Kenneth Iwamasa

Kenneth Iwamasa Biography

Kenneth Iwamasa is widely recognized as a talent manager and executive assistant with over three decades of experience working in Hollywood. He gained notable public attention as the longtime personal assistant of the late actor Matthew Perry. Kenneth’s career has been marked by his dedication to managing and supporting major actors and producers, making him a well-known figure behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Despite his professional successes, he has recently come into the spotlight due to legal issues connected to Perry's tragic death in 2023.

Childhood

Kenneth Iwamasa was born and raised in Toluca Lake, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Earlier in his life, he likely grew up in Midland, Michigan, which is evidenced by his education history. His family background encouraged perseverance and a strong work ethic, which helped shape his future career path. Not much specific information is publicly available about his parents or siblings.

Education

Kenneth graduated from Herbert Henry Dow High School in 1982. He pursued higher education at Lansing Community College where he studied photography. Later, he relocated to Los Angeles to advance his ambitions in the entertainment industry. There he attended Columbia College Hollywood, completing a one-year course in cinematography and film production. Kenneth also holds a university degree in photography and environmental design, combining a creative and technical foundation that supported his varied career in film and talent management.

Career

Kenneth Iwamasa started his career owning and operating a mentoring brand before moving into executive assistant roles in entertainment production. He worked briefly as Executive Assistant for a CEO at Danmark Ltd, and later held assistant positions with producers and management companies including Doug Chapin Management. Kenneth’s most prominent role began when he became the personal assistant and talent manager for actor Matthew Perry in 1994, a position he held for over 25 years. He also worked as an assistant to actress-producer Angela Bassett for nearly a decade and managed numerous other Hollywood talents. Throughout his career, Kenneth was known for thriving in high-pressure environments, focusing on confidentiality, loyalty, and order.

Family Life

Kenneth Iwamasa has kept much of his personal life private, with limited public information available. He lived with Matthew Perry for several months before Perry’s death in 2023, highlighting a close professional and personal relationship. Details about Kenneth’s romantic relationships or children have not been publicly disclosed.

Achievements

Kenneth’s achievements lie primarily in his enduring and trusted roles as a talent manager and personal assistant to several well-known Hollywood figures. His ability to manage complex schedules and chaotic environments with discretion earned him long-term working relationships with clients like Matthew Perry and Angela Bassett. He has contributed to major film productions such as "What’s Love Got To Do With It" (1993) and "Love! Valour! Compassion!" (1997), showing his versatility in both production and management sectors.

Controversies

Kenneth Iwamasa’s career faced a significant controversy after he pleaded guilty in August 2024 to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, a factor implicated in the death of Matthew Perry from an overdose in October 2023. Prosecutors revealed that Kenneth administered several ketamine injections to Perry despite having no medical training. This legal case has affected his reputation and brought him under intense public scrutiny, marking a pivotal and challenging moment in his life and career.

Kenneth Iwamasa Summary

Kenneth Iwamasa has been a key figure behind the curtain of Hollywood's entertainment world, working for decades as a personal assistant and talent manager. His background in photography and film production helped him build a distinctive career supporting major actors and productions. Although his career was marked by loyalty and professionalism, recent legal issues surrounding the death of Matthew Perry have overshadowed his achievements. Kenneth’s story is a complex blend of dedication to his profession and personal controversy, illustrating the challenging realities behind fame and management in the entertainment industry.