The One Where We Say Goodbye to Chandler Bing.
Hollywood is reeling from the devastating news of the untimely passing of actor Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the hit sitcom “Friends.” Perry was discovered unresponsive in his Los Angeles home on Saturday, October 28, at the age of 54. Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances, and the cause of death remains unknown, with no suspicion of foul play.
Matthew Perry became a household name with his portrayal of the ever-sarcastic yet lovable Chandler Bing, a character that endeared him to fans around the world. He graced the “Friends” screens for ten memorable seasons, from 1994 to 2004. Perry’s charisma and comedic talent left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
In addition to his television success, Perry enjoyed a film career, starring in notable works like “The Whole Nine Yards” (2000) and “17 Again” (2009). In 2022, he released a highly-anticipated memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” in which he candidly shared his personal battle with addiction, recounting his challenging journey through rehab, interventions, and numerous surgeries due to the toll his lifestyle had taken on his health.
Despite facing personal struggles, Perry remained deeply connected to “Friends,” participating in the much-awaited reunion of the show’s core cast in 2021. During the reunion, he expressed his profound attachment to the series and his fellow cast members, emotionally revealing that even years after the show ended, he would spend the entire evening speaking solely with his co-stars. His words resonated with his friends and colleagues from the series.
🔴Respect | to the OG. Mathew Perry RIP.#MathewPerry #Friends #Chandler
— Truth Over Media (@TruthOverMedia) October 29, 2023
While some of Perry’s fellow “Friends” cast members have not yet publicly commented on his passing, other actors from the show have taken to social media to express their condolences. Actress Maggie Wheeler, renowned for her portrayal of Chandler’s on-off girlfriend Janice, shared her grief on Instagram and celebrated Perry’s contributions to the world of entertainment.
Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler’s mother on “Friends,” conveyed her heartbreak and paid tribute to the brilliant young actor, extending her condolences to his family, friends, and especially his father, John Bennett Perry.
Actress Paget Brewster, who played Chandler’s girlfriend Kathy during the show’s fourth season, remembered Perry’s kindness towards her and encouraged people to read his memoir as a testament to his legacy of helping others.
Warner Bros., the production company behind “Friends,” also joined in honoring Perry, describing him as a “true gift to us all” and extending their love to his family, loved ones, and fans.
The creators of “Friends,” Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with the show’s Executive Producer, Kevin Bright, released a heartfelt statement expressing their shock and deep sadness over Perry’s passing. They celebrated his remarkable talent and the unique bond he shared with the role of Chandler Bing.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose mother served as a press secretary for Perry’s father, Pierre Trudeau, a former Prime Minister of Canada, expressed his sorrow over the loss of the beloved actor, reminiscing about the schoolyard games they used to play and acknowledging the joy Perry brought to people around the world.
