Let's talk about Matt LeBlanc, the guy who made us laugh as Joey Tribbiani on Friends for a decade. That role wasn’t just a career booster for him—it also coincided with one of the most meaningful chapters of his life: becoming a dad. In 2004, right as the final season of Friends aired, this Emmy-nominated actor welcomed his daughter, Marina Pearl LeBlanc. Keep reading to dive deeper into Matt’s family life and learn more about his kids with ex-wife Melissa McKnight.
Meet Marina Pearl LeBlanc: Matt LeBlanc’s Beloved Daughter
Matt and Melissa tied the knot in 2003, and their marriage lasted until 2006. Around the same time, Matt was stepping into the spotlight with his own spinoff, Joey, which premiered in 2004. This sitcom allowed him to reprise his iconic role as Joey Tribbiani and gave him a platform to showcase his comedic talents. But as much as he loved his career, there was one moment that truly changed his life—becoming a father.
In a heartfelt interview with The Mirror in February 2016, Matt opened up about the day his daughter was born. “I remember the exact moment Marina came into the world. The second I laid eyes on her, I fell head over heels in love. It was an entirely new feeling for me,” he said. “Nothing in this world could ever stop me from loving her—not even if she crashed my Ferrari!” That’s the kind of dad Matt is: fiercely protective and completely devoted.
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Even though Matt continued to land acting gigs over the years, he made a conscious decision to step back from the spotlight to focus on family life. In 2019, after three successful years hosting BBC’s Top Gear, he chose to step down. “I had some time off and realized I wasn’t sure about returning to Top Gear,” he explained to Daily Mail in February 2019. “I spent that time reflecting, spending quality moments with my daughter, reconnecting with my friends and family, and even sleeping in my own bed. I realized how important balance is between work and personal life, and mine was definitely off. Walking away was the right choice for me.”
Marina, like her dad, seems to have inherited a passion for performing. In a May 2016 interview with People, Matt shared that his daughter’s interests included “horses and Rihanna. She’s got quite the flair for showbiz.” Not only does Marina love music, but she’s also developed a knack for singing. “She has an incredible voice,” Matt gushed to People in January 2014. “She’s auditioning for her school’s talent show today. I helped her prepare a new pop song I’ve never heard before. She’s got real talent!”
Getting to Know Matt LeBlanc’s Stepchildren
During his marriage to Melissa, Matt also embraced the role of stepdad to her two kids from her previous marriage to Anthony Esposito. While he and Melissa only had one biological child together, Matt stayed close to his stepchildren, Tyler and Jacquelyn, even after their divorce. Tyler has grown up to become a sound engineer working at a recording studio, while Jacquelyn graduated from FIT and continues to thrive in the design world.
“Jacquelyn is in the design program,” Matt proudly shared in a previous interview with People. “She’s an incredibly hard worker, and I couldn’t be prouder of her. She’s doing amazing things.” Matt’s relationship with his stepchildren shows just how much he values family, whether by blood or by choice.
