Matt LeBlanc Biography
Matt LeBlanc is an American actor who shot to fame playing Joey Tribbiani in the hit sitcom "Friends". He's been nominated for Golden Globe awards multiple times, but actually won for playing himself in the series "Episodes" by David Crane and Jeffrey Klarik. He later became a producer and starred as Adam Burns in the sitcom "Man with a Plan".
Childhood, Youth, Family
Matthew Steven LeBlanc was born in summer 1967 to Patricia Grossman and Paul LeBlanc in Newton, Massachusetts. His Italian-American mother worked in an office, while his father—of French, Irish, and English descent—was a car mechanic.
Matt credits his mother with passing down her great sense of humor:
But despite his humor, LeBlanc was serious about everything he did. He won motocross races and, after mastering woodworking, even won the "Golden Hammer" award for craftsmanship excellence.I love laughter. When things get awkward or tense—whether it's a business meeting, family conversation, or even a funeral—I'm always the first to crack a joke. I like to laugh - I think I got it from my mom. She has a great sense of humor. I think comedy—I don't know how else to put it—is like a first aid kit for humanity: it builds bridges, relieves tension, and fixes a lot of things.
I went to New York to visit a friend in Bronxville who was studying at Sarah Lawrence College. I decided to explore the city, and somehow ended up in a manager's office where they offered me a five-year contract for commercials. I said, 'Okay,' took it home, thought it over—and signed.
Acting Career
Matt scored his first roles in the early '90s, appearing in commercials for major brands like Coca-Cola and Levi's.
Recalling his auditions for the film, Matthew told the following:
Joining the charming Matt and the sparkling Courteney (perfectionist chef Monica Geller), the cast included Jennifer Aniston (spoiled socialite Rachel Green), Lisa Kudrow (quirky masseuse Phoebe Buffay), Matthew Perry (sarcastic office worker Chandler Bing), and David Schwimmer (nerdy paleontologist Ross Geller) in what would become television's most beloved ensemble. This iconic group debuted in 1994 and captivated audiences worldwide for over a decade.I went to the audition, got a callback, went again, and so it happened about five times. In the end, the last auditions were with Courteney Cox - for compatibility. I found it strange because there were no relationships between Monica and Joe in the script. But they needed to see how we would play together because at that time they only hired her. She was the first because she was already famous then. At the last audition, it was just me and another guy. In the role description, where the hero's age and everything else was, it said: an Italian-American, a budding actor in New York. And my competitor was dressed like a cowboy. And I thought, 'One of us was given the wrong directions.' Fortunately, everything worked out in my favor.
An interesting experience for LeBlanc was participating in the car show Top Gear, where he managed to outrun other race participants in his car. In 2016, he was invited to this project, which Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May had just left, as a co-host. For four seasons, Matt enthusiastically filmed the show with Chris Harris and Rory Reid. But in the summer of 2018, he announced that he had to leave the project because he could not devote enough time to his family due to constant travel.It was fun filming in 'Episodes.' It was a chance to make fun of myself and our business. It is interesting and funny. I am often told that it was so brave to play myself and show myself in such a light. I don't know about bravery - the script was amazing. I always say that I don't mind being the butt of the joke if it's funny.
In 2021, LeBlanc joined his fellow "Friends" co-stars for the highly anticipated "Friends: The Reunion" special.We were considering different options. The concept was: here's this guy with his own construction company, a wife, three kids. The youngest daughter was starting kindergarten, and his wife wanted to go back to work and build her career. So the husband, because he loves his wife and wants to keep the family harmony, says: 'Okay, let me take some of that load off you. I'll handle the house, get the kids to school and daycare.' He's trying to get his whole life organized. That's really what the title's about.
Matt LeBlanc's Personal Life
The popular actor's romantic history started early. He's openly admitted to being a ladies' man, though he keeps most of his conquests private.In the early '90s, he met model Tanya Poole in what became a roller-coaster relationship. For three years, they were on and off, and near the end, Matt was spotted at a café with a young Kate Hudson, who was 17 at the time.
His dating spree hit pause in the early 2000s when LeBlanc met model Melissa McKnight. After dating for several years, they tied the knot in Hawaii. In 2004, their daughter Marina Pearl was born.
Two years into marriage, LeBlanc slipped back into old patterns. When his affair with stripper Stephanie Stevens went public, he openly apologized for cheating. Melissa wouldn't forgive him and filed for divorce in 2006, though the actor still regularly sees his daughter.
Matt LeBlanc Now
These days, Matt LeBlanc barely films and rarely shows up on TV.
It is with a heavy heart I say goodbye. The times we had together are honestly among the favorite times of my life. It was an honor to share the stage with you and to call you my friend. I will always smile when I think of you and I'll never forget you. Never. Spread your wings and fly brother you're finally free. Much love. And I guess you're keeping the 20 bucks you owe me.
Interesting Facts
- LeBlanc recalled that before landing his "Friends" role, he was so broke that when he got the life-changing news, he had just 11 dollars to his name – literally all the money he had.
- During those lean years, he was hitting auditions while pinching pennies on absolutely everything – even dental care. Before shooting photos for his first professional portfolio, the photographer told Matt that one of his front teeth was longer than the others – something that could kill his chances. Matt found a dentist he knew, who quoted him 80 bucks for the fix. The struggling actor couldn't afford it, so he bought three packs of sandpaper and filed the tooth down himself.
- The "Friends" set was full of memorable moments. After wrapping the pilot, director James Burrows took all six actors to Caesars Palace, sat them at a round table in the middle of the restaurant, and made a bold prediction: this would be the last time any of them could eat out without getting stared at. Matt thought he was being dramatic – until "Friends" became a massive hit and he realized Burrows was absolutely right.
- Matt LeBlanc has been obsessed with cars and motorcycles since he was a kid. Today, his collection boasts around twenty vehicles – everything from sports cars to pickups, SUVs, and vintage rides. But here's the kicker – he actually owns more motorcycles than cars.
