The Woman Who Was Nearly Matthew Perry’s Wife: Meet Molly Hurwitz

Fans worldwide were shocked on October 28, 2023, when devastating news was received that globally renowned actor Matthew Perry had been found unresponsive in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles home. Pronounced dead at 54 by the Los Angeles Police Department, the cause of death is currently classified as “deferred” by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office, pending further investigation.
Matthew Perry was best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit series “Friends,” has seen his fair share of romance both on and off the screen, with many fans wondering whether or not the star was ever married. However, while his character on the show tied the knot, Perry himself only got engaged. Hence, Matthew Perry never had a wife.
However, the personal life of the “Friends” star continues to attract the attention of fans worldwide, so let’s take a look at his past relationships and his former fiance.
The Almost Marriage to Molly Hurwitz
The love chapter between Matthew Perry and Molly Hurwitz is a pivotal tale in his holistic narrative. Initiated in 2018, their romantic saga culminated in a momentous engagement in November 2020.
Perry frequently expressed heartfelt admiration for Molly, proclaiming her as the “most extraordinary woman in the world.” Despite the limelight constantly hovering over Perry, the couple preferred keeping their relationship essentially under the radar.
Yet, their commitment to each other was globally announced through their engagement.
Regrettably, the couple separate merely six months into their engagement. Perry underscored that it’s a universal truth that not all relationships materialize into happily-ever-after, and he extended his best wishes to Molly.
This roller-coaster of a relationship engraved blissful and challenging imprints on Perry’s life, remaining a significant chapter in his personal narrative that his fans cherish.
Timeline of Matthew Perry’s Romantic Relationships
Matthew Perry has a history of romantic relationships with different high-profile women. Among them is Valerie Bertinelli, whom he had a short-lived romantic connection with, although it was never officially termed as dating.
Next in line was Tricia Fisher, Carrie Fisher’s half-sister, with whom he quickly became physically intimate. He also had a relationship with Julia Roberts which began during an episode shoot for “Friends,” but it ended after a few months. Gabrielle Allan, a producer for Veep, was also involved with Perry during his struggle with alcohol. He affectionately called her Gaby.
Jamie Tarses was another significant girlfriend, who stood by Perry during his battle with substance abuse, although their relationship eventually ended. Perry was also in a relationship with Rachel Dunn for two years. Their breakup was friendly without any significant fallout, mainly due to Perry’s commitment to stay sober.
Natasha Wagner, daughter of Natalie Wood and Richard Gregson, also dated Perry. However, this relationship also reached its conclusion because Perry needed more than what he had with Wagner.
An interesting event occurred when Perry was “set up” with Cameron Diaz during a group dinner and she accidentally hit his face. Lastly, Perry’s longest relationship was with Lizzy Caplan, spanning six years. The couple separated and Perry has expressed regret for not marrying her.
Matthew Perry: A Life without Kids
Though he depicted a charming father figure as Chandler Bing on ‘Friends,’ Matthew Perry did not have children in his real life. Perry had openly narrated his struggles with substance abuse, which might possibly have influenced his decision around starting a family.
A Snapshot of Perry’s Family
Perry was born to actor John Bennett Perry and journalist Suzanne Perry. Despite his parents’ divorce, his family circle widened when his mother married broadcast journalist Keith Morrison, bringing several half-siblings into Perry’s life. His rich family background formed a significant part of his off-screen reality.
Matthew Perry’s sudden demise has been a source of profound grief worldwide. His rich, albeit private, personal life marked by emotional depth and enduring relationships mirrors his iconic portrayal as Chandler Bing. In remembrance of his poignant journey, fans could delve into Perry’s story through his book, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
As we remember Perry’s life and legacy, this book offers a glimpse into his experiences and struggles. Don’t miss out – claim your free trial today and start uncovering the layers of Matthew Perry’s riveting life journey.
The esteemed actor’s life story is available on Blinkist with a free 7-day trial.