When the creators of Friends were casting their six stars, the character of Chandler Bing proved tricky to fill. Then Matthew Perry walked in and the decision was clear. His delivery made the dialogue sparkle, and he became the only choice for the role.
Perry's portrayal of Chandler, with his impeccable comic timing and unique speech patterns, made the character the show's most quotable. He balanced humor with warmth and depth, adding likability to a role that could have been less endearing in other hands.
In real life, Perry struggled with addiction, a battle he revealed in his memoir, "Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing," published last year.
Born in Massachusetts, Perry grew up in Ottawa, Canada, after his mother's remarriage to a Canadian broadcast personality. Despite his personal struggles, Perry's portrayal of Chandler and his impact on Friends will be remembered by fans worldwide.
