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Who is Warren Littlefield? Former NBC president shares how Matthew Perry saved network during 1996 upfronts

Warren Littlefield said, 'No one asked Matthew to do that job, he just saw what was unfolding and jumped in, that was Matthew'

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Warren Littlefield, the former NBC president, recounted how Matthew Perry once prevented the network's disastrous upfronts in 1996.

The adored actor, who shot to fame worldwide when he was cast as comedian Chandler Bing in the smash sitcom 'Friends,' used his charm and quick wit to win over a group of executives during a presentation that went south.

Warren Littlefield was most influential backstage figures in network television

One of the most important behind-the-scenes players in network television in the 1980s and 1990s, Littlefield first gained prominence at NBC during the network's protracted tenure as the home of 'Must See TV.'

Littlefield played a major role in creating the network's renowned 'Must See TV' lineup in the 1990s. This lineup featured series like 'Friends,' 'Frasier,' and 'Will & Grace,' which have remained popular for years.

In 1979, Littlefield was taken under NBC president Brandon Tartikoff's wing as a young development executive.

He served as Tartikoff's right-hand man and helped turn the failing network around with a series of popular comedies, beginning with the timeless 'Cheers' (NBC, 1982-1993) and then moving on to shows like 'The Cosby Show' (NBC, 1984-1992) and 'The Golden Girls' (NBC, 1985-1992).

As per Variety 500, Littlefield's second act as an independent producer has been exceptionally fruitful in recent years, as he has won Emmys for outstanding drama series for both 'Fargo' (FX) and 'The Handmaid's Tale' (Hulu), the latter of which is set to return for a fifth season this autumn.

The Hulu limited series 'Dopesick,' which delves into America's battle with opioid addiction, is his most recent achievement. It received 14 Emmy nominations in 2022 and won two of them, including one for star Michael Keaton.

Before retiring in 1998, the executive's stellar tenure at NBC was completed by two more breakthrough popular sitcoms: 'Friends' (NBC, 1994–2004) and the socially conscious comedy 'Will & Grace' (NBC, 1998–2006).

Almost two decades of television history were shaped by Littlefield, who went unnoticed by the great majority of viewers during his prime.

Warren Littlefield recounts how Matthew Perry saved 1996 upfront presentation

Littlefield recounted in a Variety article published on Wednesday, November 1, "Due to an electrical failure, the presentation stopped. Eventually, we learned that a curling iron overheated and short-circuited most of our power."

"I panicked. But then, with that unbelievably great smile accompanied by his then quite famous wit and charm, out walked Matthew from backstage and proceeded to entertain the audience," he continued.

Littlefield stated that Perry, who was there to promote 'Friends' season 2, "winked" at him and said, "I’ve got this boss," before drawing the crowd's attention elsewhere.

Littlefield went on, "Forget our new fall programs, that was the most memorably entertaining part of the presentation."

"No one asked Matthew to do that job — he just saw what was unfolding and jumped in. That was Matthew."

Matthew Perry was not initially chosen to play Chandler Bing in 'Friends'

Littlefield further stated that at first, there was talk of casting Perry's close friend Craig Bierko as Bing in the popular sitcom. Perry, being the kind guy that he was, stepped aside and refrained from entering the running.

The former NBC boss further wrote, "Matthew stayed in the background because he didn’t want to compete with his friend. Who says show business has to be cutthroat?"

The former executive declared that the minute Perry tried out for the part, his "prayers were answered."

Littlefield remarked that Perry's final performance showed "just how gifted he was comedically," and that the writing, producing, and directing teams "always benefited" from his "contributions and instincts."

As Season 1 went on, the 'Friends' pilot—which had tested as a "high weak"—proved to be a hit. Perry would consistently demonstrate his comic talent each week.

The authors, producers, and directors leveraged Perry's contributions and intuition to their advantage as they carefully examined each scene during the process.

However, Perry faced challenges as a result of his enormous success. It was evident early on in the series that he needed help, and he checked himself into rehab.

There were other programs available but Perry decided on a very demanding program in a far-off city that didn't give preference to fame or wealth.

Perry battled drug and alcohol addiction before his untimely death at the age of 54. He eventually sobered up in 2021.

Perry passed away on Saturday, October 28, at his California home after what appeared to be a drowning incident.