Gemma Nettle

Actor Matthew Perry has died aged 54 and since the news broke tributes have poured in for the star, with many claiming his death hurts more than most. But why did Perry have such a profound effect on multiple generations? 

Celebrities and the public have shown their love for the star in equal measure following his shock death last month. Known best for his role in the hit 1990s TV show Friends, Perry played the wise-cracking Chandler Bing. In many regards, he was always a fan favourite. The character’s constant self-deprecating jokes and awkwardness were something viewers found most relatable about the series. 

The Friends effect

Friends spanned from 1994 to 2004, giving us 236 episodes to feast on. At the time, it was a phenomenon in itself, picking up a specific audience that several other shows at the time couldn’t entice. 

The legacy of the show has lasted on and on, playing constantly on select television channels, then given a new lease of life on streaming platforms like Netflix. This has encouraged new generations to pick it up and binge the episodes in their easily consumable half-hour format. 

Its characters and storylines were, at their core, a good reflection of the real problems faced by twenty-somethings living in a big city. At that moment people could relate to the characters, but this hasn’t stopped. Though technology has moved on, many still see themselves in the show. 

A comfort watch

The series has long been known as a “comfort watch”. It has become so familiar to people who have binged the series that it is often put on in the background – a show we don’t necessarily have to pay attention to, but something to have on while we get on with other chores. 

“He’d always find a way of putting a smile on viewers’ faces.”

But, in the same vein, Friends is often turned to in times of crisis. When we want to escape the stresses of life, we opt to watch our favourite characters working through their problems, all the while making us laugh with their absurd stories. 

The message of the series is ultimately that it’s okay to fail. All of the characters are navigating setbacks at multiple points in their arcs, which helps reflect viewers’ struggles living through their 20s and 30s. 

Chandler Bing

Everyone could relate to at least one character in the show, but across the board, Chandler Bing as the common favourite is a safe bet. His cheeky, self-aware humour hits hard and his fun jokes land every time, no matter how many times you may have heard it. He’d always find a way of putting a smile on viewers’ faces.

“We were more than just cast mates. We are a family.”

Nobody could have brought Chandler to life quite like Perry. Friends creators Marta Kauffman and David Crane have said so themselves. The journey to find themselves a Chandler took them through many, many actors who couldn’t nail the balance of charm and humour.

Eventually, they found Perry, who was signed on to another show called LAX 2194 about baggage handlers in the future. However, after realising that the series wasn’t going to be picked up, he was put in Friends. And there was our Chandler, completely embodied by Perry with his flawless delivery and sparkling personality.

An outpouring of love 

Unsurprisingly, tributes have poured in for the actor. However, as celebrity after celebrity paid their respects in the form of tweets and videos, the world waited for the remaining cast of Friends to say some healing words. 

In a shared statement, the principal cast of Friends grieved the loss of Perry. It said “We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.” 

It continued: “In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.” 

A lasting legacy

It would be a crime to not mention the work that Perry wanted to be remembered for, which was helping others with the disease of addiction. After openly talking about alcohol misuse for most of his adult life, Perry turned to aiding both friends and strangers with recovery.

“Perry will forever remain in our heads and hearts”

Hank Azaria has revealed that it was Perry who drove him to his first AA meeting to begin his journey toward sobriety. The Matthew Perry Foundation has been set up in his name to continue this passionate, important work that has done so much already to help those trying to recover from alcohol abuse.

Immortalised by the ever-popular juggernaut that is Friends, Perry will forever remain in our heads and hearts, continuing to make us laugh and helping us learn long into the future.

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Featured image courtesy of Policy Exchange via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.

Gemma is one of our entertainment editors. She also works full-time as a reporter. You can find her on Instagram and Twitter @gemmanettle.

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