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John Bennett Perry
John Bennett Perry
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John Bennett Perry (born January 4, 1941) is an American retired actor, singer and model. He is the father of the actor Matthew Perry.

Key Information

Early life

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Perry was born on January 4, 1941, in Williamstown, Massachusetts,[1] the son of businessman, bank director and civic leader Alton L. Perry (1906–2003) and Maria (née Bennett; 1906–1971).[2] He attended college at St. Lawrence University, where he was a member of Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.[3]

Career

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Perry began his career focusing on singing, being part of the Serendipity Singers and with his stage credits including the 1967 musical Now Is the Time for All Good Men.[citation needed] He also appeared as an extra in the crowd scene in the "Tomorrow Belongs to Me" segment in the 1972 film Cabaret.[citation needed] Perry portrayed the clean-shaven "sailor" in the Old Spice commercials of the 1970s and 1980s.[4]

Perry has appeared in numerous films such as Lipstick (1976), Midway (1976), The Legend of the Lone Ranger (1981), Only When I Laugh (1981), Independence Day (1996) and George of the Jungle (1997), and on such television programs as The West Wing, L.A. Law, Days of Our Lives, Little House on the Prairie, Centennial, 240-Robert, Nakia, Falcon Crest, Murder, She Wrote, Diagnosis Murder and Magnum, P.I.. He played General Douglas MacArthur in the 1989 film Farewell to the King.

In the 1978–79 TV season, he and Stephanie Edwards co-hosted EveryDay, a syndicated daytime talk/variety series that also featured Murray Langston, Tom Chapin, Bob Corff and Anne Bloom. He and Edwards were both nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service or Variety Series, losing to Phil Donahue of The Phil Donahue Show.[5]

He appeared alongside his son Matthew Perry in the 1997 movie Fools Rush In, and in the episode "My Unicorn" of the sitcom Scrubs, each time as the father of his real-life son's character.[6] He also appeared in the episode of Friends with the title "The One with Rachel's New Dress", playing the father of Rachel Green's boyfriend Joshua.[7]

Personal life

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From 1968 to 1970, he was married to Suzanne Langford, press secretary to former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The couple had a son together, Matthew Perry (1969–2023), who also became an actor. After the couple divorced, his ex-wife returned to Ottawa, Ontario with their son. Perry then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in acting. Matthew later moved back to the U.S to live with him when he was 14 years old.[8][9] Perry married Debbie Boyle in 1981 and five years later the couple had a child together.[10]

Perry's son Matthew died on October 28, 2023, at age 54, from an apparent drowning, stemming from a ketamine overdose.[11][12][13]

Filmography

[edit]

Film

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1976 Lipstick Martin McCormick
1976 Midway ARM1c Walter G. Chochalousek
1981 The Legend of the Lone Ranger Ranger Captain Dan Reid
1981 Only When I Laugh Vincent Heller (Lou)
1989 Farewell to the King General MacArthur
1996 Independence Day Secret Serviceman
1996 The Evening Star Sitcom Parent
1997 Fools Rush In Richard Whitman
1997 George of the Jungle Arthur Stanhope
1998 Circles Bob Miano
1998 Ground Control Senator Rutherford
2002 The Sweetest Thing Judy's Father
2007 Agenda John Linney
2007 Protecting the King Vernon Presley
2008 Loaded Evan Price
2011 Bob's New Suit Buster

