By Sophia Sullivan, Arts & Culture Editor
This weekend, fans of the television show “Friends” received devastating news about everyone’s favorite chick-and-duck-loving, joke-making “transponster.”
Emmy-nominated actor Matthew Perry was found dead at age 54 in his Los Angeles home on Saturday, Oct. 23.
At this time, the cause of his death remains undetermined, but an investigation is currently underway.
Perry was best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the wildly popular 90s sitcom, “Friends.”
“Friends” boasted a cast of six fun-loving, quirky 20 and 30-somethings trying to make their way in Manhattan, navigating major life points such as love, divorce, jobs, drama, and children.
Chandler, an extremely quotable, sarcastic, and vulnerable character, is one many viewers have and continue to relate to.
Wren Chretien, a sophomore majoring in marketing, is a passionate fan of “Friends” and was heartbroken to hear of Perry’s surprising death.
“Matthew Perry’s death made me feel really upset and overwhelmingly sad. Not only was he a great person but he represented such a huge part of the ‘Friends’ show and community,” said Chretien.
However, Perry was more than just an actor. As someone who struggled with drug and alcohol addiction throughout his life, even during his time on “Friends,” he utilized his position to help others in those same situations.
He dedicated time, money, and effort to this cause. In 2013, he even turned his home into a men’s sober living community. Additionally, he wrote a play titled The End of Longing, which spoke to these issues as well.
This is what Perry was genuinely passionate about lifting those who found themselves in the same situation as himself.
“When I die, I don’t want ‘Friends’ to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want that [helping people battling addiction]to be the first thing that’s mentioned,” said Perry in an interview with Tom Power in November 2022.
(You’re probably thinking, “Could he be any more amazing?” The answer is a resounding “yes.”)
On Nov. 1, 2022, almost a year before his death, Perry published his memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.
In his book, Perry detailed his life, from childhood, his career, fame, addiction, sobriety, and thoughts of mortality. It was well-received and meaningful to many.
“I’d like to be remembered as someone who lived well, loved well, was a seeker. And his paramount thing is that he wants to help people. That’s what I want,” remarked Perry in his 2022 interview with Tom Power.
Older and younger fans alike lament this loss and will hold Perry’s memory in their hearts for a long time to come.
“His character as Chandler was one you could just love and always root for. I am truly sad to know that he is gone, but he will never be forgotten,” said Chretien.
