The Crucial Role of Chandler Bing: How Matthew Perry Shaped 'Friends'

The Big Picture

Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing was iconic and integral to Friends, making the news of his passing difficult.

Chandler played a vital role in uniting Joey and Ross, and his interactions with Joey were packed with unforgettable moments on Friends.

His sarcastic wit and natural charm captivated the audience, and his relationship with Monica delivered one of the most captivating character progressions in the whole series.

The passing of Matthew Perry is a devastating blow in more ways than one. It feels as though we have lost a close friend. And for all the generations that have faithfully followed the entire journey of the groundbreaking and immensely successful show Friends, it is an incredibly difficult pill to swallow. Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing is nothing short of iconic in the realm of modern television. His impact on Friends cannot be overstated. Chandler served as the glue that held the group together in countless ways, from introducing Joey (Matt LeBlanc) to Ross (David Schwimmer) and the rest of the gang, to his brilliantly sarcastic yet effortless chemistry with Monica (Courteney Cox), as well as his interactions with Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow). His combination of kindness and razor-sharp sarcasm was both endearing and disarming, making everything feel alright even in awkward situations. His genuine and heartwarming friendship, which eventually blossomed into romance, with Monica carried the last few seasons of this sitcom phenomenon.

Friends

Without Chandler, Joey and Ross Would Never Have Met on 'Friends'

- Release Date: September 22, 1994

- Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer

- Main Genre: Sitcom

- Genres: Romance, Sitcom

- Rating: TV-14

- Seasons: 10

- Studio: NBC

Warner Bros. Television presents an image.

Chandler and Ross, who have known each other since childhood, have some of the most memorable moments during their high school years on Friends. It's hard to choose just one, but perhaps the standout episode is when Chandler embraced the iconic '80s glam/synth rock star look of Flock of Seagulls, while Ross channeled his inner Don Johnson from Miami Vice. Their friendship has always been a core element of the show, so it was only natural for Chandler to introduce his old best friend to his new roommate Joey Tribbiani in the first season, establishing the bond that would become unbreakable throughout the series.

The three friends from Friends were brought together primarily because of Chandler. In other words, without him, they would have never been as close as they were. Chandler and Joey shared countless memorable moments throughout the show's 10-season run. However, their foosball games, cozy dual reclining chairs in front of the massive big-screen TV, and their ability to be both confidants and roommates stand out the most. Even their fights were comical, like the time Joey decided to wear multiple layers from Chandler's closet and awkwardly entered Monica and Rachel's apartment, exclaiming, "Could I be wearing any more clothes?!"

As Chandler, Matthew Perry's Effortless Charm Won Us All Over on 'Friends'

Chandler, played by Matthew Perry, had a disarming sarcasm that eventually won us over with his charm. While he didn't initially come across as boyfriend material, Monica, Rachel, and Phoebe were always at ease and relaxed when spending time with him. Unlike the complicated Ross and Rachel relationship ("We were on a break!"), or Joey's famous "How you doin'?" pick-up line, Chandler brought a different dynamic to the group.

Instead, Chandler possessed an excellent talent for observing the minutiae of his friends' lives, along with a side-splitting and distinct style of self-expression. He exemplified the sort of individual who effortlessly balanced being Ross's closest companion while also maintaining a chill rapport with Ross's younger sister. Well, that was until Chandler and Monica's unexpected tryst occurred, swiftly transforming them into one of the most iconic couples in the annals of television. It's impossible to overlook the memorable Friends episode when Monica found herself with an uncooked turkey adorning her head, just as Chandler unabashedly confessed his profound love for her.

Chandler and Monica Had the Best Character Arcs in 'Friends'

While the Ross and Rachel storyline undoubtedly captivated viewers and kept them engrossed in the early seasons of Friends, it was the authentic and mature relationship between Chandler and Monica that ultimately carried the show to its conclusion. With the tumultuous nature of Ross and Rachel's on-off dynamic becoming increasingly messy and uncomfortable, Chandler and Monica's innocence provided a rejuvenating breath of fresh air for the series. Moreover, their partnership truly evolved over the last few seasons as they navigated significant milestones together and underwent personal growth as both a couple and as distinct characters.

From discreetly maneuvering like adolescents to conceal their romance, to embarking on the journey of marriage, envisioning a future with a family, and eventually bidding farewell to the cherished apartment that held our hearts, Chandler and Monica exuded a masterful portrayal, their characters richly developed throughout the series. Witnessing Perry's persona evolve from a sharp-witted and sarcastic (albeit perceptive and uproarious) individual in his twenties, into a responsible individual, primed to embrace the forthcoming phase of his life as a devoted spouse and doting father, was truly remarkable.

We Will Miss Matthew Perry

Image via NBC

Matthew Perry, widely known as Chandler Bing, became an iconic figure to many through his portrayal on Friends. He not only achieved success on the small screen but also left a lasting impression with his noteworthy performances in films like The Whole Nine Yards alongside Bruce Willis and Fools Rush In opposite Salma Hayek. Despite facing personal challenges during the golden era of Friends and beyond, Perry effortlessly showcased his razor-sharp wit, which played a crucial role in the enduring popularity of the show. His impeccable comedic timing solidified his status as a comedic mastermind.

Chandler Bing would definitely win the popularity contest among the Friends stars and is considered irreplaceable in the show. It’s a heartbreaking loss for those of us who spent countless hours watching the group gather at Central Perk and traverse the hallways between apartments. With Perry's passing, a part of our youth has departed. However, we can still find solace in being able to switch on our TVs and reminisce on why he brought us so much joy for thirty minutes at a time. Matthew Perry acted as the glue that bound the lives of six young New Yorkers together, making Friends a timeless television masterpiece. With his sharp wit, he was the one who could effortlessly bring us to fits of laughter. Don't miss out, watch on Max.