10 Memorable Performances by Matthew Perry Beyond Chandler Bing

Article Overview

Matthew Perry's breakout role as Chandler Bing on Friends is part of the reason why the show was so successful.

Perry displayed his acting versatility beyond Friends, taking on roles in various comedies like Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, as well as delivering compelling performances in The Ron Clark Story and The West Wing. He showcased his talent by portraying intricate characters like Mike Kresteva on The Good Wife and Joe Quincy on The West Wing, proving his ability to tackle challenging roles.

Matthew Perry, best known for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing on the hit TV show Friends, captured the hearts of audiences for a decade. However, his talents extended far beyond this beloved character. Perry's talents shone in various roles in both film and television. Despite starting his acting journey at a young age, it was his breakout performance in Friends that propelled him to global stardom. Additionally, Perry's bravery in publicly battling addiction further endeared him to fans, as he shared his struggles in the hope of helping others.

While Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing remains one of the greatest TV characters ever created, he also left a lasting impression through his exceptional performances in other projects. His ability to infuse dry wit and vulnerability into his roles earned him multiple award nominations, including an Emmy nod in 2002. Whether it was his Emmy-nominated guest appearances or his leading roles in outstanding sitcoms, Perry's career after Friends showcased his versatility and undeniable talent across different genres.

10. Growing Pains

Sandy

Growing Pains, a popular 1980s sitcom, centers around the Seaver family and their children's journey of growth and maturation. Before his Friends fame, Perry made a memorable appearance in three episodes of Season 4 as Sandy, a high-achieving college student. Sandy's romantic involvement with Carol, the eldest Seaver daughter, showcased Perry's comedic timing and early charm. However, viewers of the show will undoubtedly recall one particular after-school special episode, where Sandy tragically loses his life after colliding with a tree while driving under the influence. This emotionally powerful episode not only touched the hearts of the audience but also marked one of Perry's notable early performances.

9. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Matt Albie

Created by Aaron Sorkin, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip delves into the behind-the-scenes workings of a live sketch comedy show. Starring Matthew Perry alongside Bradley Whitford, the series follows Perry's character as the head writer and one of the executive producers. With his impeccable delivery of Sorkin's rapid-fire dialogue, Perry masterfully blends the comedic and dramatic elements of the show, bringing remarkable depth to the character of a highly stressed yet exceptionally talented over-achiever.

8. The Good Wife

Mike Kresteva

The Good Wife is a drama television series that was released on September 22, 2009. The cast includes Julianna Margulies, Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Graham Phillips, Makenzie Vega, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Alan Cumming, Zach Grenier, Matthew Goode, Cush Jumbo, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Chris Noth. The show has a total of 7 seasons.

Perry's portrayal of Mike Kresteva in The Good Wife's third and fourth seasons, as well as in the spinoff series The Good Fight, left a lasting impression. As a lawyer, Perry's character was known for his underhanded tactics and antagonistic behavior, including blackmailing the main character Alicia. This resulted in a riveting rivalry with Peter as they both vied for the position of Illinois governor, with Perry's morally ambiguous attorney role showcasing his versatility and ability to convincingly portray complex and unlikeable characters.

7. The West Wing

Joe Quincy

The West Wing

Release Date: September 22, 1999

Cast: Martin Sheen, Bradley Whitford, Allison Janney

Genres: Drama

Seasons: 7

Matthew Perry, known for his role in Aaron Sorkin's Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, also made an appearance on Sorkin's successful political drama series The West Wing. In this show, Perry showcased his exceptional acting abilities as the character Joe Quincy, an Associate White House Counsel recognized for his quiet and dedicated work ethic. Quincy's diligent efforts ultimately unveiled a scandal, leading to the Vice President's resignation. Perry's portrayal in the series earned him two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series and is considered one of his finest performances to date.

6. Mr. Sunshine

Ben Donovan

Another short-lived sitcom starring the actor, Mr. Sunshine showcased Perry as Ben Donovan, the manager of a struggling sports arena in San Diego. The series humorously delved into the dynamics of the colorful personalities he worked with, as well as Ben's own existential crisis upon reaching 40. The show presented amusingly frustrating circumstances that led to the staff's uproarious and unconventional measures to resolve them. Perry, who also co-created the show, skillfully revealed his vulnerable side as an actor while cleverly leveraging his trademark sardonic sense of humor to elicit hearty laughs.

5. Numb

Hudson Milbank

4. The Whole Nine Yards

Perry, in Numb, portrays a prosperous Hollywood screenwriter who turns to multiple doctors for assistance when confronted with depression and depersonalization. Although the movie incorporates a romantic storyline, it also presents an incredibly accurate portrayal of the challenges faced in mental health, resulting in numerous poignant scenes. Perry's performance in the film is nothing short of extraordinary, as he fearlessly and convincingly brings the struggling screenwriter to life in a remarkably authentic manner.

Nick "Oz" Oseransk

In the crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards, Perry delivers a standout performance alongside Bruce Willis, playing the role of Nick "Oz" Oseransk, a mild-mannered and unhappily married dentist. When Oz discovers that his new neighbor used to be a hitman for the mob, he embarks on a trip to Chicago to inform a mob boss and potentially receive a much-needed reward. Perry brilliantly showcases his talent for physical comedy, while effectively portraying the character's constant anxiety. Combining dark humor with light-hearted fun, The Whole Nine Yards features entertaining banter, vibrant characters, and comical misunderstandings.

3. The Ron Clark Story

Ron Clark

Perry's portrayal of an idealistic teacher in this television movie earned him his 4th Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Inspired by a true story, the film chronicles Perry's journey as he moves from North Carolina to New York, hoping to make a difference in the lives of inner-city school students. However, he soon realizes that his task won't be an easy one. The Ron Clark Story, led by Perry's exceptional performance, showcases the profound and inspirational impact a remarkable teacher can have. His passionate and emotionally nuanced portrayal of the character makes this film a poignant and uplifting experience.

2. Go On

Ryan King

Perry helmed the NBC sitcom Go On, which received positive feedback but unfortunately got canceled after just one season. In the show, Perry played the role of Ryan King, a radio host specializing in sports talk who is trying to cope with the recent loss of his wife. In an effort to confront his own grief, he decides to join a support group, only to find that its members are all quirky individuals dealing with their own personal struggles. The series skillfully blended comedy with the themes of grief, allowing Perry to demonstrate his strong dramatic acting abilities while still incorporating his unique sense of comedic timing.

1. The Odd Couple

Oscar

Perry and comedian Thomas Lennon starred as roommates for three seasons in the seventh adaptation of Neil Simon's play. They portrayed old friends who decided to live together following their divorces. Lennon played Felix, a cleanliness-obsessed individual, while Perry took on the role of the messy Oscar. The show consistently delivered laughter throughout its three-season run, allowing Perry to highlight his comedic abilities beyond his iconic role in Friends.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have grown up watching reruns of Friends and have always admired Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing. His sarcastic humor and witty one-liners made him one of my favorite characters on the show. However, I was unaware of the extent of his acting range and versatility until I recently watched some of his other work.

I was particularly impressed by his performances in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip and The Good Wife. In Studio 60, he played a stressed-out head writer who was trying to keep his show afloat. He brought a lot of energy and charisma to the role, and I could really feel the pressure that he was under. In The Good Wife, he played a morally ambiguous lawyer who was willing to do whatever it took to win. He was able to make me hate his character, but at the same time, I couldn't help but admire his intelligence and determination.

Overall, I think that Matthew Perry is a very talented actor who has proven that he can play a wide range of roles. I am excited to see what he does next.