“The Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry: A Tribute to the Man Behind Chandler Bing”
Several days have passed, but the pain of Matthew Perry’s, or Chandler Bing’s, loss is still intense. It reminds me of the year when Kobe Bryant passed away; it feels like that, only more painful, especially if “Friends” has been a regular part of your life. Watching “Friends” will never be the same again. Chandler Bing, his character, was truly the glue that held the show together. I loved the fact that Matthew Perry insisted that Chandler Bing not cheat on Monica. He asked the writers to change the script because he believed fans would hate it. In real life, they had a mutual understanding and dated, holding each other’s hands, but chose to remain friends for the sake of work. At least in the show, they had a happy ending, and that was a very good thing.
I researched Matthew Perry’s life and learned that he came from a prominent family. His mother was a Canadian journalist who worked for the Canadian Prime Minister, and his father was also an actor. Fun fact, he was classmates with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and once beat up the future President of Canada. Super cool fact.
Matthew Perry became an alcoholic at an early age due to his parents’ separation, but he continued to excel in tennis. If he hadn’t become an actor, he might have pursued a tennis career seriously because he was very good at it. Before Chandler Bing, he appeared as a guest on “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Ally McBeal.”
After becoming famous as Chandler Bing, he earned $1 million per episode on “Friends,” and his net worth reached $120 million during his lifetime. He never got married, only engaged. Besides being Chandler Bing, he co-wrote many scripts for “Friends” because he was naturally witty. After “Friends,” he produced different shows and had successful films, including “17 Again” with Zac Efron.
Throughout his life, Matthew Perry suffered from alcohol addiction and took opioids, nearly going into a coma. He managed to get back on track by turning to God, but his body had been severely affected. He struggled with major depression and addiction issues but dedicated himself to helping others dealing with substance abuse. He established the Matthew Perry Foundation after his death to assist those affected by addiction. He would have loved to be remembered as Chandler Bing, but more than that, he would want fans to remember and support the foundation set up in his name. May he rest in peace.
Jennifer Aniston is said to be having a tough time with this loss, and the entire cast of “Friends” is devastated. They all attended his funeral for the last time. The Matthew Perry Foundation was established to help others deal with the disease of addiction, a commitment in the spirit of Matthew Perry’s legacy. May he rest in peace.