Matthew Perry, who died at the age of 54, will always be remembered as Chandler Bing from the hit TV show “Friends.” However, Perry’s career was not limited to this iconic role. He had a long and varied career that included films, many other series, and even theater. In this article, we will explore some of Matthew Perry’s best performances and provide information on how to watch them. From his razor-sharp wit as Chandler to his nebbishy dentist in “The Whole Nine Yards,” Perry’s talent and versatility shine through in each role. Whether you want to revisit your favorite moments from “Friends” or discover his work beyond the sitcom, this article has you covered.
Friends (1994-2004)
Overview
Matthew Perry’s most iconic role is undoubtedly Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom “Friends.” The show, which aired from 1994 to 2004, follows a group of six friends living in New York City as they navigate their careers, relationships, and friendships. Perry’s portrayal of Chandler, the sarcastic and quick-witted member of the group, has cemented his place in television history.
Perry’s role as Chandler
As Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry brought his signature comedic timing and delivery to the character. Chandler’s dry sense of humor and sarcastic remarks provided countless laughs throughout the ten-season run of “Friends.” Perry’s performance as Chandler earned him critical praise and made him a fan favorite.
His iconic one-liners
One of the highlights of Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing was his ability to deliver memorable one-liners. From his trademark catchphrase “Could I be any more…” to his sarcastic quips and witty comebacks, Chandler’s lines became iconic and are still quoted today. Perry’s impeccable comedic timing brought these lines to life and made them some of the most memorable moments of the show.
Link to his struggles with addiction
During his time on “Friends,” Matthew Perry faced personal challenges with addiction. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and entered rehab multiple times throughout the show’s run. While his portrayal of Chandler remained funny and charming, Perry’s battles with addiction added depth to his performance and brought a sense of vulnerability to the character.
Where to stream it
Fans of “Friends” can stream the entire series on HBO Max. The show remains hugely popular, and Perry’s performance as Chandler Bing continues to entertain audiences worldwide.
Fools Rush In (1997)
Plot summary
In the romantic comedy “Fools Rush In,” Matthew Perry portrays Alex Whitman, a New York developer who has a chance encounter with Isabel Fuentes (played by Salma Hayek) in Las Vegas. After a night of passion, Isabel becomes pregnant, and the two decide to get married, despite their differences. The film explores their struggles to balance their cultural and personal differences as they navigate their marriage and impending parenthood.
Perry’s role as the lead
“Fools Rush In” marked Matthew Perry’s first leading role in a film. His character, Alex Whitman, is a charming and career-driven young man who finds himself in an unexpected situation. Perry’s performance showcases his comedic timing and ability to play a lovable and relatable protagonist.
Critical reception
Upon its release, “Fools Rush In” received mixed reviews from critics. While some praised the chemistry between Perry and Hayek and the film’s humor, others felt that it lacked depth and relied too heavily on romantic comedy tropes. Despite the mixed reception, Perry’s performance was generally well-received, and the film has gained a cult following over the years.
Where to stream it
Fans can stream “Fools Rush In” on platforms such as Amazon, YouTube, and Tubi.
The Whole Nine Yards (2000)
Plot summary
“The Whole Nine Yards” is a crime caper film in which Matthew Perry plays Nicholas “Oz” Oseransky, a mild-mannered dentist living in Canada. Oz’s life takes an unexpected turn when a notorious hitman, Jimmy “The Tulip” Tudeski (played by Bruce Willis), moves in next door. Oz finds himself embroiled in a dangerous and comedic web of deceit as he becomes entangled with the mob and tries to navigate the precarious situation.
Perry’s nebbishy character
In “The Whole Nine Yards,” Matthew Perry embraces his nebbishy side as the timid and somewhat naive Oz. His character is thrown into an unusual and high-stakes situation, and Perry’s performance captures the contrast between Oz’s ordinary life and the chaos that ensues. Perry’s comedic talent shines through as he navigates the film’s comedic moments.
Cast and reviews
“The Whole Nine Yards” boasts a talented ensemble cast, including Bruce Willis, Amanda Peet, Rosanna Arquette, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Kevin Pollak. The film received mixed reviews upon its release, with some praising the performances and comedic elements, while others found it underwhelming. However, Perry’s portrayal of Oz was generally well-received, showcasing his ability to deliver comedic performances on the big screen.
Where to rent it
Fans can rent “The Whole Nine Yards” on platforms such as Amazon, Google Play, and YouTube.
Go On (2012-13)
Perry’s guest appearances in acclaimed series
Following his success on “Friends,” Matthew Perry made several guest appearances in acclaimed television series. He showcased his versatility as an actor by taking on dramatic and comedic roles in shows such as “The West Wing,” “Scrubs,” “The Good Wife,” and “Cougar Town.” These appearances allowed Perry to further demonstrate his range and talent beyond his iconic character of Chandler Bing.
Synopsis of “Go On”
In “Go On,” Matthew Perry starred as Ryan King, a recently widowed sports-talk radio host who joins a support group to cope with his grief. Created by Scott Silveri, a former writer and producer of “Friends,” the sitcom delves into the dynamics of the support group while providing comedic moments and heartfelt moments of character growth.
Created by Scott Silveri
“Go On” was created by Scott Silveri, who had previously worked with Matthew Perry on “Friends.” Silveri brought his comedic writing expertise and understanding of Perry’s talents to create a show that allowed the actor to explore a new character and storytelling dynamic.
