Celebrating his 54th birthday today, Matthew Perry has achieved iconic status primarily through his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the immensely popular TV sitcom, "Friends." On this special occasion, we present a collection of lesser-known facts that every devoted Chandler Bing fan should know.
Few sitcom characters have made as lasting an impression as Chandler Bing from the classic series FRIENDS (1994-2004). But it was Matthew Perry and his amazing acting prowess that brought the character to life. It's time to go beyond the screen and learn more about Matthew Perry as we raise a glass to him on his special day. Here are some fascinating facts about Matthew Perry that you might not know:
1. Matthew Perry once dated actress Julia Roberts
Between 1995 and 1996, Perry was in a romantic relationship with none other than the reigning queen of romantic comedies, Julia Roberts. However, his initial known relationship was with Yasmine Bleeth. Over time, his name has also been associated with Lizzy Caplan and Molly Hurwitz.
2. Matthew Perry once beat Canadian PM Justin Trudeau
Matthew Perry once beat up young Justin Trudeau, who would later go on to become the Prime Minister of Canada. During a conversation with Jimmy Kimmel on the host's show, he admitted, "I’m not bragging about this. It’s terrible. I was a stupid kid I didn’t want to beat him up."
3. Perry suffered from addiction
Matthew Perry was given painkillers after his 1997 jet ski accident. Unfortunately, he quickly got reliant on them and started combining them with alcohol, which made his addiction worse.
4. It was Perry who got Bruce Willis on the show
Die Hard fame Bruce Willis was one of many A-listers who blessed the FRIENDS show with their guest spots. None other than Matthew Perry was the driving force behind his unusual appearance. In a funny turn of events, Bruce Willis ended up on the show after losing a bet to Perry.
5. Perry was making over $1 Million per FRIENDS episode
According to reports, each cast member including Matthew Perry received a staggering one million dollars per episode, and the observer claims that they still receive millions from the show's syndication.
6. Perry spent two stints in rehab when he was on FRIENDS
When Matthew Perry was working on the sets of FRIENDS, he spent not one, but two times in rehab. Despite his best efforts to hide his drug and alcohol abuse, it soon became clear that he had a problem.
7. Perry used to play Tennis
Few people are aware of Perry's intense interest with tennis, even though many people are familiar with him for his exceptional acting talent. He achieved a notable national ranking in junior tennis in Canada.
8. The audition for the role of Chandler was a piece of cake for Perry
When he attended the audition for the role of Chandler Bing, he didn't need a script. He had the lines memorized perfectly as he helped a friend who was vying for the role before the audition.
With his sharp wit, impeccable comedic timing, and a knack for delivering unforgettable one-liners, Perry has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. Beyond his portrayal of the iconic Chandler Bing on the beloved television series FRIENDS, there lies a multi-faceted career that is as intriguing as it is inspiring.