Matthew Perry, Known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the popular sitcom “Friends,” the American actor’s admirers were feeling that way on Sunday as they gathered outside the New York apartment building where the program was filmed.
“I grew up watching him,” said Taylor Lanthier, 26, who was among those making the pilgrimage, where many left flowers and handwritten letters in Perry’s memory.
The 54-year-old was discovered dead on Saturday, which many fans felt was too soon. This is evidence of the enduring popularity of “Friends,” which ran from 1994 to 2004 and is still watched by audiences of all ages on streaming platforms and reruns.
The building is a six-story structure with a brick exterior and metal fire escapes that is easily recognized in the trendy West Village neighborhood. Despite the light rain, people were still paying their respects on this street corner.
“I’m sure you could find stories of people who move to New York because of the show ‘Friends,'” said Chris Triebel, 39, who leads tours focusing on TV shows and movies filmed in the city.
And part of that would be due to Perry’s Chandler, himself a sarcastic 20-something who long resisted growing up.
“He’s had a very impactful role in my life and always has given me tons of laughs, and it’s sad to hear about his passing,” said Lanthier, who recently graduated law school in Vancouver.
“Chandler is a funny guy. He’s a loving guy. He’s someone who’s very dedicated to his friends,” she added. “And that’s what I think Matthew was as well.”
“I just wanted to pay my respects,” she said, having come with a yellow rose that she placed next to a note left by another passerby.
It read: “Thank you for all the laughs.”
