Since Matthew Perry's sudden death at the age of 54 on Oct. 28, outpourings of love have come from every corner of the beloved "Friends" star's fandom and beyond. In honor of the man who made us laugh, cry and sometimes jeer at the screen, we've rounded up some memorable Matthew Perry movies and TV shows that demonstrate the star's sparkling wit and undeniable heart.
The five-time Emmy nominee, best known for playing Chandler Bing on the classic sitcom "Friends," was found dead from an apparent drowning at his Los Angeles home. He is survived by both his parents, as well as five siblings, who shared with People that they are "heartbroken" by the loss: "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend."
"We are devastated to learn of Matthew Perry's passing. He was a true gift to us all. Our heart goes out to his family, loved ones, and all of his fans," the post reads.
While Perry will no doubt best be remembered for Chandler Bing's signature sarcasm and iconic one-liners, the actor also showcased his dramatic chops in a range of movies and TV shows during and after his "Friends" career. Most recently, he played Ted Kennedy in the miniseries "The Kennedys After Camelot" (2017). Soon after "Friends" ended its historic run in 2004, he earned an Emmy nomination for the inspiring TV movie "The Ron Clark Story."
Below, we spotlight a few Matthew Perry movies and TV shows that demonstrate the actor's characteristic blend of humor and heart.
"Home Free" (1993)
ABC
Perry played a 22-year-old slacker living with his mom in this 1993 ABC sitcom that ran for a season. His comedic chops are on full display as he's forced to grow up when his divorced sister and her kids move back home. A year after "Home Free" was cancelled, Perry nabbed the role of Chandler Bing on "Friends."
"Fools Rush In" (1997)
Columbia Pictures
A few years into his "Friends" success, this rom-com marked Perry's debut as a romantic lead. After a one night stand, Salma Hayek's Isabel falls pregnant. She and Perry's Alex decide to give the whole marriage thing a go, for better or worse.
"The West Wing" (2003)
NBC
Perry was twice nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Joe Quincy, a Republican lawyer recruited to the Democratic Bartlet Administration in "The West Wing."
"17 Again" (2009)
New Line Cinema
Perry delivered equal parts emotional drama and slapstick comedy as the disillusioned Mike O'Donnell, who's given a new lease on life when he's allowed to live out his teenage years again — in the body of Zac Efron.
"The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight" (2012, 2017)
CBS
Perry was dynamite as the take-no-prisoners lawyer Mike Kresteva in "The Good Wife" — so much so that he reprised his guest role in the 2017 spinoff "The Good Fight." Ruthless and prone to twisting the truth, the smarmy Mike Kresteva will go down as Perry's best role post-"Friends."
