Friends co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, have collectively honoured the memory of Matthew Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing in the iconic show that captured the hearts of millions across its ten-year run.
In a joint statement following the heartbreaking news of Matthew’s passing at the age of 54, Marta, David, and Kevin expressed their deep sorrow, emphasising the remarkable qualities Matthew brought not only to his work but also to life itself. Describing him as a cherished friend with a heart full of selflessness, the trio cherished the joy, wit, and extraordinary intelligence he brought to every moment.
Reflecting on the casting process, the creators and producer admitted that once they heard Matthew embody the role of Chandler, they knew he was the perfect fit, mentioning that no one else could have portrayed the character as flawlessly as he did. They fondly highlighted his exceptional talent and the privilege they felt to have had the chance to work with such a brilliant individual.
Concluding their tribute with a touching reference to the show’s episode-naming tradition, where titles always began with “The One,” the team conveyed their love and condolences to Matthew’s family and friends. They encapsulated their deep sense of loss with the sentiment, “This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken.”
Matthew Perry’s role as Chandler Bing in Friends catapulted him into the spotlight, and beyond the sitcom, he shone in various projects, including notable film appearances and a well-received guest role on The West Wing.
His Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmer, shared in the global mourning. Their reunion in Friends: The Reunion in 2021 offered fans a heartwarming opportunity to reminisce and celebrate the timeless series.
Joining the wave of tributes, former co-star Maggie Wheeler, best known for portraying Janice Hosenstein, one of Chandler’s love interests, took to Instagram to express her profound loss. Alongside a photo of her and Matthew, Wheeler paid tribute to Perry’s impact, acknowledging the joy he brought to the world, and expressing her gratitude for the creative moments they shared.
The statement from the Friends creators and the heartfelt reflections from Matthew Perry’s colleagues and friends stand as a testament to his indelible mark on the show and the profound influence he left in the hearts of his co-stars and fans worldwide.
