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 and lit up our screens for the last thirty years is no longer with us.
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 Perry’s legacy, we'd like to honor him by revisiting the most memorable aspects of his iconic character. 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... 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 thought that writers had literally lost the plot 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! How on earth could things work out for a highly-strung, control freak who desperately wanted to get married (we didn't know about the Monica Wedding Fund back then!) and an ultra laid-back commitment-phobe whose relationship issues stemmed back to childhood? But for those of us who had doubts, well turns out we couldn't have been more wrong. Chandler’s relationship with Monica was one of the biggest surprises and successes of Friends, and it quickly became a fan-favorite romance. What began as a one-time fling in London evolved into a committed relationship and further strengthened the group with warmth and authenticity.
Chandler’s vulnerability with Monica allowed him to grow emotionally, proving he could be a loving, supportive partner. From his heartfelt proposal to their journey toward parenthood, Chandler’s love for Monica showed us a softer, more open side to his character - one that even sarcasm couldn’t hide.
2. Janice: Oh. My. God.
When we think of Chandler’s relationships, we can’t forget Janice—his on-again- off-again-can't-get-away-from-her girlfriend who, in many ways, was his complete opposite. Known for her iconic catchphrase, "Oh. My. God," Janice was loud, expressive, and totally unpredictable, which made for some of the funniest moments on the show. Chandler’s recurring inability to resist her added a hilarious element to his character arc. No matter how hard he tried to break free, Janice would inevitably pop back into his life at the most unexpected times, much to his (and the audience’s) horror and amusement.
Kathy: A Relationship of Growth and Heartbreak
Kathy, Joey’s girlfriend-turned-love-interest for Chandler, was one of Chandler’s more serious relationships before Monica. With her love of books and sense of humor, Kathy brought out a caring and romantic side of Chandler. However, their relationship was tinged with conflict and jealousy, and his suspicions ultimately drove a wedge between them. The heartbreak he felt when things ended with Kathy was a critical moment 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 - before the two became brothers-in-law - but there's no denying that Chandler also had a very special bond with his roommate Joey. 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, 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. 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.
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It was indeed a very sad day when we lost Matthew. I couldn't believe it. And in more recent months, we find out that people who should of known better were connected to his death. It's so tragic. I hope Matthew is at peace now.