As most of you have heard, Matthew Perry, best known from his 234 episodes as Chandler Bing on the sitcom Friends has passed away. It always saddens me when funny people pass away. It also reminds me that sometimes the funniest people are the ones most troubled when they’re not brightening our days.
In any movie or tv show I’m always rooting for the funny guy. Matthew started his TV/movie career in 1979 appearing in one episode of a show titled 240-Robert. He also made appearances in several other classic 80’s shows and movies including Charles in Charge, Silver Spoons, The Tracey Ullman Show, Highway to Heaven, Growing Pains, and She’s the Boss. Before Friends, he even appeared in an episode of 90210.
Matthew Perry truly broke out with his character Chandler Bing in Friends. After Friends concluded, he worked consistently in Hollywood and had two other series in which he was the main character.
Aren’t we all a little more sad when someone funny dies? Laughter lifts our mood and makes us forget our troubles if only for a few minutes. Chandler Bing brought us a decade of laughter for thirty minutes every Thursday
As everyone knows, Matthew Perry struggled with addiction issues throughout his adult life. At this time, although he was found dead in his hot tub, the exact reason for his passing is unknown.
I would like to sincerely thank Matthew Perry, Marta Kaufmann, David Crane, Kevin Bright, and all the others who contributed writing, directing and guidance to the Chandler Bing character.
In 2019 when I was downsized out of a job for five months, I spent every lunch hour at home watching Friends reruns. That’s what I’ll remember; Chandler Bing making me laugh when I was out of work.
And Matthew, if you are somewhere out there still observing us, thank you. The laughter you brought us will never be forgotten.
~Phil
A lovely tribute, Phil. Thanks.
Thanks John!