Matthew Perry Health History, Was Matthew Perry Sick? What Health Problems Did Matthew Perry Have?
by Swetha P | Updated Oct 30, 2023
Matthew Perry Health History
Matthew Perry's health history is marked by his long and well-documented battle with addiction. The actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV series "Friends," openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse, which spanned over three decades.
Perry's addiction problems began early, with him starting to drink at the age of 14. By the time he was 18, he was drinking daily. His issues with alcohol and drugs became even more pronounced as his career soared with "Friends." He admitted to consuming more than 50 Vicodin pills a day at one point, leading to numerous rehab stays and over a dozen surgeries.
One of the most critical points in his health history occurred in 2019 when his colon burst due to opioid overuse, requiring life-saving emergency surgery. He faced a daunting 2 percent chance of surviving the night. Following the surgery, he lapsed into a two-week coma, followed by a five-month hospitalization and nine months of using a colostomy bag.
Perry also survived a cardiac arrest while in rehab in Switzerland, which was attributed to a combination of drugs he had taken. His health struggles served as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of addiction and the tremendous resilience required to overcome it. Despite these challenges, Matthew Perry's candidness about his health journey provided inspiration and insight into the perils of substance abuse.
Who was Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry was an American and Canadian actor known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the beloved TV show "Friends." He was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. Perry's parents separated when he was one year old, and he was primarily raised by his mother in Canada. He began struggling with addiction at a young age, with alcohol becoming a significant issue by the time he was 18.
Perry pursued acting and studied at the Buckley School in Los Angeles. He gained fame and recognition for his role in "Friends," which aired from 1994 to 2004. Despite his successful acting career, he continued to battle addiction and faced several life-threatening situations related to substance abuse.
Name
Matthew Langford Perry
Birthdate
August 19, 1969
Place of Birth
Williamstown, Massachusetts, USA
Nationality
American and Canadian
Notable Role
Chandler Bing in "Friends"
Career Period
1979 - 2023
Key Achievements
- Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series for "Friends"
John Bennett Perry (Father) and Suzanne Marie Morrison (Mother)
Keith Morrison
Caitlin, Emily, Will, Madeline (Half-siblings)
Maria (Half-sister)
Specification
Details
Parents:
Stepfather:
Siblings:
Was Matthew Perry Sick?
Yes, Matthew Perry battled addiction and related health problems for much of his life. His struggles with alcohol and drug addiction were well-documented, leading to numerous rehab stints and surgeries. Perry faced near-death experiences, including a life-threatening incident in 2019 when his colon burst from opioid overuse, requiring emergency surgery and a coma. He also survived a cardiac arrest during a rehab stay in Switzerland, during which his heart stopped for five minutes.
What Health Problems Did Matthew Perry Have?
Matthew Perry's health problems primarily centered around his long-standing battle with addiction. His addiction to alcohol and drugs spanned over three decades and had severe consequences. At one point, he was consuming more than 50 Vicodin pills a day, and his weight dropped to a dangerously low 128 pounds. His addiction led to numerous rehab admissions, where he struggled to overcome this life-altering challenge.
In 2019, Perry faced a critical health scare when his colon burst due to opioid overuse, requiring emergency surgery. The situation was dire, and he was given a mere 2 percent chance of surviving the night. He underwent a two-week coma and spent five months in the hospital, followed by nine months with a colostomy bag.
Perry also survived a cardiac arrest during a rehab stay in Switzerland, which was a result of mixing drugs. These health challenges shed light on the gravity of addiction and its impact on an individual's well-being.
Matthew Perry Age
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, and he tragically passed away at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023. Despite his relatively young age at the time of his passing, Perry's life was marked by a lengthy and well-documented struggle with addiction, which had profound effects on his health and overall well-being.
Matthew Perry Career
Matthew Perry enjoyed a successful acting career that spanned several decades, but he became an enduring icon as Chandler Bing in the beloved TV series "Friends." From 1994 to 2004, he brought the character to life with his sharp wit and impeccable comedic timing. Perry's performance on the show earned him critical acclaim and recognition, including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Comedy Series.
"Friends" remains one of the most iconic and beloved sitcoms in television history, and Chandler Bing is a character etched in the hearts of millions. In addition to his iconic role in "Friends," Perry had a notable presence in the world of film and television.
He appeared in various films, including "17 Again," "Fools Rush In," and "The Whole Nine Yards," and took on television roles, such as "The Odd Couple." Beyond that, he made guest appearances on shows like "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "Growing Pains." His contributions to the entertainment industry left a lasting legacy, and he will always be remembered for his brilliant portrayal of Chandler Bing.
Matthew Perry Earlier Life
Matthew Perry's early life was shaped by the separation of his parents when he was just a child. He spent most of his formative years in Canada, but at the age of 15, he made a significant move to Los Angeles to live with his father. There, he pursued his education at the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, where he embarked on his journey in acting and ultimately graduated in 1987.
However, Perry's early life was also marked by the early onset of addiction. He began drinking at a remarkably young age, starting at 14. These struggles with substance abuse continued into his adult years and had a profound impact on his health and well-being, ultimately becoming a central part of his life story.
How Did Matthew Perry Die?
Matthew Perry tragically died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles. The exact cause of death had not been determined at the time of the initial reports, and foul play was not suspected. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office listed the cause of death as "deferred," pending further investigation.
Matthew Perry Legacy
Matthew Perry's legacy is undeniably intertwined with his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing on the iconic TV series "Friends." His character became a beloved figure, known for his wit and humor, and the show itself remains a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences around the world. Perry's contribution to the world of entertainment through this role left an indelible mark on pop culture.
Beyond his acting career, Matthew Perry's legacy is also shaped by his courage in openly discussing his struggles with addiction. His candidness about his battles with substance abuse served as an inspiration and a source of hope for others facing similar challenges.
Perry's memoir, "Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing," shed light on the harsh realities of addiction and the path to recovery, offering insights and understanding to those who may be going through similar ordeals. His willingness to share his experiences and his resilience in facing addiction further contributed to his enduring legacy, making him not only a talented actor but also a beacon of strength and recovery in the public eye.
Matthew Perry Family
Matthew Perry's family life was marked by a significant event in his childhood - the separation of his parents when he was just a year old. His mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, a Canadian journalist who served as the press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, later married Canadian broadcast journalist Keith Morrison.
Perry's upbringing was primarily under the care of his mother, who raised him in Canada, predominantly in Ottawa, with brief stints in Toronto and Montreal. Matthew Perry's mother and stepfather, Keith Morrison, had four children together, namely Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline. On the other side, his father, John Bennett Perry, an American actor and former model, had a daughter named Maria with his second wife, Debbie Boyle.
Perry's upbringing was marked by this family structure, and he had connections to both the United States and Canada, where his roots were deeply embedded. Despite the challenges and changes in his family dynamics, Matthew Perry went on to establish a successful career in acting, becoming a well-known figure in the entertainment world, most notably for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic TV series "Friends."
Matthew Perry Health History - FAQs
Matthew Perry was an American and Canadian actor known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing in the beloved TV show "Friends.
Matthew Perry struggled with addiction for over three decades.
In 2019, Matthew Perry experienced a life-threatening emergency surgery after his colon burst due to opioid overuse.
Matthew Perry's struggles with addiction and his journey to recovery inspired his memoir.
Matthew Perry passed away on October 28, 2023.