Where to buy it
Fans can purchase “Go On” on platforms such as Amazon.
The Odd Couple (2015-17)
Remake of a famous sitcom
Matthew Perry took on the role of Oscar Madison in the remake of the classic sitcom “The Odd Couple.” The show is based on the 1968 film, which was itself an adaptation of the 1965 Neil Simon play. Perry’s portrayal of the messy and disorganized Oscar Madison brought a new comedic twist to the iconic character.
Perry’s role as Oscar Madison
As Oscar Madison, Matthew Perry showcased his comedic skills as he portrayed the chaotic and unpredictable roommate of the neat freak Felix Unger (played by Thomas Lennon). Perry’s chemistry with Lennon and his ability to deliver Oscar’s comedic lines added depth and humor to the show.
Casting of Thomas Lennon
The casting of Thomas Lennon as Felix Unger opposite Matthew Perry’s Oscar Madison brought a fresh dynamic to the remake of “The Odd Couple.” Lennon’s portrayal of the finicky and organized Felix complemented Perry’s performance, creating a comedic duo that captivated audiences.
Duration of the show
“The Odd Couple” aired for three seasons from 2015 to 2017. While it may not have reached the same level of popularity as “Friends,” the show allowed Perry to showcase his comedic talents in a new and different way.
Where to stream it
Fans can stream “The Odd Couple” on Paramount+.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Perry’s involvement in the Aaron Sorkin series
Matthew Perry had a role in the Aaron Sorkin series “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” The show follows the behind-the-scenes drama of a late-night comedy sketch show. Perry played the character Matt Albie, a former writer for the show who returns to help revive it after a public meltdown.
Critical reception and mixed reviews
“Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip” received mixed reviews from critics and had a relatively short run. While some praised the show’s writing and performances, others found it uneven and criticized its portrayal of the television industry. Despite the mixed reception, Perry’s portrayal of Matt Albie showcased his ability to take on more dramatic roles and work with intricate dialogue.
Other notable guest appearances
Perry’s roles in “The West Wing,” “Scrubs,” “The Good Wife,” and “Cougar Town”
Matthew Perry made notable guest appearances in several popular television series. In “The West Wing,” he played Joe Quincy, a lawyer who becomes a White House counsel. Perry’s appearances in “Scrubs,” “The Good Wife,” and “Cougar Town” allowed him to showcase his comedic talents and collaborate with talented actors and creators.
Recognition for his guest performances
Matthew Perry’s guest appearances in various television shows garnered critical recognition and praise. His ability to seamlessly integrate into established ensembles and deliver performances that complemented the tone and style of each series showcased his versatility as an actor.
Early career in sitcoms and dramas
Perry’s early success in sitcoms
Before his breakthrough role on “Friends,” Matthew Perry found success in various sitcoms. He appeared in popular shows such as “Charles in Charge,” “Silver Spoons,” and “Growing Pains.” These early roles allowed Perry to hone his comedic skills and establish himself as a talented actor in the television industry.
Roles in popular dramas
In addition to his sitcom work, Matthew Perry also had roles in popular dramas like “Highway to Heaven” and “Beverly Hills, 90210.” These roles showcased his ability to tackle more dramatic material and demonstrated his versatility as an actor.
Impact on his career
Perry’s early career in sitcoms and dramas provided a strong foundation for his later success. The experience gained from working on these shows allowed him to develop his comedic timing, refine his acting skills, and build a reputation as a reliable and talented actor.
Long and varied filmography
Perry’s films beyond “Friends”
Beyond his television work, Matthew Perry has appeared in a variety of films throughout his career. From romantic comedies like “Fools Rush In” to crime capers like “The Whole Nine Yards,” Perry has explored different genres and taken on diverse roles on the big screen.
Mixed results in transitioning to the big screen
While Matthew Perry found success on television, his transition to the film industry yielded mixed results. Some films, like “Fools Rush In” and “The Whole Nine Yards,” received moderate success and allowed Perry to showcase his comedic talents. However, other films failed to resonate with audiences and critics, leading to underwhelming box office performance.
Critical reception of his movies
The critical reception to Matthew Perry’s films has been varied. Some movies, such as “The Whole Nine Yards,” have gained a cult following and improved in reputation over time. Others, like “The Whole Ten Yards,” received less favorable reviews. Despite the mixed critical reception, Perry’s performances have often been recognized as highlights, showcasing his comedic timing and charm.
Recognition and legacy
Perry’s impact on popular culture
Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing on “Friends” had a significant impact on popular culture. The character’s wit, sarcasm, and iconic one-liners made Chandler a memorable and beloved character. Perry’s comedic timing and delivery contributed to the show’s enduring popularity and have influenced subsequent sitcoms and comedic performances.
Legacy of his performances
Matthew Perry’s performances, both on “Friends” and in his other roles, have left a lasting legacy. His portrayal of Chandler Bing has become synonymous with quick-witted humor, and his other characters have showcased his range as an actor. Perry’s impact on television and film has influenced a generation of actors and continues to be celebrated by audiences worldwide.
How he will be remembered
Matthew Perry will be remembered as a talented and versatile actor who brought laughter and joy to millions of viewers. From his iconic role as Chandler Bing on “Friends” to his diverse filmography, Perry’s performances have left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. His comedic talent, impeccable timing, and ability to create memorable characters have solidified his place as a beloved figure in television and film.