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Notes
1972 Bobby Jo and the Good Time Band Jeff Television movie
1973–1974 Police Story Sergeant Chick Torpi Recurring role (5 episodes)
1974 Mannix Steve Walker Episode: "Walk a Double Line"
1974 Nakia unknown role Episode: "The Moving Target"
1975 Kung Fu Deputy Hank Archer Episode: "Battle Hymn"
1975 S.W.A.T. Johnny Brewer Episode: "The Vendetta"
1975 Barbary Coast Commander Stark Episode: "An Iron-Clad Plan"
1977 Little House on the Prairie Andrew Hobbs / Frank James Episode: "The Aftermath"
1978 Everyday Himself (Host) 2 episodes
– "#1.1"
– "#1.11"
Nominated – Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service or Variety Series
1978–1979 Centennial Mahlon Zendt Miniseries (2 episodes)
– "The Wagon and the Elephant" (1978)
– "The Storm" (1979)
1979–1981 240-Robert Deputy Theodore Roosevelt 'Trap' Applegate III Series regular (16 episodes)
1981 A Matter of Life and Death Shad Fleming Television movie
1982 Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color Russell Donovan Episode: "Tales of the Apple Dumpling Gang"
1982 Today's F.B.I. Parrish Episode: "Tapper"
1982 Money on the Side Tom Westmore Television movie
1982 Seven Brides for Seven Brothers Eckworth Episode: "Heritage"
1983 I Married Wyatt Earp John Behan Television movie
1983 Little House on the Prairie Russell Matthews Episode: "Once Upon a Time"
1983 Teachers Only unknown role Episode: "Rex, the Wonder Husband"
1983 Wizards and Warriors Colter Episode: "The Dungeon of Death"
1983 Lottery! unknown role Episode: "Phoenix: Blood Brothers"
1983 Emerald Point N.A.S. Joe Episode: "#1.6"
1984 The Duck Factory Brett Higgens / Arnold Episode: "It Didn't Happen One Night"
1984 The Love Boat George Washburn Episode: "Only the Good Die Young/Honey Beats the Odds/The Light of Another Day"
1984 Paper Dolls Michael Caswell Series regular (13 episodes)
1985 The Other Lover Peter Fielding Television movie
1985 I Dream of Jeannie... Fifteen Years Later Wes Morrison Television movie
1985 Magnum, P.I. Stephen Parker Episode: "Rapture"
1985–1986 Falcon Crest Sheriff Floyd Gilmore Series regular (21 episodes)
1986 Hotel Drew Haywood Episode: "Harassed"
1987 The Last Fling Jason Elliot Television movie
1987 Independence Sheriff Television movie
1987 Throb Bobby Episode: "Party Games"
1987 Poker Alice Frank Hartwell Television movie
1987 Rags to Riches Tom Honkerson Episode: "Wilderness Blues"
1987 Pursuit of Happiness Fast Phil Episode: "Advice and Consent"
1987 Murder, She Wrote Judge Perry Sillman Episode: "When Thieves Fall Out"
1988 Nightingales Roger Taylor Television movie
1988 L.A. Law Richard Lauderbauch Episode: "Romancing the Drone"
1988 Hunter Steven Stag Episode: "Dead on Target (Part 1 & 2)"
1989 She Knows Too Much Matthew Bream Television movie
1989 False Witness Dr. Stiner Television movie
1991 Over My Dead Body Raymond Episode: "Naked Brunch"
1992 Secrets Dan Adams Television movie
1992 Coach Arthur Blackmore Episode: "Dateline-Bangkok"
1992 Silk Stalkings Ronald Bunch Episode: "Irreconcilable Differences"
1993 Civil Wars Adam Hunter Episode: "Dances with Sharks"
1993 Murder, She Wrote Dan Remsen Episode: "Lone Witness"
1993 Home Free Judge Quentin Cavanaugh Episode: "Front Page"
1995 Renegade Ted Radford Episode: "Rancho Escondido"
1995 CBS Schoolbreak Special Winston Halpern Episode: "Kids Killing Kids"
1995 Eye of the Stalker Duncan Emerson Television movie
1996 Pier 66 Senator Powers Television movie
1996 Night Stand Colin Hunter Episode: "Gays in the Military"
1998 The Wonderful World of Disney Mr. Norman Zapruder Episode: "Safety Patrol"
1998 Friends Mr. Burgin Episode: "The One with Rachel's New Dress"
1998 JAG Roland Sims 2 episodes
– "Yesterday's Heroes"
– "Wedding Bell Blues"
1998 The Army Show Nelson Caesar Episode: "J. Paul Caesar"
1998–1999 Air America Frank Arnett Recurring role (6 episodes)
1999 Veronica's Closet Byron Blair Episode: "Veronica's from Venus/Josh's Parents Are from Mars"
1999 Nash Bridges Frank Morgan Episode: "Hide and Seek"
1999 3rd Rock from the Sun Hamilton Bell Episode: "Dick v. Strudwick"
1999–2000 Family Law Senator Harlan Bell Recurring role (3 episodes)
1999–2001 It's Like, You Know... Barney the Anchorman Recurring role (3 episodes)
2000 Diagnosis Murder Robert Brantigan Episode: "Man Overboard"
2001 The West Wing Representative Bill. D Episode: "Two Cathedrals"
2002 Providence Charles Frank Recurring role (3 episodes)
2003 7th Heaven Detective Terry Richardson 2 episodes
– "Stand Up"
– "High Anxiety"
2003 Threat Matrix Senator Otto Episode: "Flipping"
2004 Scrubs Gregory Marks Episode: "My Unicorn"
2005 Cuts Dennis Episode: "Mack Daddies"
2005 Veronica Mars Principal Alan Moorehead 2 episodes
– "Ahoy, Mateys!"
– "My Mother, the Fiend"
2006 Principal Dennis unknown role Episode: "Heiress Bridenapped"
2006 Our House Judge Television movie
2006 The Closer Walter Langer Episode: "Heroic Measures"
2008 Dirty Sexy Money Hal Matheson Episode: "The Birthday Present"
2009 Cold Case Al 'Baltimore Red' Soddenheim '09 Episode: "November 22nd"
2011 Mr. Sunshine Howard Episode: "The Best Man"

