Perry Withdraws From Emmy Contest

Thursday, June 15th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

LOS ANGELES (AP) â€” Matthew Perry proved himself a real pal, asking that his name be withdrawn from Emmy consideration because he was entered in the best actor category by mistake.

Since the debut of ``Friends'' on NBC, the ensemble cast has presented a united front, each seeking only supporting actor nominations. Perry's publicist, Lisa Kasteler, said her office erred this year by touting him as a leading actor nominee.

Perry immediately asked that the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences withdraw his name. Emmy ballots went out June 5, so it's too late for him to be named in another category.

``There are things more important to Matthew than awards,'' Kasteler said. ``He didn't want to separate himself from his co-stars.''

Perry's withdrawal means only David Schwimmer and Lisa Kudrow have been nominated for Emmys from the ``Friends'' cast. Schwimmer was nominated during the show's first season, 1994-95. Kudrow, nominated twice, won best supporting actress in a sitcom in 1998.