The Sad Truth About Matthew Perry's Childhood

Following Matthew Perry's tragic and untimely death, many of his devoted fans are taking the time to look back at the talented actor's life as a child — way before he became a household name. Perry's journey was far from easy, filled with challenges that shaped the person he became. His famous stepfather, Keith Morrison, once recalled, "He's one of those people who always is the center of the room for a reason, and it was so as a kid." This quote highlights the intense and focused character Perry exhibited from a young age.

Sadly, however, Perry's childhood wasn't exactly picture-perfect. In fact, at times, it was downright heartbreaking. Reflecting on his life, he humorously remarked to host Tom Power during press for his 2022 memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," that he realized he was describing his own tortured life. This article delves into the sad truths about Perry's childhood and the experiences that helped mold him into the beloved figure we know today.

Matthew Perry's Early Years

Matthew Perry was born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He is the son of actor John Bennett Perry and former press secretary for Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, Suzanne Perry. Matthew's parents divorced when he was just a child, which had a profound impact on his upbringing.

Matthew Perry Was a Child of Divorce

One of Matthew Perry's earliest memories is that of living life as a child of divorce. In his memoir, Perry opened up about his parents' split and its impact on him. While he noted that his father became a wonderful father later in life, he did not shy away from discussing the pain caused by his father's initial decision to abandon him and his mother.

The story goes that when Perry was only nine months old, his father left him and his young mother to pursue an acting career in California. "My father took me out of my car seat, handed me into my grandfather's arms, and, with that, he quietly abandoned me and my mother," Perry wrote in his candid memoir. This experience left a lasting mark on Perry, and he often felt the absence of his father throughout his childhood.

Life Split Between Two Parents

Matthew Perry learned how to travel on planes at a very young age as he split time between his two parents — one residing in Canada and the other in California. He recalled during an interview that he was put on a plane by himself at only five years old. "I was terrified," he confessed, sharing the emotional turmoil he felt during those early flights.

By the age of 15, Perry made the decision to move to California with his father, seeking to develop a relationship with him. "I felt like I hadn't spent any time with my father and wanted to," he explained. This decision not only helped him connect with his dad but also opened the door for Perry to pursue his own acting career.

Vying for His Mother's Attention

Following his father's abrupt move to California, Perry and his mother, Suzanne, were left to pick up the pieces. His mother was often distracted and stressed due to her high-profile job, leading Perry to resort to humor to gain her attention. "I learned to be funny because I had to be," he wrote in his memoir, emphasizing how he used laughter as a coping mechanism.

Despite the challenges, Perry's relationship with his mother was complex. Although he often felt abandoned and longed for her attention, he managed to maintain a close bond with her throughout his life.

Notable Childhood Incidents

One of the more infamous stories from Perry's childhood involves an altercation with Justin Trudeau, the son of Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. During a lighter moment on "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Perry recounted how he and a friend beat up Justin out of jealousy over his athletic success. "We both beat him up... I was a stupid kid," Perry admitted, reflecting on the childish nature of that confrontation.

This incident, while humorous in hindsight, sheds light on the competitive nature of Perry's childhood and the lengths he would go to stand out or gain attention.

Early Struggles with Alcohol

Matthew Perry's struggles with alcohol began at a young age. He revealed that he first got drunk at the age of 14 from a bottle of Baby Duck wine. "I lay in the grass and was in heaven," he recalled, noting that this experience made him realize that he had a different relationship with alcohol compared to others.

As his life progressed, Perry's battle with addiction became well-documented. He entered rehab multiple times and spent a significant amount of money trying to overcome his challenges. Despite these struggles, Perry's resilience shone through, and he used his experiences to inspire others facing similar battles.

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).