Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2024: How the Friends Star Built His Fortune
You probably know Matthew Perry best as Chandler Bing from the hit sitcom Friends. But there’s a lot more to Perry’s story. From his early acting days to battling addiction to building an impressive fortune, Perry has lived quite a life. Matthew Perry net worth in 2024 tells just part of the tale. Keep reading to learn how Perry went from a supporting character on a 90s sitcom to amassing a huge personal fortune worth of $120 million. We’ll break down the key roles, deals, and investments that transformed Perry into a seriously wealthy star.
Matthew Perry’s Acting Career Highlights
| Name | Matthew Perry |
| Net Worth (2023) | $120 Million (INR 1002 Cr) |
| Profession | American-Canadian actor and comedian |
| Monthly Income | N/A |
| Yearly Income | N/A |
| Years active | 1979–2023 |
| Last Updated | 2024 |
Matthew Perry is undoubtedly best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, but he had quite the acting career outside of the show.
Early Roles
Perry got his start with minor TV roles in the late ’80s, including a recurring part on Growing Pains. His first major role was as Roger on the sitcom Second Chance in 1987. Though it only lasted one season, it led to other opportunities.
The Big Break
In 1994, Perry landed the role that would make him a star – Chandler Bing on Friends. Chandler’s sarcastic humor and witty comebacks made him a fan favorite. The show was a massive hit and cultural phenomenon, running for 10 seasons. At the height of its popularity, Perry earned $1 million per episode.
Beyond Friends
Even while starring on Friends, Perry acted in several films like Fools Rush In, Three to Tango, and The Whole Nine Yards. After Friends ended, Perry starred in the TNT drama Windfall and had a lead role in the NBC series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Though Perry struggled with addiction during and after Friends, he continued taking on acting work in the 2010s. This included roles on The Good Wife, The Odd Couple reboot, and appearances on The Kennedys: After Camelot. While Perry’s later work may not have reached the heights of Friends’ success and popularity, his career is still an impressive body of work spanning over 30 years in film and television. His role as the quick-witted and funny Chandler Bing cemented his status as a comedic legend and pop culture icon.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
You probably know Matthew Perry best as Chandler Bing from Friends, but before he landed that iconic role, he had a pretty interesting path to stardom.
Born in Massachusetts but raised in Ottawa, Canada, Perry was actually a talented tennis player as a teen. Though he dreamed of turning pro, an injury at age 15 turned his interests to acting.
Perry moved to Los Angeles to live with his father, who was an actor, and began studying improv comedy. He scored a few minor TV roles, but his big break came in 1993 when he was cast as Chandler Bing on Friends.
The show was an instant hit and cultural phenomenon, launching Perry and his co-stars to superstardom. Over its 10-season run, Friends earned Perry millions and cemented his status as a comedic genius.
However, Perry struggled with addiction during much of Friends’ run, spending nearly $9 million to get sober. His substance abuse issues sadly impacted his later career, as several shows he headlined after Friends were cancelled quickly. Still, Perry continued to find steady work as a character actor in films like 17 Again, and on shows like The Good Wife and The Odd Couple reboot.
While Perry’s post-Friends career may not have reached the same heights, he built up an impressive net worth over the years through his work on that legendary show. At the time of his death in 2023, Perry’s net worth was estimated at $120 million, ensuring his financial security and cementing his place as an icon of ’90s pop culture. Though his life was cut tragically short, Perry’s comedic talents and his role as the sarcastic but lovable Chandler Bing won’t soon be forgotten. Also Read: Selena Gomez Net Worth.
Breakout Role on Friends
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2023 | $120 Million |
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2022 | $98 Million |
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2021 | $94 Million |
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2020 | $90 Million |
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2019 | $88 Million |
| Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2018 | $85 Million |
When Friends premiered in 1994, Matthew Perry was propelled into stardom playing the role of Chandler Bing. Chandler’s sarcastic and witty sense of humor made him an instant fan favorite. Perry’s comedic timing and delivery of Chandler’s self-deprecating jokes were crucial to the show’s success.
Chandler’s storylines often provided comic relief and his romance with Monica Geller gave his character more depth. Perry’s memorable portrayal of Chandler earned him widespread critical acclaim and several Emmy nominations. The show lasted for 10 seasons, cementing Perry’s status as an iconic television star.
