Beloved actor Matthew Perry grew up in Canada and is linked to big names in politics | CityNews Calgary

Matthew Perry’s iconic efficiency on “Friends” could endlessly hyperlink him with New York City, however the actor behind Chandler Bing described himself as half Canadian and had deep ties to a number of the greatest names in Canadian politics.

The 54-year-old actor was discovered lifeless in his Los Angeles dwelling on Saturday. An investigation into how Perry died is ongoing, and it could take weeks earlier than his reason behind demise is set.

The actor spent most of his grownup life {and professional} profession within the United States, however he by no means shied away from opening up about his Canadian roots or his childhood connections to luminaries of the nationwide political scene.

In his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing,” Perry detailed his childhood spent rising up in Canada together with his mom and described his teenage self as “the pale Canadian kid with a quick mouth” who might “name the entire roster of the Toronto Maple Leafs.”

Perry moved between Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto together with his Canadian mom, Suzanne Perry, who labored as press secretary for then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau and later as a nationwide anchor for Global News. He later moved to Los Angeles to stay together with his father, actor John Bennett Perry.

In a 2017 interview on “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” Perry recalled teaming up with some mates to “beat up” a younger Prime Minister Justin Trudeau within the schoolyard when he was in Grade 5.

“His dad was the prime minister, but I don’t think that’s the reason we beat him up. I think he was the only kid in school we could beat up,” Perry informed Kimmel.

Perry stated he wasn’t pleased with the schoolyard fights, however joked that he was “rather instrumental” in Trudeau’s success.

“I think he said: ‘I’m going to rise above this and I’m going to become prime minister.’” Perry informed Kimmel.

Trudeau responded on the time with a social media publish inviting Perry to a rematch, quipping, “who hasn’t wanted to punch Chandler?”

“I think I will pass at your request for a rematch kind sir (given that you currently have an army at your disposal,)” Perry shot again.

The Prime Minister issued a social media publish on Saturday evening commenting on his former schoolmate’s demise, calling it surprising and saddening.

“I’ll never forget the schoolyard games we used to play, and I know people around the world are never going to forget the joy he brought them,” Trudeau stated within the publish to X, the community previously generally known as Twitter. 

In his memoir, Perry recalled his mom being pulled away from spending time with him attributable to her work for the prime minister.

On one such event, Perry stated he and his mother have been watching the movie “Annie Hall” when the telephone rang with Pierre Trudeau on the road. 

“That is my absolute favorite childhood memory—sitting with my mom and watching that movie. But now the prime minister of Canada was calling, so I was about to lose my mom again,” Perry stated.

“As she took the call I heard her turn on her professional, spinmeister-y voice; the voice of a different person, of Suzanne Perry in fact, not my mom.”

Perry’s mom went on to marry Saskatchewan-born broadcast journalist Keith Morrison in 1981 in a ceremony the place a younger Perry gave the bride away.

Morrison labored as an anchor for CBC, CTV after which spent many years as a correspondent with NBC’s Dateline.

Perry described Morrison as a “lovely man” who’s his mom’s “protector.”

“My family was held together by one man, and that was Keith Morrison,” Perry stated in his memoir.

Tributes to Perry flooded in Sunday, together with from fellow Canadian-American comic Tom Green.

“Shocked and saddened to just hear about the passing of Matthew Perry in a tragic drowning. He is one of the many talented and incredible success stories from my hometown of Ottawa. Rest in peace Matthew,” Green stated in a social media publish. 

The NHL’s Ottawa Senators posted their very own social media tribute to Perry, calling him “one of Ottawa’s proudest sons and the biggest hockey fan” and sharing a video of the actor sporting a Senators jersey at a sport.

Perry was broadly mourned by mates, co-stars and a few very well-known followers.

This really is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken,''Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, together with govt producer Kevin Bright, stated in a joint assertion Sunday.

We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved buddy Matthew's passing,'' Kauffman, Crane and Bright wrote.We will at all times cherish the enjoyment, the sunshine, the blinding intelligence he introduced to each second – not simply to his work, however in life as nicely. He was at all times the funniest individual within the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless coronary heart.”

Perry’s household additionally gave an announcement to People Magazine, writing that they’re heartbroken by the loss.

Matthew introduced a lot pleasure to the world, each as an actor and a buddy,'' the household stated.You all meant a lot to him and we admire the super outpouring of affection.”

Others, some who knew him, some who didn’t, took to social media to precise their grief.

Adele took a second to speak about him throughout her present in Las Vegas on Saturday evening. She recalled how his work made her chuckle and stated that although she’d by no means met him, there’s a unusual factor that occurs generally when an entertainer dies that makes you’re feeling personally unhappy.

“I just want to say how much I love what he did for us,” she stated to the cheering crowd.

Saturday Night Live additionally confirmed a tribute card for Perry throughout the weekend’s episode. Perry as soon as hosted the present, in 1997, which featured one sketch the place he performed Matt LeBlanc’s character Joey and Colin Quinn performed Chandler.

Morgan Fairchild, who performed Chandler’s mom on Friends'' wrote on X, that she washeartbroken concerning the premature demise of my `son’.”

“The loss of such a brilliant young actor is a shock. I’m sending love & condolences to his friends & family, especially his dad,” Fairchild wrote.

She had additionally labored with Perry’s father, actor John Bennett Perry, on a number of tv collection.

Another frequent Friends'' co-star, Maggie Wheeler, who performed his girlfriend Janice, wrote,The pleasure you dropped at so many in your too brief lifetime will stay on. I really feel very blessed by each inventive second we shared.”

Selma Blair, who additionally appeared on an episode of Friends,'' posted on Instagram that she wasdamaged hearted.”

My oldest boy buddy,'' Blair wrote.All of us liked Matthew Perry, and I did particularly. Every day. I liked him unconditionally. And he me. And I’m damaged. Broken hearted. Sweet desires Matty. Sweet desires.”

Many Hollywood actors crossed paths with Perry, who had labored steadily on display screen since he was a toddler.

Wendell Pierce, who labored with Perry on The Odd Couple,'' wrote on X that for 2 years,Matthew Perry was my boss, my colleague, and a giving, form, humorous man. I pray and hope he’s at peace.”

Shannen Doherty shared a photograph on Instagram and mirrored on their friendship, which prolonged again to an look on “Beverly Hills 90210,” and included a Valentine’s Day date in Malibu as soon as.

We have been a gang method again. We all grew up collectively going to the Formosa ? We performed dare and Matt needed to say ridiculous issues to women on the bar. We simply at all times had enjoyable and supported one another. You would at all times discover us all collectively in a sales space talking in our personal made up language. And sure, Matt at all times had THAT humorousness,'' Doherty wrote.I could possibly be extra poetic or say issues higher however proper now, shock and unhappiness prevail.”

Gwyneth Paltrow, writing on Instagram, recalled assembly Perry on the Williamstown Theater Festival in the summertime of 1993, the place they have been each doing performs. The “Friends” pilot had been shot however not but aired. The actor and life-style guru recalled Perry as humorous, candy and enjoyable to be with.

We drove out to swim in creeks, had beers within the native school bar, kissed in a discipline of lengthy grass. It was a magical summer season,'' she wrote.I’m tremendous unhappy as we speak, as so many people are. I hope Matthew is at peace in the end. I actually do.”