The Untold Truth: Why Matthew Perry Never Married And His One Public Engagement

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As of today, December 19, 2025, the definitive and latest information regarding Matthew Perry's marital status remains clear: the beloved *Friends* actor was never married at the time of his tragic death in October 2023. This fact often surprises fans who followed his career as the iconic Chandler Bing, a character who eventually found his happy ending. While he never walked down the aisle, Matthew Perry did experience one significant public engagement, a relationship that offered a glimpse into his desire for a family life, a wish he reportedly held until his final days. The question of "Who was Matthew Perry's wife?" is a deeply searched query, reflecting the public's curiosity about the private life of a star who was famously open about his struggles but private about his deepest romantic connections. His life included a series of high-profile relationships, but only one woman, literary manager Molly Hurwitz, ever held the title of his fiancée. His memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, later shed light on the challenges and complexities that prevented him from achieving the marriage and family he often spoke about wanting.

Matthew Perry: A Biographical Profile and Relationship Summary

Matthew Langford Perry, born on August 19, 1969, in Williamstown, Massachusetts, was a Canadian-American actor who became a global icon for his role as Chandler Bing on the NBC sitcom *Friends*. His career spanned decades, including starring roles in films like *Fools Rush In* and *The Whole Nine Yards*, and the TV series *Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip* and *Go On*. * Full Name: Matthew Langford Perry * Born: August 19, 1969 * Died: October 28, 2023 (Age 54) * Place of Death: Los Angeles, California * Nationality: Canadian and American * Occupation: Actor, Producer, Writer * Most Famous Role: Chandler Bing on *Friends* * Marital Status at Death: Never Married * Public Engagements: One (to Molly Hurwitz) * Notable Relationships: Julia Roberts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Lizzy Caplan, Molly Hurwitz * Memoir: *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing* (2022) Despite his fame, Perry’s personal life was marked by a long, public battle with addiction, which he candidly detailed in his 2022 memoir. This struggle, he admitted, often complicated his romantic life and his ability to sustain long-term relationships.

The Only Woman Who Was Nearly Matthew Perry's Wife: Molly Hurwitz

The closest Matthew Perry ever came to marriage was his relationship with literary manager Molly Hurwitz. Their romance was his last publicly known long-term relationship before his passing, and she was the only woman he was ever publicly engaged to.

The Engagement and Split

Perry and Hurwitz began dating in 2018, having reportedly met through mutual friends. Their relationship was generally kept private, though they did share occasional glimpses of their life together on social media. The couple had a 22-year age gap, with Hurwitz being significantly younger than Perry. In November 2020, Perry announced his engagement to Hurwitz, telling *People* magazine, "I decided to get engaged. Luckily, I happened to be dating the greatest woman on the face of the planet at this time". The news was met with excitement from fans who hoped to see the actor finally settle down. However, the engagement was short-lived. In June 2021, after about seven months, Perry confirmed that he and Hurwitz had called off their engagement. In a statement to *People*, he simply said, "Sometimes things just don’t work out and this is one of them. I wish Molly the best".

Molly Hurwitz's Tribute After His Death

Following Matthew Perry's death in October 2023, Molly Hurwitz was one of the first ex-partners to publicly share a heartfelt tribute. She posted a touching message on Instagram, reflecting on their time together and acknowledging the complexities of their relationship, which she described as "complicated". She spoke of his talent and wit, but also of the pain and struggle he carried, offering a poignant perspective on the man behind the fame.

Matthew Perry's Notable Relationship History and Famous Ex-Girlfriends

While Molly Hurwitz was his only fiancée, Matthew Perry had a vibrant dating life that included several high-profile relationships with fellow celebrities. These connections further illustrate the actor's search for a lasting partner.

Lizzy Caplan (2006–2012)

One of Matthew Perry's longest and most private relationships was with actress Lizzy Caplan. The two began dating around 2006 and maintained a relationship for approximately six years before quietly splitting in 2012. Their six-year tenure made this his longest-known relationship. Caplan is known for her roles in *Mean Girls* and *Masters of Sex*.

Julia Roberts (1995–1996)

Perhaps his most famous, yet brief, romance was with Academy Award-winning actress Julia Roberts. They dated for a short period between 1995 and 1996. Their relationship famously began when Roberts agreed to guest star on a post-Super Bowl episode of *Friends*. Perry later revealed in his memoir that he was the one who ended the relationship, citing his own insecurities and fear of being abandoned.

Gwyneth Paltrow (1993)

Perry also had a brief romantic interlude with actress Gwyneth Paltrow in 1993, just before the premiere of *Friends*. Paltrow later recalled their "summer love affair" in an Instagram post following his death, describing it as a "magical summer".

Other Entities and Short-Term Romances

Over the years, Perry was also linked to several other notable figures, demonstrating his consistent desire for connection and partnership: * Valerie Bertinelli: He revealed a brief, early-career crush and kiss with the actress while they were filming *Sydney* in the late 1980s. * Piper Perabo: He was reportedly engaged to actress Piper Perabo between 2006 and 2007, though this relationship is less documented than his engagement to Hurwitz. * Lauren Graham: The *Gilmore Girls* star was also linked to Perry, and they remained close friends throughout his life.

The Unfulfilled Wish: A Wife and Family

The ultimate tragedy in Matthew Perry's love life is the fact that he never achieved the goal of marriage and a family, a desire he expressed repeatedly. His memoir is a testament to the internal struggles that prevented him from maintaining the stability needed for a lasting union. According to his close friends, including Brian Murray and Chris Murray, Perry wanted a wife and children before his death. This unfulfilled wish adds a poignant layer to his legacy, suggesting that despite his global fame and success, the simple human desire for a permanent, loving partnership remained just out of reach. His journey, marked by tremendous highs and devastating lows, serves as a powerful reminder that sometimes, even for a beloved star, the "happily ever after" remains an aspiration.
matthew perry wife
matthew perry wife

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