On October 28, 2023, the world was struck by the loss of beloved actor Matthew Perry. Known best for his role as Chandler Bing in popular 90s sitcom “Friends,” Perry has been loved by millions for nearly three decades. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler has stolen the hearts of many and it is devastating that he is no longer with us.Â
According to the LA Times, Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home on the Saturday afternoon. There were no drugs or foul play suspected in the untimely passing.
Matthew is popularly known as the author of the New York Times Bestseller book: “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” The memoir focuses on Perry’s struggle with addiction and how that impacted his life. While I haven’t read the memoir myself (yet) one line that stood out to me was “My mind is out to kill me, and I know it. I am constantly filled with a lurking loneliness, a yearning, clinging to the notion that something outside of me will fix me. But I had had all that the outside had to offer!” His book allowed Perry an outlet to be vulnerable and inspire many all over the world.
Perry is known for a lot more than his popular role in Friends, but that just happens to be the role I fell in love with. He is also widely known for his roles in Fools Rush In (starring Perry and Salma Hayek), 17 Again (Perry plays an older Zac Efron), and Three to Tango (where Perry stars alongside Neve Campbell and Dylan McDermott). These roles only highlight a few of Perry’s roles in a long discography of amazing credits.Â
Now, it’s time that I talk about my favorite Matthew Perry role: Chandler Bing. Chandler is the dorky, awkward and hilarious character that myself and the world have fallen in love with. In the friend group consisting of Chandler, Joey, Monica, Ross, Rachel, and Phoebe, I’ve been able to connect the most with Chandler. The character, for a lot of the series, does not know what he is doing. Whether that be in terms of his love life, his career, or his day to day tasks, I relate to that. I was first introduced to the sit-com by a friend back in 2021. I had obviously heard of the show prior, but I was encouraged to start the series myself. Within a few episodes, I was hooked. The 10-season show only took me about a month to binge watch; impressive, I know. I even visited the iconic apartment in June of that year. The apartment is located on 90 Bedford Street in New York, New York, for any other fans who would like to visit.Â
Chandler Bing quickly became a comfort character for me. He’s witty, loving and thoughtful, despite him being the typical “funny friend.” His love for Monica Geller taught me about what love should look like: unconditional. My favorite Chandler line has to be in his proposal to Monica: “You make me happier than I ever thought I could be and if you let me, I will spend the rest of my life trying to make you feel the same way.” It truly shows the kind of person he is and that he would do anything for the people he loves. However, though that romantic quote might be my favorite, I do think that Chandler has the best one-liners in sit-com history. My favorite Chandler one-liner would have to beÂ
Janice: “What a small world.”
Chandler: “And yet I never run into Beyonce.”
Matthew Perry was put to rest at a private funeral for friends and family on November 3rd. Close friend and fellow actor Hank Azaria stated “He was a hilarious man, so we would sort of [be] alternately laughing and crying remembering him. We’ve all had people we’ve lost. The world really lost him. In a way it’s nice to have the world sort of sharing with you.” Friends costars Courtney Cox, Jennifer Anniston, Lisa Kudrow, Matt Le Blanc and David Schwimmer have yet to make personal statements regarding the late-actor’s death. They did however make a joint statement exclusively to People Magazine saying: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.” I personally believe that there should be no rush to post for Perry’s death, despite what some internet trolls are saying. Grief is a long and difficult process, so those close to him might need some extra time.Â
Thank you Matthew Perry for bringing so much joy into my life and the lives of millions. You will be truly missed and will forever be one of the world’s greatest friends.Â