Claims Surface of Matthew Perry Scrapping Controversial 'Friends' Plot Involving Chandler's Infidelity
Matthew Perry reportedly scrapped a potential plot twist in 'Friends' involving Chandler cheating on Monica This alleged decision by Perry altered the storyline, as fans never witnessed this betrayal in a season 5 episode of the beloved sitcom
Matthew Perry. Rob Kim/Getty Images
Matthew Perry supposedly decided to remove a significant plotline in Friends, in which his character, Chandler Bing, engages in infidelity with Monica Geller (Courteney Cox).
During the fifth season's episode titled "The One in Vegas: Part 1," a heated argument arises between Monica and Chandler concerning her lunch plans with her ex-boyfriend, Dr. Richard Burke (Tom Selleck). Originally, the script included a scenario where Chandler orders room service and engages in a conversation with a hotel employee, portrayed by Lisa Cash. Eventually, this interaction leads to Chandler betraying Monica by cheating on her.
Cash, 54, disclosed to TMZ on Monday, November 6 that despite the extensive rehearsals and preparations, she was informed just a day before shooting in front of a live audience that [Matthew] approached the writers with concerns about his character cheating on Monica, fearing that the audience would never forgive him. Reflecting on the situation, Cash admitted that Perry was likely correct in his assessment and that this development could have potentially altered the trajectory of the show. Although she initially believed that the role would have been a significant turning point, Cash acknowledged that Perry's decision to remove the plot point was a wise move.
"I believe it was a wise decision," Cash admitted, noting the distinction between Ross and Rachel's break and Chandler and Monica's situation. Chandler's choice to cheat was a deliberate action, unlike the miscommunication during the break.
By the end of the ten-season sitcom, Monica and Chandler were happily married, raising their adopted twins, and contemplating a move to the suburbs. When asked about their current state, Friends cocreator Marta Kauffman shared her exclusive thoughts with We magazine in 2019.
Matthew Perry, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer and Jennifer Aniston. Paul Drinkwater/NBC via Getty Images
Kauffman, aged 67, asserted that Monica and Chandler are in a relationship and have their twins, adding that they are doing well. Cash, on the other hand, did not play a controversial character in Monica and Chandler's relationship but did have a part as a flight attendant in a scene with Ross Geller (played by David Schwimmer) and Rachel Green (played by Jennifer Aniston). She shared her thoughts on being a guest star on the popular show and commended Perry for being inclusive and making her feel welcome.
"It was an incredible experience collaborating with him," she expressed. "Considering I was new to the industry, it had the potential to be quite overwhelming. To be involved in a scene with Matthew Perry during the fifth season of Friends could have easily intimidated me. However, I felt completely at ease with him. He was genuinely friendly, welcoming, and made me feel comfortable."
She went on to say, "Not only was it enjoyable, but it was also effortless to work alongside him. This truly speaks volumes about his ability to create a comfortable environment for me."
Perry's unexpected passing was reported on October 28 when authorities were summoned to his residence and discovered him unresponsive in a separate hot tub. A representative from the Los Angeles Fire Department later confirmed that Perry had passed away before the arrival of first responders. He was 54 years old.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner has chosen to withhold the determination of Perry's cause of death until further information is obtained from the initial autopsy. The preliminary findings were inconclusive, pending the results of a toxicology report.
