Matthew Perry was a beloved actor best known for playing Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends. His career spanned decades, bringing him both fame and fortune.
At the time of his passing on October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry net worth was estimated at $120 million. His wealth came from his successful TV career, movie roles, real estate investments, and royalties from Friends.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. His father, John Bennett Perry, was an actor, and his mother, Suzanne Morrison, was a journalist. After his parents divorced, he moved to Ottawa, Canada, with his mother.
Perry developed a love for acting at an early age and pursued comedy and theater during his teenage years. At 15, he moved to Los Angeles to focus on acting full-time.
He started with guest roles on shows like Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons, and Growing Pains. His early career showed promise, but he had not yet found a breakthrough role.
The Breakthrough: Friends
In 1994, Perry auditioned for a new sitcom called Friends and landed the role of Chandler Bing. The show became a massive hit, running for ten seasons from 1994 to 2004. It made Perry and his co-stars household names and significantly increased Matthew Perry net worth over time.
Related – David Schwimmer Net Worth
Friends Salary Breakdown
| Season | Episodes | Salary Per Episode | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 24 | $22,500 | $540,000 |
| 2 | 24 | $40,000 | $960,000 |
| 3 | 25 | $75,000 | $1.875 million |
| 4 | 24 | $85,000 | $2.04 million |
| 5 | 24 | $100,000 | $2.5 million |
| 6 | 25 | $125,000 | $3.125 million |
| 7 | 24 | $750,000 | $18 million |
| 8 | 24 | $750,000 | $18 million |
| 9 | 24 | $1 million | $24 million |
| 10 | 18 | $1 million | $18 million |
Related – Lisa Kudrow Net Worth 2025
Over the course of Friends, Perry earned around $90 million in base salary.
Royalties from Friends
Even after the show ended, Friends remained incredibly popular, generating over $1 billion annually from syndication and streaming deals.
As part of their final contract negotiations, the main cast secured a percentage of syndication royalties. Each cast member, including Perry, reportedly earned between $10 million and $20 million per year in Friends royalties. This income played a major role in Matthew Perry net worth growing over the years.
Post-Friends Career and Earnings
After Friends, Perry continued acting in both TV shows and films. Some of his notable projects included:
- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (2006–2007)
- Go On (2012–2013)
- The Odd Couple (2015–2017)
- Fools Rush In (1997)
- The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
- 17 Again (2009)
Though none of these roles matched the financial success of Friends, they still added to Matthew Perry net worth.
Related – Courteney Cox Net Worth 2025
Real Estate Investments
Perry was also known for his real estate investments. Over the years, he bought and sold several high-value properties in Los Angeles and Malibu.
Notable Properties Owned and Sold
| Property Location | Purchase Price | Sale Price |
|---|---|---|
| Beverly Hills | $3.2 million | $6.9 million |
| West Hollywood | $1.7 million | $5.7 million |
| Malibu Beachfront | $12 million | $13.1 million |
| Century City Penthouse | $20 million | $21.6 million |
| Hollywood Hills | $5 million | Still owned |
Perry’s real estate transactions contributed millions to Matthew Perry net worth.
Related – Jennifer Aniston Net Worth 2025
Personal Life and Struggles
Perry’s personal life included high-profile relationships with actresses like Julia Roberts and Lizzy Caplan. In 2020, he got engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz, but they split in 2021.
Unfortunately, Perry also struggled with addiction. His battle with prescription painkillers and alcohol began in the late 1990s and led to multiple rehab stays. He spent over $9 million trying to get sober and later became an advocate for addiction recovery.
Estate Planning and Financial Management
Despite his wealth, Perry was careful about managing his money. At the time of his passing, his finances were divided into various accounts and trusts.
His main estate, known as the Alvy Singer Living Trust, was valued at over $120 million. This trust ensured that his wealth would be distributed among his loved ones, including his parents and half-sister.
Legacy and Impact on Hollywood
Perry’s legacy extends beyond his financial success. His portrayal of Chandler Bing remains one of the most iconic characters in TV history.
His openness about addiction helped raise awareness about substance abuse issues in Hollywood and beyond.
Related – Matt LeBlanc Net Worth 2025
Conclusion
Matthew Perry net worth was a reflection of his talent, hard work, and smart financial decisions. From earning millions on Friends to securing long-term royalties and investing in real estate, Perry built a financial empire that lasted beyond his lifetime.
His impact on the entertainment industry and his advocacy for addiction recovery ensure that his legacy will not be forgotten.
FAQs
How much money did Matthew Perry have in his bank account when he died?
At the time of his death, Matthew Perry had around $1.5 million in his personal bank account, while most of his $120 million estate was in a trust.
Who inherited Matthew Perry’s net worth?
Matthew Perry’s estate, valued at approximately $1 million, was managed through the Alvy Singer Living Trust. He appointed Lisa Ferguson and Robin Ruzan as co-executors. Beneficiaries included his parents, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison, his half-sister Caitlin Morrison, and ex-girlfriend Rachel Dunn.
