MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CELEBRITY NEWS

Matthew Perry's death: Joey's hug meme becomes the symbol as world marks the passing of a comedy icon

'Friends' fans began to share memes of hugs shared by Matthew Perry's Chandler Bing and Matt LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani as a symbol of friendship

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Fans are in shock after the untimely death of Matthew Perry, their beloved Chandler Bing from 'Friends,' after he died in his Los Angeles Apartment on October 28.

Perry, 54, was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi in his house, as reported by the Los Angeles Times.

He rose to fame with the hit sitcom 'Friends', which aired between 1994 and 2004, featuring the story of six young friends living in New York City.

The sarcastic Chandler Bing became a household favorite and after Matthew Perry's death was announced, 'Friends' fans took to social media to share numerous memes related to him in a way to remember the character. 

However, the iconic hugs shared by Perry's Chandler Bing and his co-star Matt LeBlanc's Joey Tribbiani stood out among others as fans held it up as a symbol of timeless friendship. 

Chandler and Joey's friendship gave BFF goals

While 'Friends' commemorates the friendship of the six characters, Chandler, Joey, Monica, Rachel, Phoebe, and Ross, the deep bromance shared between Chandler and Joey became the ultimate BFF goal to many.

Right from Season 1, the showmakers unfailingly portrayed the unfathomable friendship between the characters, bringing joy to millions around the world.

Even though 19 years have passed since the finale, 'The Last One', was aired, fans still share memes of Chandler's and Joey's closeness and their antics. 

Moreover, through Chandler, Perry was able to successfully portray the sarcasm, the initial melancholy, and the emotions of an adult trying to survive his life in Manhattan, often providing a contrast to that of Joey. 

Fans share Joey-Chandler hug memes in remembrance of Matthew Perry

It won't be easy to count the exact number of times Matt LeBlanc's Joey hugged Matthew Perry's Chandler throughout the ten seasons of 'Friends'. However, it's safe to say that the hugs came off as some of the purest forms of friendship the sitcom could have portrayed. 

After Perry's sudden death, 'Friends' fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with memes of Joey-Chandler hugs, remembering the iconic duo, and penned heartfelt tribute messages. 

One wrote, "In short he is like a warm hug when you are feeling cold. Chandler Bing, Matthew Perry is always going to have a special place in my heart, even tho Friends is never going to make me laugh again. A smile, may be..but no laughs.." 

Another said, "Some things hit you so hard that it's tough to put into words. Wish I could just give him a hug like that. Friends for me was majorly about chandler Bing and Matthew Perry."

"Goodbye Mr. Bing. We'll try to keep it down. MATTHEW PERRY," noted a fan. 

Someone else expressed, "Wish we could hug this guy right now. RIP Matthew Perry. He brought so much laughter and joy to millions. He will always be our Chandler Bing."

"Hug your loved ones man... Never know when it'll be the last time... RIP Matthew Perry...," said another fan.

While one exclaimed, "No hugs ever seemed as warm and genuine as Joey and Chandler's."

A person mourned Perry's death, saying, "This one definitely hurts a little more than others. I grew up watching Friends and have seen it countless times since. Chandler and Joey were the highlight of the show for me. Rest in peace Matthew."

"Everyone is Joey today, giving Chandler a hug goodbye," stated another, sharing a Joey-Chandler hug meme. 

One opined, "Absolutely gutted. Watched it religiously for about 15 years. Chandler and Joey’s bromance was unmatched."