The late Matthew Perry had a terrific career as an actor with so many standout parts from Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip to West Wing, but it’s the role of Chandler Bing on Friends that will what he’s most remembered for.
The actor who died Saturday, per multiple reports, was a wise-cracker as Chandler, but it was the heart and vulnerability that he portrayed Chandler with that made him a fan favorite.
There are so many Chandler moments from that 10-year run on Friends to focus on, but here are a few that we’ll remember him for as the world mourns Perry’s death at age 54.
1
Making fun of Joey in Pinocchio in the pilot
This one is personal as a Friends superfan. I distinctly remember this being played in promotions for the series and laughing so hard at Perry’s “ONCE I WAS A WOODEN BOY!”
2
Julia Roberts strands Chandler in the bathroom stall
From the all-time great post-Super Bowl episode. Comedy at its best.
3
"Actually it's Miss Chanandler Bong"
From the series’ best episode, The One with the Embryos. Every Perry aside and joke is delivered to maximum laughs, and rightfully so.
4
Chandler gets stuck in an ATM vestibule with Jill Goodacre
As he said as Chandler: “Perfection.”
5
Chandler gets trapped in handcuffs
He was a physical comedian, too.
6
Chandler in a box
Remember the heart I mentioned? Here you go.
7
Failing to break up with Janice
Any time he acted with Maggie Wheeler, it was amazing.
8
Chandler worries he'll be Mr. Heckles
Perry could absolutely do drama as Chandler, and here he got to shine in a Season 2 episode.
9
Monica proposes to Chandler (and he proposes back)
No laughs here and that’s how it should have been. We get to see Chandler, who spent much of the first half of the series struggling in his love life. And there was plenty of drama leading up to this. Courtney Cox played this so well, but it’s one time that Chandler doesn’t wisecrack. And it’s beautiful.
10
Chandler gets the last line of the series
“Should we get some coffee?”
“Sure. Where?”
The final line belonged to Perry, and it was the best.
