A Tribute to Matthew Perry: The Iconic Moments of Chandler Bing

This year Friends celebrated thirty years since it was first broadcast - and the world was never the same again. But the sad passing of one of the show's main stars, Matthew Perry, who played the loveable Chandler Bing, cast a shadow over the thirtieth anniversary celebrations. There were moving tributes to Matthew and it's comforting to know that he will never be forgotten. But the fact that someone who had such presence and lit up our screens for the last thirty years is no longer with us is not an easy one to deal with. And that's just for us fans. For Matthew's family, friends and all those who knew him well, this is an unbearable loss.

It’s hard to believe it’s been just over a year since Matthew Perry sadly passed away. Many of us can still remember that strong sense of shock and loss we felt as the news broke. His portrayal of Chandler Bing left an indelible mark on Friends and the hearts of fans worldwide. For fans of the iconic sitcom, it didn't matter that many of us had never met him - we felt as though we'd known him all our lives having seen him on our screens for almost three decades.

As we reflect on his legacy, we'd like to honor Matthew Perry by revisiting the most memorable aspects of his iconic character, Chandler. Some people are just born to play certain roles and we can't imagine anyone playing Chandler the way Perry did. From his sarcastic yet witty one-liners to his vulnerable, heartfelt moments, Chandler was a character who grew from the funny guy with an unidentifiable job to a beloved husband, uncle, father and of course... friend. Not to mention a source of never-ending laughter! Let’s celebrate what made Chandler Bing unforgettable, one classic moment at a time.

1. Monica: The One With Whom Chandler Finds True Love

OK, hands up everyone who wondered if the show's writers 'could be any more dumb 'when it was revealed that Chandler and Monica were going to hook-up in London? We'd already had Ross and Rachel get together - and look how that turned out! Did we really need another couple arguing about being 'on a break?' And the future didn't look at all rosy for Chandler and Monica. How on earth could things work out for a bossy, neat-obsessed-verging-on-control-freak Monica for whom marriage was everything (we didn't know about the Monica Wedding Fund back then!) with an ultra-laid back, sometimes immature, commitment-phobe like Chandler whose relationship issues stemmed back to childhood? It was a recipe for disaster - a bit like Monica's mocklate concoctions!

But for those of us who had doubts, well it turns out we couldn't have been more wrong. We're glad that this was one of those times when writers went ahead with a dubious-sounding storyline because Monica and Chandler's relationship - otherwise known as Mondler - wasn't just one of the biggest surprises and successes of Friends but it went on to become one of the show's most heartwarming storylines, full of hilarious misunderstandings; emotional growth, and tender moments. Pretty soon we couldn't remember a time when Monica and Chandler weren't together.

Some of the key and memorable Mondler moments include the secrecy and sneaking around in the early days of their relationship although one by one, all of the Friends' gang discovered their secret with hilarious results ("I might know something." "I might know something too..." "My eyes! My eyes!" "Get off my sister!") Viewers at home cheered as loudly as the studio audience when Chandler decided he was going to ask Monica to marry him, and surely nobody could have watched Monica's proposal without dabbing at their eyes a little! And fans shed a tear again when Monica and Chandler finally got their wish to become parents by adopting twins. This couple just went from strength to strength

This relationship showed a deeper side to both characters, revealing new layers and gave fans a glimpse of their vulnerability and growth. Chandler’s vulnerability with Monica allowed him to grow emotionally; proving that he could be a loving and supportive spouse, and showing us a more open and profound side to his character - one that even sarcasm couldn't mask. And in turn Monica was portrayed in a more softer light, becoming less highly-strung and controlling (only by a bit but progress is progress!) In fact the Chandler-Monica union was 'pivotal' in the culmination of the show as it was the couple leaving the neighbourhood for a new home in the suburbs where they could raise their twins that was a turning point for the friendship group and closed the door on an old chapter - as well as on Monica's iconic apartment!

2. Janice: Oh. My. God.

It's impossible to talk about Chandler without mentioning his on-again-off-again-oh-my-gawd-they're-on-again girlfriend from the pre-Monica days, the harmless but annoying, nasally-voiced Janice Hosenstein (later Litman-Goralnik.) They started out as a casual hook-up but Janice and Chandler dated sporadically for the first four seasons of the show, and Janice, played by actress Maggie Wheeler, made several appearances even after Chandler and Monica became a couple. As subtle as a chainsaw, with her hyena-like laugh and constant exclamations of "Oh...My... Gawd," it was no wonder the Friends gang would try to avoid her whenever possible which made for some humorous moments on the show.

From the moment Janice entered Chandler Bing’s life (for some reason she often referred to him as 'Chandler Bing!') she was both a constant source of comedy, chaos and irritation for Chandler and his friends - for Joey in particular who seemed to especially dislike Janice! Their relationship, marked by Chandler’s constant hilarious attempts to break up with her and Janice always finding her way back to him, quite often during the most unexpected of times - much to the amusement of the audience - became one of the most entertaining dynamics on the show and added a extra hilarious dimension to the arc of Chandler's character.

On the surface it appeared that Chandler’s reunions with Janice were often because he was too nice, too weak, or just didn’t know how to get rid of her. But their constant reconciliations were often fuelled by convenience and his fear of loneliness, despite his fear of commitment and deep insecurity that made him avoid more potentially serious relationships. For instance when Mr. Heckles died and it hit home to Chandler how he too might end up alone, this urged him to seek out the one person who he felt would always be there for him - Janice. The irony was that when he found her again, he discovered that she was now married, which further deepened Chandler's fears and anxiety - however they soon reunited after Janice's marriage ended and matched on a dating site, albeit unknowingly.

