From 1994 to the present, Friends is the show that has secured a special place in fans’ hearts. Matthew Perry and Matt LeBlanc’s friendship raised the friendship standards high. Courteney Cox and David Schwimmer’s duo gave viewers sibling goals whereas Lisa Kudrow and Paul Rudd’s pair showed what true love was. The casting was so perfect that almost all the actors resonated with their characters, resulting in an accurate portrayal of all their roles.

Especially, the makers’ casting decision for the character of Chandler Bing thrilled the fans.

Friends creators’ journey of casting Matthew Perry

Chandler Bing’s sarcasm, along with his overall character development, was remarkable. To portray such a character with the utmost ease was one of the most important requirements. Marta Kauffman and David Crane were sure only Matthew Perry could do. During their interview with Vanity Fair in 2012, they revealed, “It was a fascinating casting experience,” referring to the casting process for the NBC sitcom.

Kauffman revealed they saw several actors. However, things happened the way they were supposed to happen. She added that the Canadian actor was in the number 1 position on their list for the role of Chandler Bing. However, Perry was busy filming LAX 2194, a Fox show. Proving their assumption of easy casting of the role, David Crane added they brought in everybody while describing the character as sarcastic. But adding to the makers’ miseries, no one could deliver it except for one.

It was none other than Craig Bierko, whom Perry admitted to having trained for the role despite knowing he would be the best choice for it. However, because Craig Bierko passed on the role, it went to none other than Matthew Perry and the rest is history. After making the character legendary, Perry recently took a painful exit, leaving fans and his loved ones behind.

The Friends star received a tearful farewell

On the 28th of October, 2023, the news of the Fools Rush In actor’s demise shook the world. It sent shockwaves all across the world and fans tearfully celebrated the legacy left behind by the Friends star. Celebrities, including the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, expressed their overwhelming feelings upon the tragic death of the late actor.

It was Perry’s wish that if people must, they should remember him as someone who tried to help people. To fulfill the actor’s wish, National Philanthropic Trust established The Matthew Perry Foundation to help those who need help overcome their addiction struggles.

How did you feel about Marta Kauffman and David Crane’s experience? Drop your favorite Chandler moments in the comments below.