Key Takeaways:
– Matthew Perry, notable for his role as Chandler Bing in Friends, passed away last year and rejected a controversial scene in the sitcom.
– Perry was concerned that the proposed infidelity storyline would make his character unforgiveable to the audience.
– Lisa Cash, initially cast as Chandler's affair partner, backed Perry's stance and appeared in the series as a flight attendant instead.
– Matthew Perry's stepfather Keith Morrison reflected on Perry's death and the significant impact it had on his friends and family.
The world knew him as Chandler Bing, the beloved character from the hit sitcom Friends. Known for his quick wit and sarcastic humor, Matthew Perry portrayed a character that became a staple in pop culture. Sadly, last year in October, Perry passed away, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades.
The Unfilmed Scene
While Perry's character, Chandler Bing, remains a favorite among Friends viewers, behind the scenes, the actor made crucial decisions that maintained Chandler's likeability. Actress Lisa Cash revealed to NBS News via Fox News that Perry refused to act out a controversial scene that would have had Chandler cheat on his long-term love interest, Monica.
Cash clarified the matter, saying, “Matthew Perry said the audience would never forgive him. Matthew Perry went to the writers and said the audience would never forgive him, which made a lot of sense.”
Initially set for the 23rd episode of season five, “The One in Vegas: Part 1”, the scene had to be scrapped. It was a decision that Cash fully supported, even though it cost her a significant role in the decade-long phenomenal show.
Preserving Chandler Bing's Essence
“It would have really changed how the audience would have viewed Chandler and that whole thing. I don't know if they could have survived it,” expressed Cash, highlighting the lasting impact Perry's decision had on Friends. Fans of the sitcom are no doubt relieved that Perry was insightful enough to reject the controversial plot point.
The aftermath of Perry's loss is still very much alive among his loved ones. Keith Morrison, Perry's stepfather, shared poignant insights on Perry's premature departure during an interview on the Making Space podcast.
Reflecting on Perry's Death
Struggling with his stepson's untimely death, Morrison said, “As other people have told me hundreds of times. It doesn't go away yet. It's with you every day. It's with you all the time.”
In the wake of Perry's death, Morrison echoed the thoughts of many of Perry's friends, including Jennifer Aniston. He expressed how Matthew's absence has been profoundly felt, and his death was simply unfair.
“He said so, and he hadn't said that for a long time,” Morrison recalled. “It's a source of comfort, but also, he didn't get to have his third act, and that's not fair. And as he said himself, ‘If I suddenly died, people would be shocked, but not too many people would be surprised.' And he was right,” he added.
Matthew Perry's impact on the world through his portrayal of Chandler Bing remains undisputed. By rejecting the questionable scene, he preserved the integrity of his beloved character, protecting the treasured legacy of Friends. His stepfather's honest reflections provide a testament to Perry's personal struggles, reinforcing his indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond. Matthew Perry remains alive in the hearts of his family, friends, and dedicated fans, his legacy echoing in the annals of television history.
