Matt LeBlanc almost had a “nervous breakdown” after ‘Friends‘
To millions upon millions of people, Matt LeBlanc will always be Joey Tribbiani, our favorite wannabe actor from Queens.
But, much like his fellow co-star Matthew Perry, things weren’t so great behind the scenes. After Friends ended and Joey flopped on NBC, the comedic actor nearly left Hollywood behind following a nervous breakdown.
The Episodes comedian admitted to The Mirror he hid away at his California ranch for five years, starting in 2006. At that time, his marriage to model Melissa McKnight fell apart and his daughter was diagnosed dysplasia, a “devastating” brain condition.
“For years and years, I barely left the house,” the 47-year-old confessed while promoting his new gig on the UK’s Top Gear. “I was burnt out. I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere … I almost had a nervous breakdown.”
While many would expect a guy who scored $1 million an episode – as he did on Friends’ final season, to keep going, the father of one wanted the opposite.
“My agent was bummed,” Matt admitted. “Most actors call their agents and say, ‘What’s going on?.’ I’d call mine and say, ‘Please lose my number for a few years.’”
But the need to care for his daughter helped Matt get out of the “dark times.”The young girl’s condition impaired her brain, bones and motor skills. She’s now outgrown the illness at 11 years old.
We are so glad Matt and his family have made it through their rough patches and are now stronger than ever.
