Friends' Creator Wants Matthew Perry Remembered for Legacy Not Death

As a die-hard fan of “Friends,” I must say that Matthew Perry‘s portrayal of Chandler Bing has always been my favorite. The way he delivers his lines, the sarcasm, and the perfect timing – it’s just brilliant!

Matthew Perry’s friends want him to be remembered for his heart and humor.

Despite numerous reports and discussions about the unexpected demise of the “Friends” actor in October 2023, his TV and movie career was nothing short of laudable and respect-worthy. Recent developments and arrests related to Perry’s passing, which appears to have been due to the severe impact of ketamine, have prompted Marta Kauffman, one of the creators of “Friends”, to share a message with fans.

As an ardent admirer, two ideas pop into my mind on how to honor him: firstly, contributing to drug treatment facilities – let’s wage war against the illness he battled. Secondly, revisiting the magical comedy series, “Friends”, and reminiscing about him not as a man who met an unfortunate end, but as a man whose humor was infectiously hilarious and brought laughter and happiness to all.

David Crane, one of the creators of the popular sitcom, mentioned that the main cast members – Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, and Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani – were aware of Perry’s battles with substance abuse during the filming of the show that aired from 1994 to 2004.

In his conversation with The Times, Crane shared that we had already formed a family bond on multiple fronts before we realized it. At one point, we asked him if he wished to discontinue being part of the show, but he firmly declined, stating that it held great significance for him.

Officials have revealed that five individuals, among them two physicians and the aide who discovered him in the hot tub, now face charges in relation to the circumstances surrounding Perry’s passing.

At a press conference on August 15, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada declared that an extensive probe over several months uncovered a hidden criminal network that was distributing significant amounts of ketamine to Mr. Perry and others. This network encompassed a live-in assistant, multiple intermediaries, two medical professionals, and a primary drug supplier famously known as the ‘Ketamine Queen’.

Regarding his life’s work and enduring impact, Perry garnered five Emmy nominations across his career. Notably, he is renowned for his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler on Friends. Beyond this iconic role, he shone in significant parts in films like Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, The Good Wife, 17 Again, and many other memorable performances.

In November 2023, Perry was showered with accolades by numerous former co-stars, among them being Aniston. Notably, she highlighted Perry’s exceptional talent for eliciting laughter during an Instagram tribute.

Matty felt deeply passionate about making others laugh. As he put it, if laughter wasn’t present, he felt like he was close to dying. This need for laughter was so essential to him that he managed to make everyone around him laugh heartily.

Look back at Perry’s best episodes on Friends.

As a lifestyle expert, I must confess, it’s quite challenging to pick a favorite Chandler moment, given his abundance of hilarious scenes. However, one that truly stands out is the flashback where he discovers he lost a toe, all while sporting that iconic ’80s style reminiscent of Miami Vice and the Flock of Seagulls. To make matters more amusing, this misfortune was orchestrated by Monica. In response to her comical turkey-on-head antics, complete with a hat and sunglasses, followed by an unexpected dance and the utterance of “I love you”, Chandler’s heartfelt words slip out. Though he may attempt to retract them, we all understand the sincerity behind his declaration. And just like that, their bond deepens to another level in this unforgettable moment.—Natalie Finn

Jacqueline Uddo shares that it was Matthew Perry, whom she knew through her community in the ’90s due to his connection as a sibling, who led her to discover the hit TV show “Friends.” Since then, “Friends” has remained her all-time favorite show. Amongst the numerous memorable moments of Chandler Bing, one that stands out is the episode titled “The One Where Everybody Finds Out,” where Phoebe discovers Monica and Chandler’s relationship and tests him with flirtation. The writing and humor in this particular scene are exceptional.

Is there any way this could be more challenging? It seems there are numerous Chandler Bing one-liners that continue to make me laugh, and I still find myself quoting them frequently (“Is it too much to ask to wear a sweater vest?”, “IKEA, where you buy furniture and question your life choices.”, “I’m really good at advice. If what you want is sarcasm, am I in the right neighborhood?”).

When it comes to choosing my favorite episodes that focus on Chandler, I’d point to the one where he gets stuck in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre. As I write this, I can almost hear his voice in my mind. The episode where everyone is running late is a well-known Friends classic for numerous reasons (“I’m breezy!”), but it’s the argument between Chandler and Joey over the chair and its cushions that really sticks out. So, to quote A.A. Milne, “Get off my chair, you dillhole.”—Sarah Grossbart

Ever since the series finale, I can’t shake off the fact that it was Chandler who had the final word. You know, when Rachel, the one who didn’t board the plane, proposed they all grab a cup of coffee. In his trademark witty style, he quipped, “Where?” in a way only Chandler Bing could.

The impact of that poignant yet powerful moment was amplified by the knowledge that Perry, in his humility, asked to be the one to have the final say. (Could he ever be any more like Chandler Bing?)

Prior to the final episode, Perry had a private conversation with Marta Kauffman. He wrote in his 2022 memoir “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing” that he said, “Only I will be concerned about this, so can I please have the last line?” This is why, as all the characters leave the apartment with Rachel suggesting one more cup of coffee, it was up to Perry to write the final moments for Friends.

If that didn’t hit you right in the feels, Perry’s next observation is sure to do so.

Tierney Bricker remarked, “Schwimmer’s expression as I say that line is just right – a blend of love and amusement. That’s exactly what ‘Friends’ has consistently brought to us for years.”

Title Suggestion: “Mrs. Bing’s Daring Discussion with Jay Leno Leaves Chandler Embarrassed”

Funny events unfold as Chandler and Joey look after Ross’ baby boy, Ben, on the bus.

In this scenario, Janice and Chandler’s bond is flourishing, yet their friends are puzzled about how they can assist in nurturing their relationship. – Renee Lyons

One of my favorite episodes is season five’s “The One Where Everyone Finds Out.”

This is an obvious pick but for good reason: it’s outrageously funny trying to see the gang mess with one another over a secret almost all of them are privy to. But amid all the ploys to outwit one another, Chandler lays it all out there by professing his love for Monica, cementing their place as the show’s central couple. (Sorry not sorry Ross and Rachel!)—Meaghan Kirby

2024-08-19 21:48

Friends’ Creator Wants Matthew Perry Remembered for Legacy Not Death

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