John Bennett Perry is a singer-actor and former-model from the United States, with estemated net worth of 15 million dollars. Sure, he is probably best classically recognized as Friends star Matthew Perry’s father, he has set a legacy for himself in the music industry , whether Old Spice commercials, to guest appearances on world famous television programs, He has done it all.
Biographical Background & Musical Discovery
John Bennett Perry was born on the 4th of January 1941 in Williamstown, Massachusetts. John grew up in an extremely creative family, which lead him to the arts at a young age. Perry’s first break was not acting, he found music in the form of something good or valuable and he spent the 1960s performing on stage. John’s earliest time on stage have gave him the confidence and ability, he discover as an actor.
Film Career
In 1970’s Perry’s jump into television and film came in the 70s, and he began his career with notable roles through guest spots on the widely popular TV series Little House on the Prairie, Magnum, P.I., Falcon Crest, and Murder, She Wrote.
John will forever be a memorable name from the 1970s and 1980s. The popular Old Spice spokesman. His likable and friendly on-screen persona in his longstanding series sent him into the spotlight with millions. Unlike other performers, who became labeled simply as actors after repeated commercial success, Perry effortlessly made the transition back to film and TV. Perry effortlessly made the transition back to film & TV.
Hollywood Employment
Some of his notable movies and series included:
George of the Jungle
Independence Day
Air America
The West Wing
He even appeared alongside his son Matthew Perry in a few projects which included the role of Matthew’s father on-screen (Mr. Bell) in the series Scrubs.
Other Endeavors
Within the film/tv industry, Perry never completely escaped his roots in music. Theater and music always seemed to move into screen projects, and therefore he always brought that experience to any screen project, giving it deep polish like a theater production.
Personal Life
John Bennett Perry married someone named Suzanne Marie Langford, who worked as a Canadian journalist in the late 1960s. They had a son (Matthew Perry) in 1969. John and Suzanne divorced and both got remarried. Suzanne married Dateline NBC journalist Keith Morrison and became Matthew Perry’s step-father.
Perry re-married and had two more children including Maria Perry. After the family’s divorce, Perry remained very proud of Matthew and even traveled to several public appearances along with Matthew.
Matthew Perry’s Assest
At the time of his death in October 2023, Matthew Perry’s net worth was approximately $120 million and was largely accounted for money from Friends royalties and real estate and investments. Years ago, Matthew set up the Alvy Singer Living Trust to make sure his wealth would go to his immediate family and loved ones. John Bennett Perry was one of the direct beneficiaries along with Suzanne Morrison (Matthew’s mother), Caitlin Morrison (half-sister), and Rachel Dunn (Matthew’s ex-girlfriend).
After federal estate taxes and all legal fees, the inheritance value was around $70-75 million in net assets. If this was divided evenly, John’s portion will be worth around $17-18 million. This does not include his share of the ongoing Friends royalties. Friends has generated over one billion dollars in syndication and streaming revenue since it aired. Those royalties should last a lifetime.
John Bennett Perry Net Worth
John Bennett Perry has a net worth of $15 million in 2025 due to a career spanning over ten years with acting, commercials and music. His net worth has since increased with his share of his late son’s estate, making him not only one of Hollywood’s most respected actors but also an heir to one of the most profitable fortunes in television history.
FAQs About John Bennett Perry
What is John Bennett Perry’s net worth?
John Bennett Perry has a net worth estimated at $15 million.
How did John Bennett Perry make his money?
He generated his wealth through film and television, Old Spice commercial acting, stage work, and subsequent to Matthew Perry’s estate as a beneficiary.
Is John Bennett Perry family or relative of Matthew Perry?
Yes. John Bennett Perry is Matthew Perry’s father. The two even had projects together, like Scrubs.
What TV shows or movies has John Bennett Perry appeared in?
Independence Day, George of the Jungle, Air America, The West Wing, and many memorable television shows from the 1970s through 2000s.
Did John Bennett Perry benefit from Matthew Perry’s estate?
Yes. John was a direct beneficiary to Matthew Perry’s $120 million estate and received a share of his inheritance, along with a share of the Friends royalties to follow.
What was John Bennett Perry’s job before acting? Didn’t he have a career in music?
Yes. He was originally a singer in The Serendipity Singers, a folk group.