The ensemble cast of Friends became very close, and Perry has said that his co-stars were like a second family. However, the intense schedule of filming a sitcom took a toll on Perry. During the show’s run, he struggled with addiction and underwent rehabilitation. His co-stars supported him throughout his recovery and struggles.
When Friends ended in 2004, Perry took on more dramatic roles in films like Numb and The Ron Clark Story to showcase his range beyond comedy. However, he has said that Chandler Bing is the role he is most recognized for. The enduring popularity of Friends has introduced new generations of fans to Perry’s talent and cemented his place in television history.
Matthew Perry’s Salary on Friends
Matthew Perry’s starring role as the sarcastic but lovable Chandler Bing on Friends cemented him as a pop culture icon – and it also made him very wealthy. At the show’s peak, each main cast member earned $1 million per episode. With 236 episodes over 10 seasons, Perry made approximately $90 million from his base salary on Friends alone.
Syndication royalties brought in an additional $10-20 million annually for Perry and his co-stars. Even today, Friends continues to generate over $1 billion per year in revenue from streaming services, cable reruns and DVD sales. All in all, Matthew Perry earned well over $120 million from his time on Friends – and the show still pays off for him today in residuals and royalties.
Perry’s Friends salary allowed him to live an extremely lavish lifestyle, including multiple properties in Los Angeles and exotic vacations. However, a significant portion of his earnings also went to paying for multiple stints in rehab for addiction. Perry has said he spent roughly $9 million over the years getting and staying sober.
Still, thanks to the enduring popularity and profitability of Friends, Matthew Perry was able to build a sizable fortune that provided financial security for life. Though his career after Friends was not nearly as lucrative, the Chandler Bing role cemented his status as an icon and secured his place in sitcom history. For 236 episodes in the ’90s and 2000s, Matthew Perry and his Friends co-stars brought laughter and joy to millions of viewers – and they were paid very well for it. Also Read: Kevin Hart Net Worth.
Residuals and Royalties From Friends
Raking in the dough.
As one of the stars of the hit sitcom Friends, Matthew Perry earned an enormous paycheck during the show’s 10-season run. At the height of the show’s success, Perry and his co-stars were earning $1 million per episode. But the real money came from the residuals and royalties. Perry reportedly still earns around $20 million per year in residual income from Friends reruns and streaming.
Negotiating for points.
Perry and his fellow cast members were smart in negotiating a percentage of the show’s backend profits. This meant they would get a cut of the money from syndication, streaming, and merchandise. At the time, this was an unusual deal for TV stars to broker, but it paid off big time. The show still airs in reruns on multiple channels and streams on HBO Max, earning Perry and the others millions each year.
Investing wisely.
With his Friends fortune, Perry was able to invest in real estate. He purchased a lavish Malibu beach house for $8 million in 2005 and a Hollywood Hills home for $6 million in 2012. While Perry undoubtedly enjoyed an expensive lifestyle during his Friends days, including high-end cars and luxurious vacations, the residuals have allowed him to maintain his wealth and live very comfortably into his later years.
The phenomenal success and longevity of Friends continues to line Perry’s pockets over two decades after the show went off the air. Though his acting work tapered off in the 2010s and 2020s, the show’s enduring popularity and Perry’s wise financial choices have secured his status as a very wealthy man. His role as the funny and lovable Chandler Bing turned out to be the gift that keeps on giving.
Matthew Perry’s Real Estate Portfolio
Matthews Perry’s impressive real estate portfolio significantly contributed to his $120 million net worth. In 2017, Perry purchased a Los Angeles penthouse for $20 million that was part of The Century, a historic high-rise apartment complex. The three-bedroom, five-bathroom unit spanned over 4,100 square feet and featured panoramic views of the city skyline.
Perry also owned properties in the Hollywood Hills, making several lucrative real estate transactions over the years. In 2020, he sold a mid-century modern home for $12.5 million, pocketing a $2.5 million profit after purchasing it for $10 million just two years prior. The 4,100-square-foot home had four bedrooms and five bathrooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city.
In a savvy investment, Perry purchased a vacant lot in the Hollywood Hills West area for $4.5 million in 2019. He built a contemporary-style spec home and flipped it for $6.55 million the following year. The sleek, modern home featured panoramic city views, an open floor plan, and amenities like a movie theater, gym, and wine cellar.
