Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing June 15, 1994.Photo:Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Friendsdirector James Burrows remembersMatthew Perryas an “inventive” actor and comedian.
Burrows said that his first impression of the actor was, “Wow.” The director continued, “We were reading around the table. Matthew had a certain way of turning a line.”
“He was inventive with how he did a line,” Burrows added of Perry.
“The One with the Football” Episode 6 – Pictured: (l-r) Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller.Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank
Gary Null/NBCU Photo Bank
Burrows, who also directed episodes ofWill & GraceandFrasierand co-created and producedCheers,toldTODAYthat Perry “was really funny” and a “little awkward” on the set — something very similar to how his character was also portrayed on the show.
“It was a perfect, perfect meld,” he noted.
Burrows said one of his favoriteFriendsepisodes with Perry was “The One with the Blackout,” in which Chandler was stuck in an ATM vestibule with model Jill Goodacre. In one scene, Chandler appeared to get increasingly desperate as he tried to tell his friends his predicament.
“His facial expressions were amazing and Matthew, [we] could always cut to his face,” Burrows said of directing the season 1 episode. “He was always aware that even though he wasn’t speaking, he was always on camera.”
Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller pictured in the episode “The One with Phoebe’s Dad.".Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
Alice S. Hall/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
The director recalled that Perry had such a talent, which is why his death hurts all the more.
“It’s so sad,” an emotional Burrows shared. “We were so proud of him these last couple of years that he was making a remarkable recovery.”
He described Perry’s loss as similar to losing a family member. “I texted the girls the day we found out and they were destroyed,” he said. “It’s a brother dying.”
However, Burrows said that he ultimately hoped Perry would be remembered “as a wonderful actor, a funny man and a dear friend to a lot of people.” He added, “I wish he was here.”
Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Courteney Cox Arquette as Monica Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller in ‘Friends’.Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty
Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty
The actor was founddead at the age of 54at his Los Angeles-area home on Saturday.TMZreported that sources said first responders were called to the residence for cardiac arrest, and that no illicit drugs were found at the scene.
In addition, the outlet obtained 911 dispatch audio in which “drowning” is referenced.
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green pictured in the first season of “Friends.".Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
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Series co-creatorsMarta KauffmanandDavid Craneas well as executive producerKevin Brightalso issued a joint statement on Sunday.
Kaufman, Crane and Bright’s statement continued, “We will always cherish the joy, the light, the blinding intelligence he brought to every moment — not just to his work, but in life as well. He was always the funniest person in the room. More than that, he was the sweetest, with a giving and selfless heart.”
source: people.com
