Scrubssnagged some thoroughly impressive guest stars, and while Matthew Perry’s role as Murray Marks was one of the most memorable, it’s even better when the other castings in his episode are considered. Although best known for appearing inall 10 seasons ofFriends,Perry also played other great characters who weren’t Chandler Bing. Even though none of his other personas were quite as iconic as his wise-cracking sitcom persona,Perry was always proving he was far more than a one-trick pony. His brilliantScrubsperformance would have stood out on its own, but the medical sitcom improved it further.
A legend of the sitcom genre,Matthew Perry was no stranger to the occasional guest spot on other comedy shows. For instance,Perry even reunited with fellowFriendsalum Courtney Cox inCougar Town, with the pair engaging in a pseudo-romance arc. The installment wouldn’t have been quite so good if Cox had acted opposite any other actor.Scrubskind of borrowed this casting trick but in a much more subtle way.
Matthew Perry’s Uncle Played Old Murrary In “My Unicorn”
Old Murray has an offscreen familial tie to Matthew Perry’s Scrubs character
One of the best gags inScrubsseason 4, episode 11, “My Unicorn,” is Perry’s character proving that his father gave him an old man’s name. When JD disagrees, Perry yells, “Murray!” in the halls of Sacred Heart Hospital, only for several old men to all emerge from their rooms in response. When JD accidentally triggers the horde of Murrays again a few moments later, he clarifies by explaining he was speaking to, “the youngest Murray.” While most retreat to their rooms,Perry’s character is left face-to-face with a Murray who believes himself to be the youngest, despite being 68.
Matthew Perry’sScrubscharacter confirms he is 34, making him exactly half the age of Old Murray.
This Murray, who is presumably the episode’s second-youngest Murray, is played by Tony Perry - theFriendsstar’s real-life uncle. Without this piece of trivia, the moment is still hilarious. However, knowing there is a familial tie between the two actors serves as a glimpse into the future of Perry’sScrubscharacter.Tony Perry hasn’t received many onscreen acting credits, and Old Murray is just the second of five roles he has brought to life in movies and TV shows. Most recently, he provided a voice performance in 2021 forPause with Sam Jayseason 1, episode 6, “N.A.H.S.O.N.”
Matthew Perry’s Father Also Featured In The Same Scrubs Episode
Murray’s adoptive father was played by the actor’s real dad
“My Unicorn” allowedScrubsto bring in two big guest stars at once. As well as Perry’s uncle, the sitcom cast Matthew Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, as Gregory Marks - Murray’s dad. The onscreen chemistry and comedic timing between both men are evident, and their father-son dynamic is understandably effortless. Unlike Tony Perry,John is an incredibly experienced actor/comedianwho has appeared in many projects before and afterScrubs.
Scrubs
Cast
Scrubs is a Sitcom and Medical Comedy/Drama created by Bill Lawrence that follows a group of medical students throughout their daily lives at the Sacred Heart Teaching Hospital. The series stars Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke, and Donald Faison, as they work their way up from Medical Interns while juggling all sorts of hospital shenanigans.
