Tahlia Scherer, Features Editor
“Hi I’m Chandler, I make jokes when I’m uncomfortable.”
What better way to remember Matthew Perry than by his most famous role, Chandler Bing.
Matthew Perry, who starred in productions such as Fools Rush In (1997), Almost Heroes (1998), Three to Tango (1999), the Whole Nine Yards (2000), 17 Again (2009), and most notably Friends, tragically passed away last Saturday, October 28th. The actor was only 54 years old when he was found dead in an apparent drowning in his hot tub at his California home.
Perry’s death shook the world, especially Friends fanatics, who found solace and laughter in Chandler’s sarcastic and awkward humor.
More than Friends and acting however, was Perry’s dedication to combating substance addiction. Being that Perry understood first-hand the disease of addiction, he was always incredibly outspoken on the issue, hoping to eventually establish an organization to help others in similar situations.
Just last year, Perry published his book, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir. The book, which was instantly popular, was a raw and honest account of Perry’s life behind the scenes of “Friends.” The book was written in an open and compassionate manner that chronicled the actor’s battle with alcohol and drugs. Perry wrote about his past, but also about his continued fight with drug addiction.
Following Perry’s death, a foundation to help others struggling with addiction has been created in honor of his legacy and his commitment to helping others.
Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down,”
Matthew Perry
The Matthew Perry Foundation is a donor-advised fund, sponsored and maintained by the National Philanthropic Trust.
Though the world is deeply saddened by the loss of such an influential and important personality, there is no better way to memorialize him than through his funniest moments.
Below are some iconic Chandler moments from Friends.
Matthew Perry’s death will leave an unconsolable void in every fan’s heart, but his legacy and memory will continue to live on.
