Matthew Perry, renowned for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the hit TV series Friends, might forever be associated with New York City as a result, but his roots are Canadian including time spent growing up in Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.
Tragically, the 54-year-old actor was discovered deceased in his Los Angeles residence on a Saturday.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love,” read a statement from the actor’s family.
Perry’s life included residing in various Canadian cities, including Ottawa, Montreal, and Toronto, alongside his Canadian mother, Suzanne Perry. She held roles as a press secretary for then-Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and later as a national anchor for Global News.
He was a huge hockey fan.
Rest in peace, Matthew Perry.
Forever part of our hockey history and hearts ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aHpfXq0w5i
— NHL Alumni (@NHLAlumni) October 29, 2023
During an appearance on the TV show Jimmy Kimmel, Perry recalled a time him and his classmates beat up a young Justin Trudeau.
“His dad was the prime minister, but I don’t think that’s the reason we beat him up. I think he was the only kid in school we could beat up,” said Perry, at the time.
For a short time, Matthew Perry lived in Toronto when he was a kid + was pals with my bro. He was such a nice friendly guy even to me, the little brother. I loved watching him take over the world. This news is so sad. R.I.P. https://t.co/GzxhgzMC74
— Choir! Choir! Choir! (@choirchoirchoir) October 29, 2023
In his memoir, Perry wrote the following about how he would like to be remembered.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs in my life. I’m still working through it personally, but the best thing about me is that if an alcoholic or drug addict comes up to me and says, ‘Will you help me?’ I will always say, ‘Yes, I know how to do that. I will do that for you, even if I can’t always do it for myself.’ So I do that, whenever I can. In groups, or one on one,” the late actor wrote.
“And I created the Perry House in Malibu, a sober-living facility for men. I also wrote my play The End of Longing, which is a personal message to the world, an exaggerated form of me as a drunk. I had something important to say to people like me, and to people who love people like me,” he continued.
“When I die, I know people will talk about Friends, Friends, Friends. And I’m glad of that, happy I’ve done some solid work as an actor, as well as given people multiple chances to make fun of my struggles on the world wide web… but when I die, as far as my so-called accomplishments go, it would be nice if Friends were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people. I know it won’t happen, but it would be nice.”
RIP Matthew Perry.
