Matthew Perry, the beloved actor who brought Chandler Bing to life on Friends, was a man whose charm and wit captured the hearts of millions. As we reflect on his life, it’s impossible not to explore the personal side of this iconic star. Before his untimely passing on October 28, 2023, Perry was linked to some of Hollywood's brightest stars, each relationship adding depth to his story.
A Glimpse into Matthew Perry's Romantic Life
Matthew Perry's journey of love began early in his career, where he found himself entangled in a whirlwind romance with Valerie Bertinelli. At the time, the two were co-stars on the TV series Sydney. It was a relationship that was both exhilarating and complicated, as Perry himself later revealed in his memoir published in 2022.
Perry fondly recalled, “I fell madly in love with Valerie Bertinelli. She was captivating, but she was also in a troubled marriage. My feelings were intense, but I knew I was chasing someone who was way out of my league. She was married to Eddie Van Halen, one of the most famous rock stars on the planet. It was a love that could never fully blossom.”
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As Perry's star rose, so did his romantic connections. In the bustling world of Hollywood, he dated renowned names like Gwyneth Paltrow and Tricia Fisher. During his tenure on Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004, Perry became one of the most sought-after actors in the industry. One of his most notable relationships during this period was with Julia Roberts. Their romance began in 1995 when Roberts guest-starred on an episode of Friends.
“Dating Julia Roberts was overwhelming for me,” Perry admitted. “I was always convinced that she would leave me. I felt inadequate, broken, and unworthy. It was a relationship that tested my self-esteem and pushed me to confront my insecurities.”
After their breakup in 1996, Perry continued to explore love with other remarkable women, including Neve Campbell, Yasmine Bleeth, Gabrielle Allan, Jamie Tarses, Rachel Dunn, Maeve Quinlan, and Lauren Graham. From 2006 to 2012, he shared a significant chapter of his life with Lizzy Caplan, marking a period of stability and mutual respect.
Was Marriage in the Cards for Matthew Perry?
While Matthew Perry never walked down the aisle, he did come close to making the commitment. In 2018, he began a relationship with literary manager Molly Hurwitz, a partnership that seemed promising. By November 2020, the couple had become engaged, sparking hope that Perry might finally find his happily-ever-after.
However, life had other plans. In June 2021, the couple announced the end of their engagement. Perry shared a heartfelt statement at the time: “Sometimes, no matter how much you want something to work, it just doesn’t. This was one of those times. I wish Molly nothing but the best as she moves forward in her life.”

After Perry's passing at the age of 54 in October 2023, Molly Hurwitz took to social media to honor her former fiancé. “Matthew was a complex man who touched my life in ways I could never fully express,” she wrote on Instagram. “He brought both joy and heartache into my life, but no one has had a more profound impact on me than Matthew Langford Perry. I am forever grateful for what I learned from our relationship.”
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At the time of his death, it seems Perry was single. However, just a year before, during an interview with People in October 2022, Perry had opened up about his aspirations for the future. “I truly believe I’d make a great father someday,” he said. “I grew up surrounded by little kids, and I think that’s why I have such a soft spot for them. I can’t wait to have a family of my own.”