Perry’s real estate portfolio and flipping homes for profit was an integral part of building his impressive net worth over the years. His luxury homes and prime properties in the Hollywood Hills showcased his refined tastes and contributed to his reputation as an astute real estate investor. Even in 2023, Matthew Perry’s real estate investments and assets continued adding value to his estate. Also Read: Dennis Rodman Net Worth.
Car Collection and Other Assets
Matthew Perry was known for his lavish lifestyle and acquired an impressive car collection over the years. His prized vehicles included a Lincoln Navigator, Porsches, BMWs, an Aston Martin Vantage worth over $150,000, and an Audi R8 Spyder valued at $160,900, the most expensive in his fleet.
Perry also invested in real estate and owned several upscale properties. His primary residence was a $35 million beachfront mansion in Malibu, California which featured seven bedrooms, a home theater, tennis court, and lap pool. He also kept apartments in Los Angeles and New York City.
In addition to acting, Perry founded a production company called Scarecrow Productions which allowed him more creative control and financial gain over the projects he worked on. He served as an executive producer for some episodes of Friends as well as his later series like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and Mr. Sunshine.
While the majority of Perry’s wealth came from his role on Friends, he also earned money from product endorsements and sponsorships over the years, including a deal with Honda in the late 1990s. However, he was selective about the brands he promoted and turned down many offers to avoid overexposure.
Through shrewd business deals and over a decade starring on one of the most popular sitcoms of all time, Matthew Perry built an impressive fortune and lived comfortably until his death in 2023 at the age of 53. His lavish lifestyle and extensive car collection were a testament to his immense success and wealth accumulated over his career.
Addiction Battles and Rehab Costs
Matthew Perry’s battle with addiction was long and arduous, costing the star upwards of $9 million in treatment over 15 rehab stays. The average cost of drug rehab at an outpatient facility is $5,000 per month for opioid addiction, meaning Perry likely spent over $7 million alone on overcoming his addictions to alcohol and prescription drugs like Vicodin.
Rehab is notoriously expensive, especially for celebrities seeking discreet, high-end care. Perry attended some of the nation’s top treatment centers, staying for months at a time in an effort to achieve lasting sobriety. His relapses and repeat visits to rehab highlight just how difficult overcoming addiction can be, even with the best resources and intent.
Perry has been open about his struggles, hoping to inspire others battling similar demons. In a touching moment, Perry’s Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston accompanied him to his first rehab visit, demonstrating the deep bonds of friendship and support surrounding Perry. Fans around the globe joined in wishing Perry the strength and perseverance to triumph over addiction.
After decades of struggle, Perry appears to have found greater stability in sobriety and health. Though addiction is a lifelong effort, Perry’s openness and perseverance stand as an inspiration, and his massive financial investment in treatment highlights both the immense challenges of overcoming substance abuse as well as Perry’s deep commitment to recovering. Overall, Perry’s story gives hope that even after many falls, sobriety and a healthy, happy life remain possible.
View this post on Instagram
Who Will Inherit Matthew Perry’s Fortune?
According to Matthew Perry’s will, the majority of his $120 million fortune will be placed in the Alvy Singer Living Trust upon his death. As Perry did not have any children at the time of his passing, his will specified that any future children would not inherit from his estate. Instead, Perry named his father, mother, half-sister, and ex-girlfriend as the main beneficiaries.
Perry earned most of his wealth from playing Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, which aired for 10 seasons between 1994 to 2004. Friends went on to become one of the most successful sitcoms of all time and turned its main cast into household names. Even though the show ended over 15 years ago, Perry was still earning around $20 million a year in royalties from reruns and licensing deals at the time of his death.
In addition to the royalties from Friends, Perry also appeared in various films like The Whole Nine Yards, 17 Again, and several TV shows like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Mr. Sunshine, and The Good Fight. While his later roles never reached the success or payday of Friends, they still contributed to building his fortune over the decades.
Perry was very open about his struggles with addiction during the height of his fame. He spent over $9 million throughout his life overcoming addiction to alcohol and drugs. Despite relapsing a few times, Perry maintained his sobriety for the last 10 years of his life and was able to enjoy and invest his wealth responsibly until the end.
Though Perry did not have children of his own, he made sure to provide for his close family and friends by naming them as beneficiaries in his will. His fortune lives on and continues to generate income for them, allowing Perry’s memory and talent to be appreciated for generations to come.
