Throughout my life, “Friends” has been more than just a TV show; it’s been a good companion. I vividly recall being a 10-year-old, sitting in the living room with my mother and older siblings, watching it for the first time. Back then, I didn’t fully grasp the humor and intricacies of the sitcom, but what I did understand was the joy of spending those precious 20 to 25 minutes with my family, sharing laughter, and creating lasting memories.
My mother, who is 28 years my senior, would laugh so hard that tears welled up in her eyes. My older brother seemed to have a deep connection with Chandler Bing’s humor, often interpreting it for the rest of us. And there I sat, trying to decipher the essence of true friendship that “Friends” portrayed. The beauty of the show is that it touches on relatable aspects of life, and anyone can see a part of themselves in its characters.
However, it wasn’t until the challenging times of the COVID pandemic that I truly got to know the show. Watching “Friends” became a daily ritual, a comforting escape from the uncertainty outside. I embraced the opportunity to watch episode after episode, season after season, and it was an enchanting experience.
Choosing a favorite actor from the show has never been easy for me, and even now, I find it impossible. After all, what would Chandler be without Joey, or Chandler without Monica? They are inseparable, and their dynamic forms a heartwarming whole that I cherish deeply.
I’ve always refrained from delving into the personal lives of the actors I admire. There’s a fear of uncovering a side of them that might not align with the beloved characters they portray. For me, Chandler will forever be Joey’s best friend, Monica’s loving husband, Ross’ unforgettable college roommate, and Rachel’s closest friend, despite them never getting intimate with each other.
However, yesterday, upon hearing the news of his passing, I felt compelled to learn more about Matthew Perry, the actor who brought Chandler Bing to life.
Matthew Langford Perry (August 19, 1969 – October 28, 2023) was a renowned American-Canadian actor, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the beloved NBC sitcom “Friends” from 1994 to 2004.
Perry’s creative talents extended to writing and producing, and he co-created the ABC sitcom “Mr. Sunshine.
Perry’s personal struggles with addiction led him to become a strong advocate for rehabilitation and recovery, earning him the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2013.
In 2022, he shared his experiences in a memoir titled “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.”
We could expect that Matthew Perry’s Memoir could be about the sitcom Friends or to be the most interesting part of the book. But the part that could cancel your plans when begin reading it is the part about how he struggled with addiction. Elisabeth Egan, a writer at the New York Times qualifies it as incredibly honest, incredibly courageous, and really gives you the sense of someone who has gone to hell and back.
I am thankful for your unforgettable role as Chandler Bing and your testament of honesty and courage, demonstrating that even those who bring laughter to our lives may grapple with their own demons.
