Matthew Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing in the hit TV show Friends, has passed away at the age of 54. Perry's portrayal of Chandler was iconic, with his impeccable comic timing and distinctive speech patterns making the character one of the most quotable in the series. The creators of Friends initially had doubts about the character's likability, but when Perry auditioned, they knew he was the perfect fit. His ability to bring warmth, charm, and depth to Chandler made him a fan favorite.

However, behind the scenes, Perry was battling his own demons. He struggled with addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol, a fact that was hidden from the public during much of the show's original run. In his memoir, "Friends, Lovers And The Big Terrible Thing," published last year, Perry opened up about his addiction and the struggles he faced. He wrote, "Hi, my name is Matthew, although you may know me by another name. My friends call me Matty. And I should be dead." It was a candid and vulnerable look into his personal life.

Perry's journey to fame started in Massachusetts, but he grew up in Ottawa, Canada, after his mother, a journalist, divorced his father and married a Canadian broadcast personality. As a child, Perry excelled in tennis and was a top-ranked junior player. However, his passion for acting and improvisational comedy led him to move to Los Angeles.

At the time Friends was being developed, Perry was under contract for another series about luggage handlers in the future. But the creators of Friends knew they had to have him, and it's impossible to imagine anyone else playing Chandler. Perry himself said, "It was as if someone had followed me around for a year, stealing my jokes, copying my mannerisms, photocopying my world-weary yet witty view of life."

Friends premiered in 1994, turning Perry and his co-stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer, into household names. The show's premise was simple yet relatable, following a group of close-knit friends navigating life in New York City. Chandler's major storyline involved his secret romance with Monica, which was a highlight of the series. By the end of the show's 10-season run, Chandler and Monica were married and preparing to start a family, mirroring the growth and development of the entire group of friends.

Friends remains one of the biggest TV hits of all time and has found new popularity with younger fans through streaming services. Perry's portrayal of Chandler earned him an Emmy nomination, and he also appeared in other TV shows such as The West Wing and Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip. He also starred in several films, including Fools Rush In and 17 Again.

While Friends brought Perry fame and success, it also came with immense pressure, which took a toll on his mental health. He struggled with addiction and felt a tremendous amount of pressure to make the live audience laugh. He once said, "If I didn't get the laugh I was supposed to get, I would freak out." Despite his struggles, Perry managed to overcome his addiction and was clean and sober for 18 months at the time of his memoir's release.

Following the news of Perry's passing, tributes poured in from fans and fellow cast members. Perry was described as one of the funniest people and a true gift to comedy. His legacy will live on through the countless generations of fans who will continue to enjoy his work and remember him as the one who made everyone laugh.