'Goodbye Chandler Bing': Fans in tears as 'FRIENDS' creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane celebrate Matthew Perry as a 'true gift'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The entertainment world is in mourning the untimely death of beloved actor Matthew Perry at the age of 54.
Perry, renowned for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the popular sitcom 'Friends,' was found dead at a Los Angeles-area home on Saturday. While the specifics surrounding his death are still under investigation, fans and colleagues have begun to pay their heartfelt tributes, as per ABC News.
“Friends” co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane and executive producer Kevin Bright issued a joint statement following the death of actor Matthew Perry at the age of 54: “All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.” https://t.co/2aaHjVNIcM pic.twitter.com/XKoJDmWXwG
— ABC News (@ABC) October 29, 2023
'Friends' co-creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane mourn Matthew Perry's loss
Warner Bros Television, the studio behind 'Friends,' expressed their deep sorrow in a statement, describing Perry as an "incredibly gifted actor" and an integral part of their extended family.
Perry's comedic genius had a profound impact on audiences worldwide, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of his countless fans.
On the official 'Friends' Instagram page, a statement echoed the sentiments of the studio, calling Perry a "true gift" to everyone and extending condolences to his family, loved ones, and fans.
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The co-creators of 'Friends,' Marta Kauffman and David Crane, along with executive producer Kevin Bright, shared their profound sadness over the loss of their cherished friend. They praised Perry's extraordinary talent and his unique ability to make the role of Chandler Bing his own.
His infectious humor, intelligence, and warmth transcended both his work and his personal life. The trio expressed their love for Perry's family and friends and concluded by saying, "This truly is The One Where Our Hearts Are Broken."
Matthew Perry mourned by fans
Following the tragic news of Perry's demise, an outpouring of grief has flooded social media platforms from his admirers all over the world.
One user eloquently expressed, "Goodbye Chandler Bing…may your soul find the love you've been searching for all your earthly life," encapsulating the deep connection fans felt with Perry's character.
Goodbye Chandler Bing…may your soul find the love you've been searching for all your earthly life 🫶🏼🙏🏻
— Magda Fejda (@FejdaMagda) October 29, 2023
Another user simply offered a poignant "RIP Matthew Perry," honoring the actor's memory with a brief yet heartfelt message.
RIP Matthew Perry. #Friends #RIP #MattPerry
— FilmCinephileHub 🎬📽️🍿 (@CineMagicHub) October 29, 2023
A third user paid tribute to Perry's unique portrayal of Chandler Bing, saying, "No one else could have made Chandler Bing his own that way the Perry did. His sad and difficult life can't ever change that." This sentiment reflects the enduring impact of Perry's iconic character on the hearts of fans.
No one else could have made Chandler Bing his own that way the Perry did. His sad and difficult life can't ever change that.
— ABKinSTL (@ABKinSTL) October 29, 2023
A simple but profound response came from another person who could only express, "Sad," as the weight of the loss reverberated throughout the online community.
A fifth user conveyed their sorrow by posting two broken heart emojis, symbolizing the collective heartache felt by fans worldwide.
Matthew Perry's iconic Hollywood career over the years
Perry had firmly established himself as a household name in Hollywood, primarily known for his portrayal of the ever-sarcastic yet endearing character, Chandler Bing, in the long-running hit series 'Friends.'
His tenure in this iconic role spanned ten seasons, captivating audiences from 1994 to 2004. In addition to his television success, Perry had a notable presence on the silver screen, with roles in films such as 'The Whole Nine Yards' (2000) and '17 Again' (2009).
Perry's influence extended beyond the screen as he penned his highly-anticipated memoir, 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,' released in 2022.
In this revealing memoir, he candidly shared the details of his well-documented battle with addiction, shedding light on his arduous journeys through rehab, interventions, and the multiple surgeries required to address his health challenges resulting from his lifestyle.