Insider Reveals Warner Bros Exec's Insight on Casting Matthew Perry as Chandler on 'Friends'
Former Warner Bros exec David Janollari reminisces the enchanting audition when Matthew Perry effortlessly captivated as Chandler on ‘Friends’, creating the magical moment that sealed his iconic role
Bruce Glikas/Bruce Glikas/FilmMagic
Matthew Perry’s former colleague reflected on a very special moment in the late actor’s career following his shocking death.
David Janollari, the former head of comedy at Warner Bros., penned an article for The Hollywood Reporter where he revealed the backstory of how Perry was cast as Chandler Bing on Friends, a role that would ultimately become his most memorable.
As per Janollari, for Friends to achieve success, he, along with creators Marta Kauffman, David Crane, and Kevin Bright, recognized the importance of having all six main cast members be "stars."
Janollari, in a heartfelt tribute published on Tuesday, October 31, emphasized the importance of believable chemistry among the cast. According to him, Chandler's character proved to be particularly elusive during the casting process. While the other roles had been filled, the studio was still searching for the perfect actor to portray Chandler alongside Rachel.
David Janollari and Matthew Perry at the 8th Annual Lili Claire Foundation Benefit E. Charbonneau/WireImage
During a run-through of a CBS pilot that was not performing well, Janollari, alongside casting head Barbara Miller, observed a standout performer in Matthew Perry. Impressed by his talent, Janollari made a pivotal suggestion that Perry should be a co-star in a different show they were working on. This idea sparked a significant turning point in television history.
"We were simultaneously in the process of casting another pilot for NBC, but were struggling to find the ideal actor for the role of the best friend. In that moment, I suggested Matthew for that pilot to Barbara, and then we shifted our focus back to the run-through. Suddenly, as if it were a surreal moment straight out of a film, we both turned towards each other, wide-eyed, and simultaneously exclaimed, 'Chandler!'"
"We wasted no time in calling him in for an audition for the character of Chandler, and the rest, as they say, is history," Janollari expressed. "It was truly magical." With Jennifer Aniston securing the role of Rachel, the Friends ensemble was officially complete.
Janollari also shared that over the years of working together, Perry became “a real friend.”
(L-R) Lisa Kudrow, Matthew Perry, Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Courteney Cox, and Matt LeBlanc from the Warner Brothers Television/Fotos International/Getty Images.
"I had the opportunity to get to know him on a personal level through mutual friends, game nights (keep an eye out for Matthew during running charades!), and wallyball (volleyball played inside a racquetball court)," he mentioned. "Just as expected, Matthew was incredibly competitive, staying true to his character!"
Janollari praised Perry for his commitment to his sober living house, his recently published autobiography, and his unwavering drive to assist those grappling with addiction. He described Perry as both incredibly funny and possessing a genuinely warm and compassionate nature. Janollari emphasized their deep friendship and the positive impact Perry had on numerous individuals' lives.
Tragically, Perry was discovered deceased at his residence in Los Angeles on Saturday, October 28, at 54 years old. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office subsequently disclosed that the exact cause of Perry's passing would be determined after receiving the results of a toxicology analysis.
