When Matthew Perry Revealed Why He Nearly Missed The Friends Reunion; Why He Said The Show's Last Line

Actor Matthew Perry’s death on Saturday, October 28, from apparent drowning has left fans all over the world in shock. The 54-year-old actor was best known for his role in the popular sitcom Friends. He played the witty Chandler Bong on the show for nearly 10 years. One of Matthew’s last appearances on screen was in 2021 when he joined the cast of Friends for a special reunion episode and revisited several iconic moments from the show. However, he almost couldn’t attend the reunion.

Speaking to ABC after the reunion, Matthew revealed that he had an urgent dental appointment which made his “mouth feel like fire” a few days before the shoot. He said, “It sounded like my voice was up… I couldn’t not show up… So, what I chose to do was just go and do the best that I could.”

Since Matthew’s speech seemed slurry owing to the dental procedure, it sparked health concerns among fans. Some even alluded to his battle with alcoholism and drug abuse. However, to everyone’s relief, it was only due to dental pain.

Speaking about the cast reuniting at social events over the years, Matthew added, “After the show was over and at a party or social gathering if one of us bumped into each other that was the end of the night. You sat with that person all night long.” He said that the other people “had to understand” and let them be.

Just like his fans, Matthew was also attached to the show Friends. In his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he revealed that he had specifically requested to deliver the last line on the show.

He wrote, “Before that final episode, I’d taken (co-creator/EP) Marta Kauffman to one side. ‘I said, ‘Nobody else will care about this except me. So, may I please have the last line?’ That’s why as we all troop out of the apartment, and Rachel has suggested one last coffee, I got to bring the curtain down on Friends.”

Fans of the show have taken to social media to express their grief over the loss of their Chandler Bing. The tragic news was first reported by TMZ. His body was found in a jacuzzi in his Los Angeles home. However, official statements from the police and Matthew’s representatives have yet to be made.