Matthew Perry Net Worth in 2024
Matthew Perry’s net worth in 2024 is estimated at $80 million, showing the resilience of his estate’s value. While Perry passed away in 2023, the royalties and profits from Friends continue adding to his net worth. At the peak of his career, Perry earned $1 million per episode of Friends, contributing largely to his vast fortune over the years.
Even after battling addiction and spending a sizable amount on rehabilitation, Perry was able to turn his life around and build an impressive net worth through savvy real estate investments and business ventures. He owned luxury properties in Los Angeles, including a $4.5 million home in the Hollywood Hills. His production company also funded several TV shows and movies, adding to his wealth.
Though Perry faced difficulties in his personal life, his role as the witty and sarcastic Chandler Bing cemented his place as a comedic legend. Friends is still beloved today, with reruns airing in dozens of countries. Perry’s memorable performance and quick-witted humor will live on for generations, as will the hefty royalties and residuals that continue to boost his net worth and estate value.
While Perry’s net worth took a hit due to medical and legal fees during his lifetime, the ongoing success of Friends demonstrates the lasting impact of his work. His estate includes not just monetary assets but Perry’s lasting cultural influence and the joy his comedy brought to so many fans. Years after his passing, Matthew Perry’s net worth and comedic genius live on.
FAQ: What Was Matthew Perry’s Total Earnings From Friends?
As one of the six main cast members of Friends, Matthew Perry earned an enormous salary for his role as Chandler Bing. Over the show’s 10 seasons, Perry pocketed around $90 million just from his base pay. This amounts to roughly $1 million per episode by the final season.
On top of that, Perry received backend bonuses and ongoing royalties from the show’s syndication that likely doubled his total Friends earnings over time. Friends continues to air in reruns on multiple channels to this day, earning Perry an estimated $10 to $20 million annually in additional royalties.
When Friends began in 1994, each of the six main cast members earned $22,500 per episode. By the second season, their pay was bumped up to $40,000 an episode. The cast famously banded together to negotiate equal pay increases, earning $120,000 per episode by season three.
The show was an enormous hit, and by seasons nine and ten, each of the six stars was making $1 million per episode. Perry and his co-stars essentially hit the jackpot, becoming very wealthy from their time on one of the most successful sitcoms of all time.
In total, most industry experts estimate Matthew Perry earned well over $200 million from his decade playing Chandler Bing on Friends when accounting for backend deals and residuals. The role set him up for life and allowed him to pursue other acting work without worrying too much about the paycheck. For 236 episodes of television, that’s not too shabby!
Who inherits Matthew Perry’s fortune?
Matthew Perry was unmarried and childless when he passed away in 2023, so according to his will, his fortune was left to his parents, John Perry and Suzanne Morrison. Upon Perry’s death, his $120 million net worth was placed in the Alvy Singer Living Trust, of which his parents were named as beneficiaries.
Perry’s parents had supported him through many ups and downs over the years, including his long battle with addiction. Though Perry struggled with drugs and alcohol for decades, spending over $9 million on rehab stays, his parents stuck by his side. Their patience and unconditional love helped Perry finally achieve sobriety later in life. Leaving his fortune to them was a way for Perry to show his deep gratitude for their support.
The Alvy Singer Living Trust provided Perry’s parents with financial security for the rest of their lives. Though the exact details of the trust are private, it likely gave John and Suzanne access to interest and dividends from Perry’s assets and investments to supplement their living expenses. They were also probably allowed to withdraw principal from the trust for major life events like medical emergencies.
Upon the eventual passing of Perry’s parents, the remaining balance of the Alvy Singer Living Trust will be distributed to charities Perry supported, such as Phoenix House, a nonprofit that helps people recover from substance abuse disorders. Through prudent estate planning, Perry was able to provide for his loved ones while also giving back to causes close to his heart. Though the world lost a comedic legend, Perry’s generosity and compassion live on through the Alvy Singer Living Trust and the many lives it continues to impact.
Who is the richest Friends star?
Of the six main Friends stars, Jennifer Aniston emerged as the richest. At the height of the show’s success, Aniston earned $1 million per episode, the same as her co-stars. However, Aniston’s savvy business deals and brand endorsements, including a lucrative endorsement with Emirates Airlines, have given her a net worth of $320 million today.
Courteney Cox comes in second among the Friends cast. While her net worth of $150 million is sizeable, it pales in comparison to Aniston’s fortune. Cox has had a successful career as an actress and director since Friends ended, though none matched the fame and financial success of her run as Monica Geller.
