Matthew Perry’s demise has been one that took the entire world by surprise. The star that was slowly regaining his reputation and rising to fame once again, taking things step by step met with an end no one had expected. Known best for his role as Chandler Bing in FRIENDS, the actor has won the hearts of fans in the most remarkable and memorable manner possible.
In his legacy, he has not only left a character so iconic but also the millions of smiles that shine throughout the world every single time Chandler Bing makes a joke. It is no doubt that the two co-existed in a manner that has Perry’s memory immortalized to immortalize Bing as well. However, there was a strong chance for the late actor to not become the character at all.
Chandler Bing Almost Slipped Away from Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry caught the attention of former Warner Bros. Television executive David Janollari when he was looking to cast actors on not just FRIENDS but other shows as well. He revealed, when speaking with The Hollywood Reporter, that Perry caught his eye with only a guest appearance on a show that was already struggling.
“I remember going to a run-through of a CBS pilot that was struggling. I was standing next to Barbara Miller, our head of casting, during this run-through, and there was one bright spot in the show, a guest star who would not be a series regular: Matthew Perry.” He continued, “He literally stole the show. At the time we were also casting another pilot for NBC, and we couldn’t find the best friend co-star. I turned to Barbara and said, ‘What about Matthew for that pilot?’ Then we turned our attention back to the run-through and like that a-ha moment in a movie that you really don’t believe happens in real life, we both turned to each other with eyes wide open and said at the same time, ‘Chandler!’”
He saw potential in Perry but not for the show he is best known for. NBC had been working on another pilot episode at that time and he was potentially the best candidate for the show. However, it was the role of the best friend. Upon further pondering, the idea that struck him was that of FRIENDS and of Chandler Bing, a role that he would fit perfectly in without any issues. It is safe to say Janollari was right.
Matthew Perry Stole Hearts Even Before He Became Famous
Matthew Perry met with an obstacle as he was auditioning for FRIENDS, his prior contracts. He already had a deal with Fox that bound him to a contract. His audition had been so stunning, as per The Hollywood Reporter, that David Janollari did not waste a second.
“Matthew had not auditioned for Chandler because he was under contract to a Fox pilot that year. So, I immediately called a friend at Fox who candidly said that it would probably be a safe bet to hire him in second position. We called him in immediately to read for Chandler, and the rest is history. It was magic.”
He called a contact at the studios and freed him to audition for the role. Once he became available, he charmed his way through his acting into becoming Chandler Bing. From that moment on, he became a pop culture icon.