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
John Bennett Perry (born January 4, 1941) is an American actor, singer, and former model best known for his lead role as Deputy "Trap" Applegate III in the ABC adventure series (1979–1981). Perry was born in , and began his entertainment career in the 1960s as a singer, performing with vocal groups such as the Ojai Valley Boys and . He transitioned to in the , gaining widespread recognition through a series of popular television commercials, most notably as the rugged sailor in aftershave ads that aired throughout the decade. His breakthrough in scripted television came with , where he starred alongside and in stories centered on deputies operating for rescue missions; the series ran for two seasons and marked Perry's establishment as a in action-oriented dramas. Following this, Perry appeared in guest and recurring roles across numerous primetime shows, including (guest roles, 1977–1982), , (1985–1986), , and Scrubs. He also portrayed , the on-screen father of his real-life son Matthew Perry's character , in three episodes of the iconic sitcom Friends (1998–2001). In film, Perry's notable credits include supporting roles in Independence Day (1996) as a Secret Serviceman, Fools Rush In (1997) opposite Salma Hayek and again with his son Matthew, and George of the Jungle (1997) as Arthur Stanhope. His stage work includes the 1967 Off-Broadway musical Now Is the Time for All Good Men. Perry received a Bronze Wrangler Award in 1988 for his performance in the Western television movie Independence. On a personal note, Perry was first married to Canadian journalist Suzanne Morrison, with whom he had son Matthew Perry (1969–2023) before divorcing in 1970; Matthew made his acting debut at age 9 in a 1979 episode of 240-Robert alongside his father. He later married Debbie Boyle in 1981, with whom he had daughter Mia Perry. Throughout his career spanning over five decades, Perry has been recognized for his versatile portrayals of authoritative figures, from law enforcement officers to military personnel, often drawing on his modeling background for charismatic screen presence.

Early life

Birth and family background

John Bennett Perry was born on January 4, 1941, in . He was the son of businessman and civic leader Alton L. Perry and Maria Schaefer (née Bennett), in the small of Williamstown. Perry grew up alongside his older brother, Alton Bennett "Tony" Perry, in a close-knit household that emphasized community involvement. The brothers' shared experiences in Williamstown shaped Perry's early personality, fostering a sense of creativity and familial bond. During his childhood and teenage years, Perry and his brother Tony formed a band that performed at local functions, pubs, and shows, achieving modest regional popularity and igniting Perry's initial passion for . These community activities in the culturally vibrant town, home to institutions like the , laid the groundwork for his later pursuits, though he would go on to attend .

Education

John Bennett Perry attended in , during the early 1960s. He graduated from the university in 1963 with a . During his undergraduate years, Perry was a member of the fraternity (Xi chapter), where he engaged in social activities that fostered interpersonal skills essential for his later public-facing career. St. Lawrence University offered programs in theater and music during this period, providing Perry with opportunities to explore that aligned with his emerging interests. Following graduation, Perry chose to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry, relocating to to begin professional work in modeling and performance.

Career

Music and modeling

Perry began his professional career in music during the early 1960s as a member of , a folk ensemble formed in 1963 that blended harmonious vocals with lighthearted, upbeat arrangements similar to contemporaries like . He served as one of the group's lead singers alongside members including his brother , who joined later, contributing to their dynamic of family-influenced performances and frequent lineup changes that kept the act fresh through the mid-1960s. The group achieved notable success with their debut single "Don't Let the Rain Come Down (Crooked Little Man)," which peaked at number 6 on the chart in 1964, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Folk Recording and establishing their reputation for catchy, narrative-driven folk tunes. Perry remained with until around 1967, during which time they released several albums on and performed extensively on television variety shows, honing his stage presence through group tours and live appearances. Following the group's decline in popularity amid shifting musical tastes, Perry transitioned to modeling in the late 1960s, leveraging his photogenic appeal and performance background to secure work in print advertisements and television commercials while dividing his time between New York and . This shift marked his entry into visual media, where he built a steady portfolio of endorsement gigs before fully pursuing . His most enduring modeling role came in the and as the clean-shaven in aftershave commercials, portraying a confident, nautical figure stepping off a grand to apply the product with the "The mark of a man." The campaign's repetitive airings on national television made Perry a familiar face to American households, symbolizing masculine grooming ideals and significantly boosting his public recognition during that era. Outside , Perry pursued additional singing opportunities, including forming a local band with his brother Tony in the early that enjoyed regional success before his group commitments, and later performing with the Ojai Valley Boys in folk circuits. His modeling portfolio extended beyond to various other commercial spots, though none matched the cultural longevity of the aftershave ads in cementing his image as a charismatic endorser.