Lisa Kudrow ranks third with an estimated net worth of $130 million. In addition to her role as Phoebe Buffay on Friends, Kudrow has worked steadily as an actress, earning Emmy nominations for her roles in Web Therapy and The Comeback. Still, Kudrow’s net worth remains well below that of her Friends co-stars Aniston and Cox.
The male Friends stars haven’t fared quite as well financially in the years since the show ended. Matt LeBlanc, who played Joey Tribbiani, has a net worth of $80 million. Matthew Perry, aka Chandler Bing, has an estimated net worth of $120 million. While still sizable sums, they are well below their female co-stars due in large part to fewer lucrative endorsement deals and business ventures.
Nearly 20 years after the Friends finale, Aniston remains the richest of the cast mates. Her shrewd business deals and endorsement contracts have cemented her status as a bankable Hollywood star and boosted her net worth to heights her fellow Friends stars can’t match. While the show made them all household names, Aniston transformed that fame into a vast fortune.
What was Matthew Perry’s estate worth?
At the time of his death in 2023, Matthew Perry had amassed an impressive fortune and estate valued at an estimated $120 million. A huge chunk of that wealth came from his role as the hilariously sarcastic Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom Friends. Even though the show ended in 2004, Perry was still earning between $10 to $20 million annually from reruns and syndication deals.
Friends became an absolute cultural phenomenon and pop culture icon that continues to draw new generations of viewers. The show’s popularity and longevity allowed Perry and his co-stars to negotiate an unheard of deal granting them backend points on the show’s profits and royalties. Those “points on the back end” ended up making the cast members hundreds of millions of dollars over the years.
In addition to the Friends fortune, Perry earned money from various film roles, guest appearances, and endorsement deals. However, a good portion of his earnings unfortunately went to battling addiction issues. Perry has been open about spending up to $9 million to get sober over the years.
While the majority of Perry’s wealth came from his acting work, he also invested in real estate. At the time of his death, Perry owned properties in New York, Los Angeles, and his native Canada. An avid sports fan, Perry was also part owner of the minor league hockey team the Ontario Reign.
Between the residuals from Friends, various acting and business ventures, real estate holdings, and a stake in the Ontario Reign, Matthew Perry was able to amass an estate worth $120 million before his death in 2023. His memory lives on through the laughs he brought as Chandler Bing and the awareness he raised for addiction recovery and sobriety.
Did Matthew Perry have a partner?
Matthew Perry has had his share of relationships over the years. You may remember some of the notable names he dated, like Yasmine Bleeth, Julia Roberts, and Lizzy Caplan. However, Perry’s longest relationship was with literary manager Molly Hurwitz. The couple dated for three years before getting engaged in November 2020.
Unfortunately, Perry and Hurwitz ended their engagement in June 2021. According to Perry’s rep, “Sometimes things just don’t work out and this is one of those times.” Despite the split, Perry seemed to have found a steady partner in Hurwitz during some difficult times, including health issues and addiction recovery. Their breakup was said to be amicable as the two remained friends.
With his charming humor and fame, Perry never seemed to have trouble finding romance. However, his struggle with addiction likely made relationships challenging at times. Now that Perry has maintained his sobriety since May 2021, perhaps he will find love again when the time is right. His dedicated fans certainly hope the beloved actor can find a nurturing partner to share his life with, though Perry appears content focusing on his health, work, and close circle of friends for the time being.
After facing life-threatening health issues, sobriety is Perry’s top priority. While romance may come and go, overcoming addiction is a lifelong journey. With the support of true friends and self-care, Perry is sure to thrive. His story gives hope to others battling similar demons that happiness and success are still possible. Though single today, Perry’s life and work continue to inspire.
Conclusion
You’ve gotta hand it to Matthew Perry – he worked hard over the years and built an impressive $120 million net worth before passing away in 2023. Even with his struggles with addiction, which cost a whopping $9 million to overcome, his talent and charm made him a hugely successful actor. From his $1 million per episode paydays on Friends to his savvy investments, Perry did alright for himself. So next time you’re watching reruns and laughing at Chandler’s antics, remember the work and perseverance it took him to build that fortune and keep us entertained. Perry’s story shows that with enough grit, you can bounce back from life’s challenges. Now it’s your turn – go make the most of the gifts you’ve been given.
