Matt didn’t plan to be an actor. He ended up in movies by chance, and the early roles didn’t pay well. Then, “Friends” happened, and Matt Leblanc became a star.
The show ended on May 6, 2004. A year before that, Matt married Melissa McKnight, and they became parents to Marina Perl Leblanc. From the beginning, Marina stole her daddy’s heart.
“I remember the day she was born. When I saw her, I fell in love immediately. I felt something had changed within me. I couldn’t believe it. I realized I’d love her no matter what, even if she breaks my car,” said Leblanc.
But joy turned to sorrow when Marina got sick at 8 months old. She was diagnosed with focal cortical dysplasia, a brain condition affecting neurological function. Matt started acting less to be with his daughter.
In October 2006, Leblanc divorced his wife and left television completely. “I didn’t want to enjoy life. Many things happened in my life. I don’t know if my marriage failed because we had a great attitude. Maybe things got worse because of my daughter’s illness. Maybe I lost myself, too focused on my work,” he shared.
“For many years, I hardly left the house. I was so tired. I didn’t want to see anyone or have any responsibilities. Most actors call their agents for work. I called mine and told him to lose my number for a few years. It was tough. I almost lost my mind,” admitted Matt.
Fortunately, Marina overcame the illness and is now a healthy young girl.
