Matthew Perry's Unforgettable TV Role Outside of 'Friends'

Article Summary

Matthew Perry's best work was in the short-lived series Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.

Perry displayed an exceptional chemistry with the cast, which included Bradley Whitford and Sarah Paulson. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip provided Perry with the opportunity to address his personal struggles with addiction in a compelling and emotionally charged manner.

As we grieve and recover from the devastating loss of Matthew Perry, reflecting on his roles is a meaningful way to honor his immense talent as an actor. While he will always be remembered primarily for portraying Chandler Bing in Friends, his best work goes beyond that. Please allow us to clarify, Chandler was undeniably the cornerstone of the series and a true superstar. However, it was in the brief yet remarkable period of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip where Perry truly showcased his acting prowess and demonstrated his full potential. This Aaron Sorkin series delves into the behind-the-scenes of a live comedy sketch show, reminiscent of Saturday Night Live, with Perry embodying the character of Matt Albie, one of the executive producers and the main writer. Alongside his producing partner Danny Tripp (Bradley Whitford), Albie strives to prevent the entire series from crumbling.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Explore the inner workings of a fictitious sketch-comedy TV series.

Scheduled for release on September 18, 2006, the cast includes Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford, Steven Weber, D.L. Hughley, Sarah Paulson, Nathan Corddry, and Timothy Busfield. This drama falls under the main genre category.

‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip’ Allowed Matthew Perry to Utilize All of His Talents

The Aaron Sorkin formula is now well-established, with its long hallway conversations filled with witty remarks, passionate speeches on the importance of what they're doing, heated arguments masking hidden feelings, and quick-cut dialogues between characters. Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip embodies all of this and more. What truly sets Sorkin's writing apart is how it translates to the screen, and Matthew Perry truly shines in his portrayal of Matt Albie, a troubled but talented individual who excels at his job.

In this story, Matt Albie and Danny Tripp have been friends and partners for a long time. They previously worked on Studio 60 but were fired due to creative differences with some of the show's big stars. Four years later, Jordan McDeere, the newly-hired President of Entertainment Programming, brings Albie and Tripp back on board, granting them complete creative control to revamp the show. The big stars who caused their dismissal are still there, including Harriet Hayes, Albie's ex-girlfriend and the main star. The atmosphere on set is tumultuous, as is typical in a Sorkin series. This is where the actors truly get to shine.

Matthew Perry Brings the Perfect Energy to His Character's Relationships in 'Studio 60'

Image via Warner Bros.

Matthew Perry's incredible chemistry with the entire cast, including Whitford and Paulson, is evident on the show. He effortlessly brings back the familiar sarcastic remarks and emotional warmth that we loved from his time as Chandler Bing in Friends. Perry's primary relationship is with Danny Tripp, his best friend and partner, as they navigate the challenges of keeping the show on air and preserving their careers. Their dynamic feels like a seamless jam session, with their conversations flowing effortlessly and their support complementing each other's responsibilities. Matt handles the cast directly as the head writer, while Danny acts as a buffer with the network executives. Danny's struggles with addiction are portrayed with sensitivity and warmth, reflecting Matt's understanding and support.

However, when it comes to Sarah Paulson's character, Harriet, the warmth and wholesomeness between them becomes obscured. As recent exes and now co-workers, it becomes increasingly clear that they may never truly get over each other. This frustration leads to tender private moments and explosive arguments on set. Despite their best efforts to hide it, their strong feelings for each other are apparent to everyone else. The emotional tension builds, particularly when Harriet unintentionally triggers an emotional reaction by gifting Matt a baseball bat with an inadvertent romantic gesture attached. This unresolved will-they-won't-they dynamic is one of the most compelling relationships on television in recent years, making it a shame that it only lasted for one season.

'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' Allows Matthew Perry to Address His Real Issues in a Strong and Emotional Way

Image via Warner Bros.

Matthew Perry's struggle with substance abuse is well-known. He openly discussed his challenges and even transformed his Malibu home into a men's sober living facility. Unfortunately, his character in Friends never had the opportunity to address these issues artistically. However, in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, Aaron Sorkin provided Perry with the platform to explore these personal struggles, as he himself had battled addiction. Perry's character, Matt Albie, brings perspective to the challenges faced by Bradley Whitford's character, Danny. Matt, who is both Danny's best friend and coworker, also serves as an executive producer on a show they need to succeed. The pressures of their professional lives often lead to impulses and relapses, which is a natural occurrence for individuals who have struggled with addiction. The empathy Matt demonstrates towards Danny is a direct result of Perry and Sorkin's understanding of both how society deals with addiction and how it should be dealt with.

One particularly impactful moment occurs when Matt is confronted by his assistant, Suzanne, regarding his own drug use. Matt claims that he only uses drugs to cope with work pressure and his jealousy over Harriet's romantic involvement with someone else. Suzanne, sharing her own history of addiction and her mother's battle with it, catches Matt off guard. Although he reassures her in a poised manner, it is impossible not to worry about his well-being and empathize with Suzanne's perspective.

'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' Is Matthew Perry's Best TV Role for One Major Reason

Image via Warner Bros.

Aaron Sorkin's writing is defined by its extensive use of dialogue, often requiring viewers to pause and review to fully capture its content. Actors must navigate lengthy takes with a substantial amount of lines, under the strict direction of Sorkin on delivery. Matthew Perry, renowned for his comedic timing, demonstrated his mastery of Sorkin's dialogue in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. Perry's understanding that humor lies not only in the joke itself, but also in its delivery and timing, aligns perfectly with Sorkin's style. Sorkin's dialogue, known for its witty and sarcastic nature, generates viral social media posts due to its cutting edge appearance and captivating sound. Perry's ability to execute Sorkin's writing flawlessly was evident in his previous work on The West Wing, showcasing his versatility in handling both comedic and serious roles.

Regrettably, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip only lasted for one season. Various factors contributed to its cancellation, including its resemblance to 30 Rock and the high production costs. However, despite these challenges, the series managed to conclude on a positive note. Perry's final scene as Matt Albie is incredibly emotional, as he looks at the clock counting down until the next show, pledging to make a friend out of it. Although Danny always dismissed it as a mere clock, we understand the significance of time in this context. Witnessing it reach zero is both relieving and nerve-wracking. Considering the recurring chaos in the studio and our knowledge of Perry's life and work, it serves as a perfect tribute to someone who may have had their troubles, yet was undeniably a talented artist and a supportive individual.

You can stream Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip exclusively on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Editor's P/S

Matthew Perry's performance in Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip stands as a testament to his exceptional talent and range as an actor. While his portrayal of Chandler Bing in Friends solidified his place in the hearts of audiences worldwide, it was in Studio 60 that Perry truly shone, showcasing his ability to tackle complex and emotionally charged roles.

The chemistry between Perry and his co-stars, particularly Bradley Whitford and Sarah Paulson, was electric, bringing depth and authenticity to the characters' relationships. Perry's portrayal of Matt Albie, a troubled but gifted executive producer and writer, allowed him to address his personal struggles with addiction in a compelling and poignant manner. Through this role, Perry demonstrated his ability to navigate the emotional complexities of a character with honesty and vulnerability, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.