John Bennett Perry Net Worth

What is John Bennett Perry's net worth?

John Bennett Perry is an American actor, singer, and model who has a net worth of $15 million. John Bennett Perry has built a long, steady career in Hollywood with memorable appearances across film, television, and commercials. Though he never reached the same level of fame as his son, Matthew Perry of "Friends," John carved out his own niche as a reliable character actor, known for his warm demeanor and versatility.

Over the years, he has appeared in dozens of popular shows, including "Falcon Crest," "Veronica Mars," and "George of the Jungle," and he became especially recognizable as the face of the Old Spice commercials throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Beyond his acting, John also enjoyed success as a singer and performer, appearing on stage before transitioning to screen roles. His career has spanned more than five decades, cementing him as a familiar face to generations of audiences.

Early Life

John Bennett Perry was born on January 4, 1941, in Williamstown, Massachusetts. He grew up in a creative household that valued the arts and pursued music early on, eventually transitioning to acting. Before making his mark in Hollywood, John performed with the Serendipity Singers, a folk group that gained attention during the 1960s. His early foundation in performance gave him the stage presence and confidence that later helped him succeed as a screen actor.

Acting Career

John began taking television and film roles in the 1970s, slowly establishing himself as a dependable supporting actor. He landed guest roles on many hit shows, including "Little House on the Prairie," "Falcon Crest," "Magnum, P.I.," and "Murder, She Wrote." He also appeared in made-for-TV movies, showcasing his ability to play everything from military officers to warm father figures.

He achieved a unique kind of celebrity as the Old Spice pitchman, starring in a long-running series of commercials that made his face instantly recognizable to millions of viewers. While many actors struggle with typecasting after commercial success, John managed to transition smoothly back into television and film.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, he maintained steady work, with roles in projects like "George of the Jungle," "Air America," "Independence Day," and "The West Wing." He also appeared alongside his son Matthew Perry on several occasions, most memorably playing Matthew's on-screen father in the TV series "Scrubs."

Other Work

Outside of acting, John continued to pursue music and performing, though his later years were largely devoted to television and film. His theater background remained evident in his acting style, which often carried a polished, stage-like quality.

Getty

Personal Life

John was married to Canadian journalist Suzanne Marie Langford, with whom he had his son, Matthew Perry, in 1969. The marriage ended in divorce when Matthew was still young. Suzanne later married NBC News correspondent Keith Morrison, who became Matthew's stepfather and remained a significant figure in his life. John eventually remarried and had additional children, including his daughter, Maria Perry.

Despite the distance created by divorce and separate households, John maintained a relationship with Matthew and was visibly proud of his son's accomplishments, often appearing at events with him. Today, John Bennett Perry is recognized as both an accomplished performer in his own right and the father of one of television's most iconic stars.

Matthew Perry Estate Inheritance

When Matthew Perry passed away in October 2023, his estate was estimated at around $120 million, largely derived from his "Friends" earnings, residuals, real estate holdings, and investments. Years before his death, Matthew established a living trust, which he named the "Alvy Singer Living Trust" (a nod to Woody Allen's character in "Annie Hall"). In 2009, he signed a will that directed all of his assets (including ongoing "Friends" royalties) to the trust.

John Bennett Perry was named as a direct beneficiary of the Alvy Singer Living Trust. Alongside him, the trust also named Matthew's mother, Suzanne Morrison, his half-sister Caitlin Morrison, and his former girlfriend Rachel Dunn as beneficiaries. While Perry had several other half-siblings, they were not included in the filing. Lisa Ferguson and Robin Ruzan were appointed as executors to oversee the transfer of assets into the trust.

Because of the estate's size, federal estate taxes alone would have consumed about 40% of the taxable portion—roughly $43 million. After subtracting those taxes and allowing for legal and administrative costs, the heirs may ultimately divide closer to $70–75 million in net assets, rather than the full headline figure. If the four primary beneficiaries were to split this evenly, each would receive approximately $17–18 million, along with their share of ongoing "Friends" royalties. Since Friends continues to generate over $1 billion annually in syndication and streaming deals, those royalties remain one of the most valuable components of Perry's legacy.

Who's Richer?

John
Bennett Perry

Compare!

Matthew
Perry