Remembering Matthew Perry
The actor’s quick wit and satirical work set him apart
Actor Matthew Perry passed away at his home at the age of 54 in Los Angeles and will be remembered for his career, but also outside from it. (Abby Luciano)
It’s now impossible to watch the iconic 1990s sitcom, Friends, the same way. The emphasis on comedy is crucial, and Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, excelled in this aspect. His unique approach to delivering lines with sarcasm set him apart during auditions for the show, ultimately making him Chandler.
In wake of the tragic news about Matthew Perry’s passing at the age of 54 at his home in Los Angeles, tributes have been pouring in from various corners. At recent concerts, artists like Adele and Charlie Puth paid their respects by performing the beloved Friends theme song and recounting their favourite Chandler moments.
On the Max streaming platform, formerly known as HBO Max, tribute cards were thoughtfully placed before the first episode of each season of the show. In a touching display of affection, mourners gathered outside the West Village apartment building in New York, which served as the exterior for the apartment building the show’s main characters lived in, leaving behind flowers and heartfelt cards.
While Matthew Perry had a range of memorable roles throughout his career, he was particularly cherished for his portrayal of the sardonic and quick-witted Chandler Bing on Friends. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, the late actor fondly recounted the instant connection he felt to the character when he first read the script.
“It was as if someone had followed me around for a year, stealing my jokes, copying my mannerisms, photocopying my world-weary yet witty view of life,” Perry wrote.
He went on to say that it wasn’t just a matter of thinking he could play Chandler, he truly felt like he was Chandler.
While I may not be a dedicated follower of the series, it’s undeniably surreal to exist in a world where Perry is no longer with us.
There area a number of Chandler moments I hold especially close to my heart. In Season 4, episode 12, titled “The One With the Embryos,” Monica and Rachel engage in a high-stakes trivia contest against Chandler and Joey, testing who knows the other pair better. Ross acts as the judge and quiz master. The competition intensifies when the girls propose that if they win, the guys must part with their pet duck and rooster. In return, the guys agree to trade apartments if they emerge victorious.
The episode is filled with standout moments, such as the girls being clueless about Chandler’s job, a recurring comedic theme in the series. One particularly memorable moment occurs when Rachel incorrectly answers that the TV Guide arrives at the guys’ apartment under Chandler’s name. The correct response, hilariously, was “Miss Chanandler Bong.”
In “The One Where Everybody Finds Out,” Season 5, episode 14, Phoebe and Rachel discover Chandler and Monica’s secret relationship and concoct a scheme to reveal it. Instead of directly confronting the couple, they initiate a game where Phoebe flirts with Chandler. The plan quickly escalates as Chandler and Monica realize their friends are onto them, sparking a playful, high-stakes game of seduction to see who will break first. The episode is a humorous exploration of secrets and the dynamics between the friends as they navigate the truth about Chandler and Monica’s relationship.
Honorable mentions include Season 7, episode 11, “The One With All the Cheesecakes” and “The One With All the Thanksgivings,” Season 5, episode 8.
Perry’s life was marked by shocks and surprises. In his memoir, he emphasized life over death, celebrating the miracle of being alive. Despite his tumultuous journey, he cherished the fact that he was still here.
The laughter and joy he shared with us will be remembered forever.
