Matt LeBlanc made a significant choice to step back from his career to focus on his daughter, who battled a health condition when she was younger. She has since overcome her challenges and is now thriving as a young woman. Curious to see how she’s grown? Check out her recent photos!
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc pictured on their wedding day on May 3, 2003 in Kilauea, Hawaii. | Sources: Getty Images
Marina faced significant challenges in her early years when doctors diagnosed her with cortical dysplasia, a condition that affects the brain, bones, and motor skills. Those with this sickness often have difficulty walking and are prone to seizures.
Matt LeBlanc attends Children’s Hospital Los Angeles 2022 CHLA Gala on October 8, 2022, in Santa Monica, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc and Melissa McKnight attend the HBO Los Angeles premiere of “The Comeback,” 2005 | Sources: Getty Images
He once shared, “My daughter was diagnosed with a problem with her head. It was a very dark period. But I got through it. Don’t they say what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger?”
Matt LeBlanc during an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on January 24, 2019 | Sources: Getty Images
Adding to the stress of the diagnosis, a nanny leaked the story to the press. “We had a nanny who sold the story about my daughter to the papers. It was a very dark period,” the father of one revealed in a January 2011 interview.
Matt LeBlanc attends the 63rd Primetime Emmy Awards on September 18, 2011, in Los Angeles, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Joey,” 2004 | Sources: Getty Images
“I wanted to not have a schedule, not be somewhere. And I was in a position where I could do that. I wanted to spend time with my daughter. She is the most important thing in my life, and spending that time with her was the best thing I have ever done,” he continued.
Matt LeBlanc speaks at the “Episodes” panel during the Showtime portion of the Winter TCA press tour on January 14, 2011, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc at the 31st Annual People’s Choice Awards on January 9, 2005, in Pasadena, California. | Sources: Getty Images
The couple remained on good terms and shared joint custody of Marina, who split her time between her parents. Thankfully, the youngster eventually outgrew her medical condition.
Melissa McKnight and Matt LeBlanc attend Showtime’s “Episodes” Season 2 premiere on June 19, 2012, in West Hollywood, California. | Sources: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc visits “Extra” at Universal Studios Hollywood on November 7, 2016, in Universal City, California. | Sources: Getty Images
In fact, Marina was already riding at a young age and even participated in jumping competitions at that age. On a funny note, the actor once revealed that his daughter had requested to have Rihanna attend her birthday, and he assured her he would make it happen.
Rihanna attends The Fashion Awards on December 2, 2019, in London, England. | Sources: Getty Images
“I don’t think she thinks I’m too cool, no,” he answered. The Hollywood star shared that Marina’s friends at school were watching “Friends,” but she wasn’t interested and didn’t care much about it. However, he did mention that she has seen the show herself and is hard to impress.
(L-R) David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 2001 | Sources: Getty Images
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1994 | Sources: Getty Images
He said, “She loves to ask me questions about it. She’ll say: ‘Was that real? Did you really eat that? What did that taste like? Ooh, you ate that off the floor? That’s gross! You’re so funny, Dad.'” Matt also mentioned that for a while, Marina used to call his sitcom the “The Joey Tribbiani Show” before she learned its proper name.
Matt LeBlanc on the set of “Friends,” 1996 | Sources: Getty Images
They later went backstage to meet Bruce and discovered Prince Harry was also there. By the end of the evening, the British royal gave both girls goodnight kisses on their cheeks, leaving them in awe. Matt recalled that this gesture alone truly impressed Marina.
Prince Harry visits the Victoria Park Botanical Gardens on November 22, 2016, in Barbuda, Antigua and Barbuda. | Sources: Getty Images
Matt and Marina LeBlanc spotted at the airport on June 16, 2019 | Sources: YouTube.com/X17onlineVideo
Whether they were making breakfast together, going horseback riding, or hiking, the doting dad ensured they spent plenty of time outdoors.
When Marina was a baby, Matt’s busy work schedule often kept him away from home. However, whenever he returned, he made sure to spend quality time with her. One of his cherished routines was lying on the floor beside her until she drifted off to sleep, making the most of their moments together.
Meanwhile, Marina complemented her dad’s laid-back style. She rocked red hair, light blue cargo-pocket jeans, a short-sleeved gray T-shirt, and light-colored sneakers. The two were seen browsing the selection at RPM Motors, a luxury used car dealership.
After being spotted, a source claimed that the actor’s reclusiveness has concerned the rest of his former co-stars. “Jen and all the Central Perk crew are worried about him being so withdrawn,” the insider alleged and added that his “Friends” are eager to reconnect and help him regain his spark.
Despite maintaining a low profile, his commitment to family remains a constant in his life. In addition to being a devoted father to Marina, Matt has continued to be deeply involved in the lives of his ex-wife’s two other children, Jacquelyn and Tyler. He frequently expresses pride in their accomplishments, which is a reflection of the close bond they share.
Matt LeBlanc’s unwavering dedication to his daughter Marina and his involvement in the lives of Jacquelyn and Tyler shows his commitment to family. Through the ups and downs, his bond with them remains the most cherished part of his life.
