Matthew Perry earned fame and fortune for playing the role of Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends. The son of erotic novelist Nora Tyler Bing and cross-dressing Vegas burlesque star Charles Bing, he had an unpleasant childhood when his parents broke up. Referred to as “The Funny One,” he started using sardonic behavior and wisecracks as a defense mechanism, especially when he’s in an uncomfortable social situation. He was popularly noted for sharing an apartment with Joey, and for supporting him by paying for the rent, his headshots and food. The two got in many humorous adventures and formed a very likable friendship. Chandler dated a few women on the show but was most famous for his affairs with the recurring character Janice, and as well as Monica. Initially, he began dropping hints that he was interested in Monica but she perceived it as a joke. Eventually, Chandler and Monica slept together and began a secret affair. After their friends’ discovery of their relationship, they later moved in, finally got married, and even adopted twin babies towards the end of the series.

After 10 years of Friends, Perry made his directorial debut in an episode of the 4th season of Scrubs. He became visible in an ad campaign for the clothing company Hanes and starred in a number of movies. He acted in The Ron Clark Story as the titular character and earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance. His other projects included narrating the audiobook of Douglas Coupland's Microserfs and hosting the 2005 ESPY Awards.

Perry has several acting gigs lined up until next year. His comedy-drama film The Numb, in which he stars as the lead character Hudson, has already been completed and is just awaiting its release this year. He is also set to star in The Laws of Motion and The Beginning of Wisdom. Meanwhile, fans can catch Perry as Matt Albie on the hour-long drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

-Kris De Leon, BuddyTV Staff Columnist

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