Acting and television hosting

John Bennett Perry made his acting debut in the 1972 television movie Bobby Jo and the Good Time Band, portraying the character Jeff in a lighthearted musical comedy directed by Hal Cooper. Following this initial foray into screen work, Perry transitioned to feature films with supporting roles in (1976), where he played Martin McCormick, a music teacher entangled in a dramatic trial, and Midway (1976), as Navy airman ARM1c Walter G. Chochalousek during the pivotal battle depiction. These early credits marked the beginning of a career that leveraged his prior modeling visibility, including advertisements, to secure diverse on-screen opportunities. Perry's breakthrough in scripted television came with his lead role as Deputy Theodore Roosevelt "Trap" Applegate III in the ABC adventure series 240-Robert (1979–1981), where he starred alongside and in stories centered on deputies operating for rescue missions. The series ran for two seasons and established Perry as a in action-oriented dramas. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Perry built a steady presence in television through guest spots on prominent series, frequently embodying authority figures such as officers, military personnel, and officials. Notable appearances included roles on (1983) as rancher Russell Matthews, Magnum, P.I. (1985) as Stephen Parker, and (2001) as Representative Bill Wakefield, often portraying resolute leaders in procedural and dramatic contexts. This pattern of casting in authoritative positions extended to recurring work, such as Sheriff Floyd Gilmore on (1985–1986), underscoring his versatility in ensemble-driven narratives. In addition to acting, Perry ventured into television hosting as co-host of the syndicated daytime talk-variety series EveryDay from 1978 to 1979, alongside Stephanie Edwards, featuring segments with performers like Murray Langston and . For his work on the program, Perry received a Daytime Emmy nomination in 1979 for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service, or Variety Series, recognizing his engaging on-air presence. Perry's career included notable on-screen collaborations with his son, , blending family dynamics into professional projects. In the romantic comedy Fools Rush In (1997), he portrayed Richard, the strict father of Matthew's character Alex Whitman, adding authentic tension to the father-son interactions. They reunited for a on Scrubs (2004) in the "My ," playing father and son patients in a humorous scenario that highlighted their real-life rapport. Additionally, John Bennett Perry guest-starred on Friends (1998) as Mr. Burgin, the father of Rachel's boyfriend , in the "The One With New Dress," providing a brief but memorable crossover. Perry continued appearing in procedural dramas into the 2000s, including guest roles on shows like NCIS (2003–2004) as Roland Sims, , and , often in authoritative or investigative capacities. After more than 40 years in the industry, spanning from his 1972 debut to his final credits around 2011, Perry retired from acting, concluding a prolific tenure marked by over 100 television appearances and a shift from modeling to multifaceted screen work.

Personal life

Marriages

John Bennett Perry's first marriage was to Suzanne Langford on September 2, 1968, in , . The couple's union lasted less than two years, ending in in 1970. This short marriage occurred amid Perry's early professional pursuits in modeling and during the late 1960s. Perry remarried on July 16, 1981, to Debbie Boyle, a television writer. As of 2025, the couple remains married after more than four decades together. Boyle's background in has complemented Perry's acting career in Hollywood, providing mutual support in their shared industry. Perry has maintained a low public profile regarding his personal relationships, with few statements issued about his marriages beyond family acknowledgments following significant events.

