known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV series “Friends,” which aired from 1994 to 2004.
- Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA, but raised in Ottawa, Canada.
- The Matthew Perry net worth of 120$ million dollars at the time of his death on October 28, 2023
- Perry’s acting career began with guest appearances on television shows during the 1980s. His debut was in the 1979 TV show “240-Robert,” but he only gained recognition after starring in “Friends.“
- One of his breakthrough roles was in “Silver Spoons” (1986), but he really shot to fame as Chandler Bing on “Friends.” His portrayal of the sarcastic, awkward character earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002.
- Perry has also starred in a number of films such as “Fools Rush In” (1997), “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000), and its sequel “The Whole Ten Yards” (2004).
- Outside of acting, Perry has also showcased his writing talents. He co-wrote and produced several episodes for the sitcom “Mr. Sunshine,” which aired in 2011.
- Perry has also appeared on stage, making his debut in London’s West End in a play called “Sexual Perversity in Chicago” in 2003.
- Perry’s career has not just been confined to acting. He directed an episode of the sitcom “Scrubs”, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
- He has been forthright about his struggles with alcohol and prescription drug addiction. In 2013, he turned his former Malibu home into a sober living facility for men called Perry House.
- Perry has received multiple awards and nominations for his performances, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for “Friends.”
- In recent years, Perry has continued to act in various television series like “The Good Wife,” “The Odd Couple,” and mini-series “The Kennedys After Camelot.”
Matthew Perry: Life and Career
Born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Matthew Langford Perry embarked on a successful acting career that spanned over three decades. His parents, Suzanne, a Canadian-born journalist, and John Bennett Perry, an actor and model, divorced when he was less than a year old. Despite his early life struggles, Perry made a name for himself in the entertainment industry, playing roles in multiple television shows and films.
Before he secured his breakthrough role in “Friends,” Perry was already a familiar face in Hollywood. Known for his theater work during high school, Perry moved to Los Angeles and started landing guest roles in shows like “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” “Growing Pains,” and more. He also starred in short-lived sitcoms like “Second Chance” and “Sydney.”
The Friends Phenomenon
The turning point in Perry’s career came when he auditioned for a show initially titled “Six of One.” This show was later renamed “Friends. ” It was a sitcom that would become one of the most successful television series ever. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing between 1994 and 2004 made him a household name.
At the peak of the series, each main cast member, including Perry, earned a remarkable $1 million per episode. Matthew Perry’s net worth was significantly boosted by the estimated $90 million he earned from his “Friends” base salary. The show also led to substantial royalties from syndication, reportedly around $10-20 million per year.
Matthew Perry’s Friends Salary: A Detailed Breakdown
The first season of “Friends” saw each cast member earning $22,500 per episode. This added up to $540,000 for the entire season. The second season witnessed a pay raise, with each actor earning $40,000 per episode, resulting in a season total of $960,000.
Ahead of the third season, the cast united for collective negotiations. They ended up with a deal that paid them $75,000 per episode for the third season, $85,000 for the fourth season, $100,000 for the fifth, and $125,000 per episode for the sixth season.
The seventh and eighth seasons saw a significant increase, with each actor earning $750,000 per episode. This amounted to $18 million per season. The final two seasons, nine and ten, saw each cast member earning a staggering $1 million per episode, which equates to $24 million for season nine and $18 million for season ten.
In total, each “Friends” cast member earned an estimated $90 million from the show’s base salary alone. Furthermore, as part of their 2000 contract negotiations, the cast was granted backend points on the show. This allowed them to earn royalties from the show’s sales into syndication. This has reportedly resulted in each cast member earning an impressive $10-20 million in royalties each year.
Matthew Perry Net Worth and Financial Legacy
The Matthew Perry net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $120 million. In addition to his earnings from “Friends,” Perry’s net worth also included his income from other TV shows and movies such as “Ally McBeal,” “The West Wing,” “The Ron Clark Story,” and “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.”
With the exemption currently at $12.92 million, a large chunk of Perry’s estate is subject to an estate tax of up to 40 percent. However, this still leaves a considerable sum post-tax. It remains unclear how Matthew Perry’s fortune will be allocated.
Matthew Perry’s Personal Life and Struggles
Perry, who held dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, had a history of substance abuse. He became addicted to Vicodin after a jet-ski accident in 1997 and completed a 28-day rehab program later that year. He entered rehab again in February 2001 for an addiction to Vicodin, methadone, amphetamines, and alcohol. Perry reportedly spent $9 million to get sober.
In his personal life, Perry had relationships with several high-profile women, including Yasmine Bleeth, Julia Roberts, and Lizzy Caplan. In November 2020, he got engaged to Molly Hurwitz, but they called off the engagement in June 2021.
Matthew Perry’s Philanthropic Legacy
One significant aspect of Perry’s legacy is the establishment of the Matthew Perry Foundation. Launched on November 3, 2023, this donor-advised fund, managed by the National Philanthropic Trust, aims to support individuals battling addiction.
Matthew Perry’s Real Estate Investments
Throughout his career, Perry made several strategic real estate investments. After the first season of “Friends,” he bought his first home in LA. He also purchased a 6,500-square-foot mansion in Beverly Hills in 1999, which he sold in 2005. Perry owned several other properties in West Hollywood, Malibu, and Century City.
The Future of Matthew Perry’s Financial Legacy
Despite his untimely demise, Matthew Perry’s financial legacy continues to generate substantial income through the residuals from “Friends.” The distribution of Perry’s estate remains a topic of speculation, but it’s evident that his impressive net worth and enduring income from “Friends” will continue to contribute to his lasting legacy in Hollywood.
Matthew Perry’s Memoir: A Glimpse into His Life
For those interested in knowing more about Matthew Perry’s life and experiences, his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” provides an intimate look into his struggles and triumphs. The book offers a detailed account of his journey and serves as a testament to his successful career in Hollywood.
Matthew Perry’s legacy is a testament to his successful career as a beloved actor and comedian. His wise management of earnings and his role in “Friends” significantly contributed to his financial standing. As fans celebrate his achievements and enduring legacy, they also have the opportunity to delve deeper into Perry’s life and experiences.
Matthew Perry Net Worth FAQ
What was the Matthew Perry net worth at the time of his death?
120$ million.
How much was Mathew Perry’s salary on friends?
It is estimated that he made around 90$ million dollars throughout the series. In addition, he made another 10-15$ million dollars per year in royalties.
How tall is Mathew Perry?
6’0″
How old was Mathew Perry at the time of his death?
He was 54 at the time of his death.
