Even after 19 years of the iconic sitcom, Friends‘ finale, fans still love the show with the same intensity. One of the major reasons is the beautiful representation of all the characters. These characters are closer to the viewers’ lives, and thus, touch their hearts instantly. Even today, these characters hold a dear place in the lives of fans. However, it’s worth mentioning that Chandler Bing’s role, portrayed by Matthew Perry, might have been entirely different had the Canadian actor missed the audition.

Friends is a story of Marta Kauffman and David Crane’s lives after their college. Portrayed beautifully by all the actors, some of the faces might have been different if those actors would not have made their choices.

Matthew Perry almost did not audition for Chandler Bing

The 54-year-old actor has given unforgettable Chandler Bing moments to his fans. However, before becoming the sarcastic and funny character on the show, the showmakers had lost hope until they saw this one audition. Apparently, Craig Bierko had auditioned for the role of Chandler Bing, who came a little close to what the showmakers were expecting. However, their first choice was always the 17 Again actor.

Fortunately, Bierko turned down the script. Although it opened the gate for the Numb star, he still could not be sure. The only reason was Perry had already committed to another show, L.A.X. 2194. Therefore, he decided not to audition for Chandler Bing. Even though the actor knew he would get it, Perry chose to give it to his friend, Bierko. He even ‘coached’ Bierko for the part that the showmakers got to know later. But the wish of the casting director for the NBC sitcom came true as L.A.X. 2194 did not work for Matthew Perry.

Eventually, the actor joined the classic show, Friends, as The Things reported. He also opened up about it during his book tour when he sat with Tom Power. Well, Perry getting the role, of course, made his friend, Craig Bierko, angry. But both actors made up with each other, eventually. Interestingly, Jennifer Aniston also almost lost the role of Rachel Green because of another show.

Jennifer Aniston also almost lost being Rachel Green

When the actors starred in this fan-favorite show, some of them were already big names in the industry, including Jennifer Aniston. Therefore, when Aniston was initially filming for Friends, she also filmed a pilot of another show as well. But fortunately, the other show did not work out, which made it easier for the Cake actress to stay on this amazing show.

While the casting director knew the choices for each character, it was certainly not a simple job to fulfill the wishes. Even NBC’s former president, Warren Littlefield, also expressed his delight to have The Ron Clark Story actor on board. On the one hand, where everyone still adores Chandler Bing, the actor himself does not like it. During his conversation with Tom Power, the Go On actor revealed he never watched himself in Friends.

Although he promised to try to watch the show, fans are just glad to know that it was Matthew Perry and not any other actor. What do you think about it? Do you think Craig Bierko would have been a great choice? Tell us in the comments below.