Matthew Langford Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, to Suzanne Marie Morrison, a Canadian journalist, and John Bennett Perry, an American actor and former model. His mother later married Canadian broadcast journalist Keith Morrison, and Perry was mostly raised by her in Ottawa, Ontario.

Perry began his acting career at a young age, with his first credited role in the TV series '240-Robert' in 1979. He continued to take on small roles in various TV shows such as 'Not Necessarily the News,' 'Charles in Charge,' and 'Silver Spoons.' He attended the Buckley School in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, where he started studying acting and improvisational comedy.

Perry's career skyrocketed with his role as Chandler Bing in the NBC sitcom 'Friends.' The show became a global phenomenon, making Perry an international celebrity. During this period, he also appeared in films like 'Fools Rush In,' 'Almost Heroes,' 'The Whole Nine Yards,' and 'Serving Sara.' His performance in 'Friends' earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002.

Perry expanded his acting range with dramatic roles, notably as Joe Quincy in 'The West Wing,' for which he received two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He also appeared in 'Ally McBeal' and directed an episode of 'Scrubs' in 2004.

Perry starred in the TNT movie 'The Ron Clark Story,' earning a Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for his performance. He also appeared in Aaron Sorkin's drama 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' from 2006 to 2007, playing Matt Albie alongside Bradley Whitford.

Perry starred in the film '17 Again,' playing a 37-year-old man who transforms into his 17-year-old self. Despite mixed reviews, the film was a box-office success. This role showcased his versatility as an actor in both comedic and dramatic genres.

Perry wrote and starred in the play 'The End of Longing,' which premiered at the Playhouse Theatre in London and later had an off-Broadway run. This play was a personal reflection of his struggles with addiction and middle age, highlighting his raw and honest portrayals of characters.

Perry participated in the special episode 'Friends: The Reunion,' a nostalgic return to the show that made him a household name. This reunion was a celebration of the enduring legacy of 'Friends' and its impact on popular culture.

Perry published his memoir, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,' which became a bestseller on both Amazon and 'The New York Times' charts. The memoir provided a candid look into his life, struggles with addiction, and his experiences in the entertainment industry.

Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 due to the acute effects of ketamine use. His death was a shock to fans and the entertainment industry, marking the end of a life that was both tumultuous and profoundly successful.