In almost every poll conducted on the ranking of the characters from the ’90s sitcom Friends, the number one spot invariably goes to wisecracking, affable Chandler. While the other five characters – Rachel, Monica, Phoebe, Joey and Ross – are beloved in their own right, it is Chandler who ultimately holds the top spot in the hearts of millions of fans around the world. Put simply, he’s our favourite Friend.
Much of that adoration comes down to the man who played him: Matthew Perry. The actor’s easy comedic wit and natural charm as Chandler Bing made him the standout in a cast of standouts that included Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc and David Schwimmer. More than any of his Friends co-stars, Perry seemed to embody Chandler in real life. It’s virtually impossible to imagine anyone else playing the role … although that’s very nearly what happened.
When Perry received the script for a new sitcom called Friends Like Us, he was 24, had $11 to his name, and was hungry to make his mark in the acting world. Up until then, he had starred in the low-rating series Boys Will Be Boys (also known as Second Chance), which lasted one season, and guest-starred in television mainstays like Just the Ten of Us, Growing Pains and Who’s the Boss? His film work was small, with a notable appearance in 1988’s A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon opposite River Phoenix.
Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Marie Claire Australia.
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Denne historien er fra January 2024-utgaven av Marie Claire Australia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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SHANNEN DOHERTY
The rebellious actor died in July after a nine-year battle with cancer. Zara Wong looks back at the legacy of a woman who always lived on her own terms
IN THE WILDS OF ALASKA
Nature served up a spectacular array of delights, while cruising the majestic waters of the far north.
Back to EARTH
In its earliest days, the farm bred draught horses for export. Now Tasmania's 1840 cottage Leighton House has been restored as a glorious getaway
ODE to LIGHT
Created by master perfumer Francis Kurkdjian in 2011, Elie Saab's Le Parfum has since gained a cult following and become an industry icon. Here, Sally Hunwick uncovers the origins of the stunning chypre floral scent
JEN ATKIN
The Ouai beauty guru is regularly called on by the Kardashians and a host of other A-listers. Here, she talks about hair, her beauty cupboard and how she keeps up her energy levels
A NEW DIRECTION
When she was 16, Jordan Lambropoulos told her surgeon she'd rather die than wake up with a colostomy bag. Today - 10 years, countless operations and 14,000 Instagram followers later - she's proof that a colostomy bag is not the end. In fact, it can be the beginning of a whole new life
LADY LUCK
Rosalía takes her accessories as seriously as she takes her art. The Spanish musician spent three years working on her much-lauded album Motomami, finessing the details and perfecting the finishing touches. And when it comes to her outfits, she's no less specific
Wait... superhero movies are cool now?
Who had Emma Corrin and Juno Temple as supervillians on their 2024 bingo card?
CURTAIN CALLING
Brisbane-born star Vidya Makan steps into the shoes of America's founding mother in the long-awaited return of Hamilton
LEIGH-ANNE
The English singer on colourism, freedom and reuniting Little Mix