Children and family

John Bennett Perry and his first wife, Suzanne (née Langford), had one son, , born on August 19, 1969. Matthew, an actor best known for his role on Friends, died on October 28, 2023, at age 54 from the acute effects of , with listed as a contributing factor in the . Perry and his son shared a close bond, collaborating on several on-screen projects, including the 1997 film Fools Rush In, where they portrayed father and son, as well as guest appearances together on episodes of Scrubs and Home Free. Perry maintained a private grieving process following Matthew's death, issuing no immediate public statement and largely staying out of the media spotlight, though he was later photographed appearing frail on what would have been his son's 55th birthday in August 2024. Perry's second marriage to Debbie Boyle produced a daughter, Maria "Mia" Perry, born in 1986. Details about Mia's and career remain limited in , with Perry emphasizing family privacy regarding her. In his , Matthew described Mia as a central figure in the Perry family dynamic, highlighting their sibling relationship despite the age gap. Through his ex-wife Suzanne's remarriage to journalist , Matthew gained four half-siblings: Caitlin Morrison (born 1981), Emily Morrison (born 1985), Will Morrison (born 1987), and Madeline Morrison (born 1989). Perry maintained connections with this , and following Matthew's death, the Morrisons issued a joint family statement expressing heartbreak over the "tragic loss" of their "beloved son and brother." In a marking the one-year anniversary of Matthew's passing, Suzanne, Keith, and the daughters—Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline—spoke publicly about family unity and Matthew's legacy, underscoring their ongoing support for one another without direct involvement from Perry himself.

Filmography

Film

Perry appeared in a variety of feature films throughout his career, often in supporting roles.
YearTitleRoleDirector
1976LipstickSteveLamont Johnson
1976MidwayOfficer (uncredited)Jack Smight
1981The Legend of the Lone RangerRanger Captain Dan ReidWilliam A. Fraker
1981Only When I LaughVincent Heller (Lou)George Schaefer
1989Farewell to the KingGeneral Douglas MacArthurJohn Milius
1996Independence DaySecret ServicemanRoland Emmerich
1996The Evening StarSitcom ParentRobert Harling
1997Fools Rush InRichard WhitmanAndy Tennant
1997George of the JungleArthur StanhopeSam Weisman
1998Ground ControlT. J. WaltersRick Selby
2002The Sweetest ThingJud's DadRoger Kumble
2007AgendaJohn LinneyRobert Nolan
2011Bob's New SuitBusterLance Kawas

Television

John Bennett Perry began his television career in the early with guest appearances and TV movies, progressing to recurring roles in soap operas and later guest spots on popular series, while also hosting a daytime show in the late . His television credits include the following, listed chronologically by initial air date:
YearTitleRoleNotes
1972Bobby Jo and the Good Time BandJeffTV movie
1973The ABC Comedy HourPerformerEpisode: "The Friars Roast of " (S1E5)
1973Police StorySgt. Chick TorpiEpisode: "The Execution" (S1E4)
1974NakiaUnknownEpisode: "The Kids" (S1E10)
1977Andrew Hobbs / Episode: "The Aftermath" (S3E22)
1978Miniseries (5 episodes)
1978–1979EverydayHostDaytime talk series (syndicated, 260 episodes)
1979Deputy Theodore "Trap" Applegate IIISeries regular (13 episodes)
1981–1987Sheriff Floyd GilmoreRecurring role (35 episodes)
1983John BehanTV movie
1983Russell MatthewsEpisode: "The Last Summer" (S9E19)
1984Brett HigginsEpisode: "Pilot" (S1E1); also appeared as Arnold in another episode
1984George WashburnEpisode: "Ace's Valet/Mother Comes First/Hit or Miss " (S7E25)
1984Paper DollsMichael CaswellSeries regular (13 episodes)
1985The Other LoverTedTV movie
1987IndependenceSheriffTV movie
1987The Last FlingJason ElliottTV movie
1988Magnum, P.I.Todd SterlingEpisode: "Innocent" (S8E22)
1991Wayne PlatteEpisode: "The Prodigal Father" (S7E20)
1993UnknownEpisode: "The Fire" (S1E11)
19967th HeavenTerry RichardsonEpisode: "See You in the Morning" (S1E4)
1998Air AmericaFrank ArnettSeries regular (unknown episodes)
1998FriendsMr. BurginEpisode: "The One with Rachel's New Dress" (S4E18)
2001Bill WakefieldEpisode: "" (S2E22)
2003Al "Baltimore Red" SoltisEpisode: "A Time to Hate" (S1E5)
2004ScrubsGregory MarksEpisode: "My Unicorn" (S4E11)
2007WalterEpisode: "Pilot" (S1E1)
2009UnknownEpisode: "Rewind" (S7E14)
2011StanRecurring role (multiple episodes)
Perry also received a Daytime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Host or Hostess in a Talk, Service, or Variety Series for his work on Everyday.

References

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