Janice wasn't a horrible person at all. She was just too loud and too-over-the top for Chandler - and his friends - to deal with. But she had an undeniable affection for Mr. Chandler Bing and provided comfort and companionship when he needed it. Along with the humorous aspect of their relationship, if writers hadn't come up with 'Mondler,' 'Jandler' might also have worked. The pairing definitely was comedy gold! Janice’s numerous dramatic entrances; larger than life personality; and over-the-top-bordering-on-cringey affection for Chandler made her one of the most memorable recurring characters on the show - and a huge part of the Chandler Bing story.

3. Kathy: Love, Growth... and Heartbreak

In the days before Mondler, it was Janice who was the most noteworthy of all of Chandler's love interests. However all that was to change when Chandler saw an attractive, sassy young lady sipping on her cappucino in Central Perk...

Unfortunately for Chandler, the sassy, young lady - Kathy - was waiting for her date. Even more unfortunate was that the date was none other than Joey - Chandler's best friend and roommate. But what was even more unfortunate than all of the above is that out of all the women that Chandler could have been instantly smitten with, it just had to be his best friend's new girlfriend! And as if things couldn't get any worse - or better depending on how you choose to view things - Kathy felt the same way...

And it was Kathy's undeniable attraction Chandler that caused her to end things with Joey. And when he discovered that Chandler was the reason why Kathy broke up with him, Joey was understandably angry with a very remorseful Chandler. Cue the Friends Thanksgiving episode where Chandler had to stay in a box and think about his actions to prove to Joey how sorry he was. Even a visit from a broken-hearted Kathy didn't break his resolve - which finally convinced Joey that Chandler was truly sorry for what happened, and cared a lot about their friendship. So he gave Chandler his blessing to date Kathy. However Chandler's relationship with Kathy didn't last long after he discovered she was cheating on him. And everyone wondered why he had commitment issues!

Joey’s girlfriend-turned-love-interest-for-Chandler, was one of Chandler’s more serious relationships before Monica. With her gentle nature with a side of sass; love of books and witty sense of humor, Kathy brought out a caring and romantic side of Chandler. The heartbreak he felt when things ended with Kathy was a major learning-curve for Chandler, teaching him about trust, his own insecurities, and the importance of honesty in relationships.

3. Joey: The Ultimate Bromance (Just Don't Tell Ross!)

Chandler may have known Ross first and been friends with him since high school but there's no denying that Chandler also had a very special bond with his roommate Joey. Ross may have gone on to become Chandler's brother-in-law, but Joey was definitely Chandler's brother from another mother. Their friendship was one of the most cherished parts of Friends. They were more than just roommates - they were best friends who shared countless inside jokes; personal milestones; chilling out in their La-Z-Boy recliners and, of course, a love for foosball. Whether it was Chandler lending Joey financial support or Joey giving Chandler advice on relationships, the two had an unbreakable bond that provided both comic relief and emotional depth. Their friendship was heartwarming and hilarious, reminding us that family can be chosen and that true friends are there through every bad haircut and questionable dating choice.

4. Thanksgiving: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Chandler’s dislike of Thanksgiving was legendary, stemming from childhood trauma involving his parents’ divorce. This annual tension created some of the best Thanksgiving episodes, as Chandler tried (and hilariously failed) to enjoy the holiday. His experiences—like getting his head stuck in a turkey or making up with Monica after a fight—were filled with humor but also carried a sense of healing. By the time he and Monica were married, Thanksgiving had become a celebration of their new family, showing Chandler’s growth from a reluctant participant to a joyful host.

5. Chandler’s Job: Unsolved Mystery - Call Robert Stack!

One of Friends' longest-running jokes was the mystery surrounding Chandler’s job in statistical analysis and data reconfiguration—a title that confused everyone, including his friends. Despite his financial stability, Chandler was deeply dissatisfied with his career, often using humor to cope with his lack of fulfillment. Eventually, he found the courage to switch to a career in advertising, a leap that represented his growth and desire for a more meaningful life. His career change was a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passions, even if that means starting over from scratch.

6. Chandler’s One-Liners: Could He Be Any More Sarcastic?

Chandler’s sarcasm was his most defining trait, and Matthew Perry’s comedic timing made every line unforgettable. His quick wit was a defense mechanism, often hiding his insecurities and fears, but it also made him one of the funniest characters on Friends. Whether he was delivering a perfect one-liner or making a playful jab at one of his friends, Chandler’s humor added a distinct flavor to the show. His catchphrases like “Could I be any more…” became iconic, and his unique style of humor kept audiences laughing season after season.

Matthew Perry’s Legacy

Chandler Bing was more than just a character; he was a beloved friend to millions of viewers who grew up laughing at his jokes and empathizing with his insecurities. Matthew Perry breathed life into a complex, unforgettable character who showed us that humor and heart can often go together hand in hand. Perry’s portrayal reminded us that it’s okay to have flaws; to laugh at ourselves, and to strive for something better - even when the journey is messy. There really wasn't another actor on the planet who could ever have played Chandler the way Matthew did. And it's this portrayal that has led Chandler and Matthew alike to find their way into millions of hearts. As we celebrate Chandler’s best moments, we also celebrate Matthew Perry’s extraordinary legacy - a gift of laughter, vulnerability, and warmth that will continue to bring us joy for years to come.

Rest peacefully, Matthew. Thank you for the memories. x

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