Matthew Perry Birth Anniversary: 5 Roles Of The Actor Beyond FRIENDS

Matthew Perry Birth Anniversary: Today, August 19, marks a special day for fans of the beloved American sitcom FRIENDS as we remember the late Matthew Perry on his birth anniversary. He was born in 1969 and would have turned 55 this year. Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, due to side effects of ketamine. In his later years, he dedicated himself to helping others overcome addiction. In his career known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on FRIENDS, there are many other roles that stand out.

Fools Rush In (1997)

About three years into his time on FRIENDS, Matthew Perry starred in the romantic comedy Fools Rush In alongside Salma Hayek. He portrayed the character named Alex, a bachelor who impregnates Isabel, played by Hayek, after a one-night stand in Las Vegas. 

They marry and must navigate cultural differences, meet each other's parents, and decide if they want to spend their lives together. Fools Rush In stands out for its early attention to representation, but it's the chemistry between Perry and Hayek that truly elevates this otherwise typical storyline.

Almost Heroes (1998)

The late Matthew Perry and Chris Farley appeared together in the 1998 film Almost Heroes, with Perry playing Leslie Edwards and Farley as Bartholomew Hunt.

Directed by Christopher Guest, this slapstick comedy, set in the early 1800s, follows two explorers on a quest to reach the Pacific Ocean before Lewis & Clark, though they ultimately fall short. While their characters don't achieve their goal, Farley and Perry's comedic brilliance is evident in their performances.

The Whole Nine Yards (2000)

In The Whole Nine Yards, Matthew Perry plays Oz, an ordinary suburban dentist. His life takes a turn when the notorious ex-hitman Jimmy Tudeski (Bruce Willis) moves in next door.

Natasha Henstridge and Amanda Peet also feature in the film, which was successful enough to spawn a poorly received sequel, marking a notable moment in Perry's Hollywood career.

The Ron Clark Story (2006)

In 2007, Matthew Perry received an Emmy nomination for his role in the TNT movie The Ron Clark Story. 

The film, inspired by a real teacher, features Perry as a southern man from a small-town setting who takes on the challenge of teaching in one of the most challenging school districts in the country.

The West Wing (2003)

Matthew Perry also featured in three episodes of NBC's political drama The West Wing, but his small role left a lasting impression. He received two Emmy nominations for his guest role as Joe Quincy, one in 2003 and another in 2004.

Joe Quincy, a Republican lawyer, takes on the role of associate White House counsel in the Democratic Bartlet administration. Shortly after joining the White House, Joe exposes a scandal that causes Vice President John Hoynes (played by Tim Matheson) to resign.