Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, Matthew Perry was raised in Ottawa, Ontario, where he became a top-ranked junior tennis player in Canada. However, after moving to Los Angeles at the age of 15 to live with his father (actor John Bennett Perry), he became more interested in acting. In addition to performing in several high school stage productions, he remained an avid tennis player. Perry ranked 17th nationally in the junior singles category and third in the doubles category. Upon graduating from high school, Perry intended to enroll at the University of Southern California. However, when he was offered a leading role on the television series, "Second Chance" (1987), he seized the opportunity to begin his acting career.

Perry appeared in the hit comedy film Whole Nine Yards, The (2000), as the neighbor of a hit man played by Bruce Willis. His other feature film credits include Fools Rush In (1997), Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon, A (1988), She's Out of Control (1989) and Parallel Lives (1994) (TV). He also co-starred with Chris Farley in the buddy comedy Almost Heroes (1998) and in the romantic comedy, Three to Tango (1999), opposite Neve Campbell. Perry currently resides in Los Angeles. He enjoys playing ice hockey and softball in his spare time.

Attended Ashbury College, a private boys' school in Ottawa, Canada.

(4 June 1997) Reported that Perry has checked into a a drug rehab center suffering from "chemical dependency on a prescription medication."

Son of John Bennett Perry.

Raised in Ottawa, Canada.

Mother, Suzanne Morrison, was press agent for Pierre Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, during the seventies and eighties.

Dated Julia Roberts.

(June 2000) Matthew asked that his name be removed from the Best Actor in a Comedy Emmy list. "Friends" co-stars have all agreed that they would only be nominated in supporting roles.

Missing part of his middle finger on his right hand.

Used to be ranked nationally in junior tennis in Canada. He has said on interviews that he tried to play in the States but he wasn't good enough.

(27 February 2001) Entered a rehabilitation clinic for treatment of an undisclosed condition.

(18 April 2001) A 75 year old woman ran a stop sign and smashed into the side of Matthew's BMW. Neither party was injured.

Stepson of Keith Morrison, NBC newscaster. Half-brother of Caitlin (b. 1981); Emily (b. 1985); Willy (b. 1987); Madeleine (b. 1989); and Marie Perry.

(2002) "Friends" (1994) castmate Jennifer Aniston offers to be his personal trainer after he received threats from bosses Warner Brothers about his increasing weight problems

(July 18th 2002) Matthew is nominated for Best Actor in a leading role in a Comedy series at this years Emmys for his performance as Chandler Bing.

(2002) Friends castmates agree to enter themselves for consideration in the leading role catagories at the Emmys.

Turned down a role in Independence Day. The part he was offered was eventually taken by Harry Connick Jr.