So, there you are, happily settling in to binge-watch “Friends” on HBO Max, and what do you see? A fancy memorial card pops up on your screen, almost as if the show is trying to convince you that Matthew Perry is ghostwriting the script from beyond. The card says, “In memory of Matthew Perry 1969-2023.” Oh, those pesky digits โ they almost had us fooled, didn’t they?
Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, Chandler Bing is still with us, right?” And you’d be absolutely correct! But this little prank by HBO Max gave us a momentary heart attack as we were about to dive headfirst into the world of Ross, Rachel, and all those hilarious misadventures.
And let’s not forget the incredible cast of “Friends,” who were probably sitting at home sipping coffee, just like they did at Central Perk, when they saw this card. Their response? Well, they were probably as stunned as we were, saying, “Hey, Matthew’s still kicking! Phew!” But it’s all in good fun.
Now, HBO Max has all ten seasons of “Friends” for your streaming pleasure. No need to worry; Chandler isn’t ghosting the show. In reality, he’s doing what Chandler would do best, making us laugh.
Oh, and speaking of laughs, it turns out Chandler’s real-life alter ego was discovered in his Los Angeles residence, probably perfecting his sarcastic quips in the great sitcom in the sky. But don’t worry, he’s not pulling a “Weekend at Bernie’s.” He’s just chilling, maybe with a cup of coffee and his signature sense of humor.
As for the heartfelt tributes from his co-stars and the show’s creators, they couldn’t have put it better: “We are shocked and deeply, deeply saddened by our beloved friend Matthew’s passing. It still seems impossible. All we can say is that we feel blessed to have had him as part of our lives.”
And let’s not forget the ultimate compliment: “He was a brilliant talent. It’s a cliche to say that an actor makes a role their own, but in Matthew’s case, there are no truer words.” Chandler Bing, you truly were one of a kind, even if HBO Max momentarily tried to convince us otherwise.
So, let’s raise a coffee cup (or a cocktail if you prefer) to Matthew Perry โ the man who made us laugh, cry, and almost believe in sitcom seances. He may not be with us on “Friends,” but he’s forever in our hearts, and probably still cracking jokes in the great Central Perk in the sky.