Earlier this week, the world was shocked to learn about the death of television star Matthew Perry.
Some may know Perry from the movie “Fools Rush In” or “Seventeen Again.” He was also the co creator, co editor, executive producer and star of ABC sitcom, “Mr. Sunshine.” However, he is commonly known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the NBC series “Friends.”
The show became a fan favorite of many. The sitcom consists of six friends — Monica, Ross, Joey, Chandler, Phoebe and Rachel — living together in New York City. Although each of their lives are filled with different trials and tribulations, the one thing they have in common is each other.
The sitcom influenced so many people around the world as its characters were relatable in a sense that they had real life struggles. Each character was unique and had their own sense of identity, which resonated with many.
The fanbase is overwhelming. Matthew Perry is commonly known for his role as Chandler Bing, a funny, sarcastic, insecure and loveable character. Many students at the University of Rhode Island are fans of the show and shared their thoughts on his passing.
“I started re-watching ‘Friends,’ I was kind of shocked,” second-year Delaney Jensen said. “He was my favorite character.”
One thing about Chandler Bing that people fell in love with was his sarcastic abilities.
Although the character’s past was troubled, he glazes over it with humor and sarcasm. This spoke to the audience in a way that was new and refreshing.
Although at times, Chandler could be what some would consider a ‘smart aleck,’ he still had a gentle and refreshing soul. This made the viewers fall in love with Bing. What made Perry’s character so humorous was his ability to say funny things in such a simple tone.
Not only was he hilarious, he was also a great friend. Chandler would drop everything for his roommates, and he cared for them no matter what. Despite his troubled childhood, he knew how to show love and compassion for his friends, but struggled to show those same qualities to himself.
“I originally didn’t believe it. I thought it was just a rumor, but when it was confirmed I was shocked. It was my comfort show, and now it’s not the same. Chandler was my favorite character on the show because he was so different from the rest. He was able to take bad situations and lighten them with humor.” Second year Julia Barilli says.
Chandler was the type of character to never be proud of himself. This stemmed from his difficult upbring. With Chandler’s parents separating at a young age, he developed a fear of commitment, which often blocked his ability to form new relationships. His ways of coping weren’t the best, as he often resorted to smoking. However, he always made sure that those qualities weren’t what defined his character.
“I was super upset to find out that he passed away,” first-year Zack Maxfield said. “I liked his character because he was always a good friend. He was funny and always made light-hearted jokes when they were needed. He knew how to lighten up any situation. My favorite part of the show is when he finally finds love and marries Monica. He deserved that.”
A big part of Chandler’s storyline touched on how his parent’s relationship made feeling love or any kind of connection difficult for him to understand. He became hopeless and eager for love. As the show progresses, you see Chandler become more and more open and accepting to the fact that he is able to feel love, not only for other people but for himself.
His character development throughout the seasons was one way that Matthew Perry was exceptional in this role. In the beginning, we see a person whose insecurities and awkwardness affect his relationships. As the show goes on, we see a character who doesn’t let his past define him, who isn’t afraid of commitment. He embodied this lonely, yet sarcastic, person in such a way that wasn’t sad, it was exciting. He was able to make us want to see what would happen next for his character.
As many mourn the loss of Matthew Perry and his talents, they try to remember Chandler Bing. Matthew Perry’s passing is a tragedy that shocked the world. He was loved by many for his exceptional talent.