Fans of the beloved TV sitcom Friends are expressing a strong desire to have a certain scene removed from the series after the heartbreaking death of Matthew Perry.
Matthew Perry, who charmed audiences with his portrayal of Chandler Bing, became an iconic part of the show, which spanned 236 episodes. His sarcastic wit and his on-screen romance with Monica, played by Courteney Cox, turned him into a fan favorite from the very beginning when he was cast at the age of 24.
Sadly, on October 28, 2023, news emerged that Perry had passed away at the age of 54. Reports indicated he was found unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his residence in Los Angeles.
Following this tragic event, fans of Friends have pinpointed a particular scene that they feel should no longer be part of the show.
According to TMZ’s report, emergency personnel were summoned to Perry’s home due to what appeared to be a cardiac arrest situation. NBC indicated that the situation was being handled as a ‘death investigation with no indications of foul play’.
Further details provided by the autopsy report, which was made public by People magazine, clarified that Perry’s death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine, with drowning, coronary artery disease, and the impacts of buprenorphine also noted as contributing factors. His death was officially ruled an accident.
Ketamine is commonly known as a medical anesthetic used to induce unconsciousness, though it’s also recognized for its hallucinogenic effects. Perry was receiving ketamine infusion therapy as part of an experimental treatment aimed at dealing with mental health issues like treatment-resistant depression and anxiety disorders, as reported by the Pacific Neuroscience Institute.
Despite these treatments, the medical findings showed that Perry’s ketamine levels at his time of death were much like those in cases under general anesthesia.
In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” published a year prior to his death, Perry openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and drug addiction, revealing that he had spent around $9 million on achieving sobriety.
Marta Kauffman, one of the creators of Friends, shared that she had spoken to Perry two weeks prior to his passing and noted that he seemed sober and in good spirits.
An investigation into Perry’s death is actively ongoing. According to information from TMZ, authorities are exploring how Perry came into possession of the ketamine that was involved in his demise. This raises significant inquiries regarding the drug supplier and the conditions surrounding its procurement.
Both the local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have been reportedly engaged in probing this situation for several months, though details regarding the investigation’s progress remain unclear.
Sources from the investigation say that relevant interviews have been conducted with several prominent figures in Hollywood who have had histories of drug use. While these individuals might not directly link to providing the ketamine, they could potentially offer leads about its source.
With Perry’s passing, public figures and close acquaintances have shared heartfelt tributes, including a notable one from Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was actually a school friend of Perry. Trudeau reminisced, “Matthew Perry’s departure is both shocking and heartbreaking. The schoolyard memories we created will not fade, and his talent brought joy worldwide.”
Maggie Wheeler, known for her role as Janice on Friends, shared a touching message alongside a photograph of herself with Perry, lamenting the loss and celebrating his impact: “What a loss. The world will miss you, Matthew Perry. Your joy will endure beyond your years.”
In the wake of his passing, fans have been revisiting their favorite Chandler moments from Friends. A particular scene has resurfaced, with some suggesting that it should be omitted from future broadcasts.
This scene, which has gained attention on social media platforms like TikTok, features Monica and Chandler during their wedding announcement photoshoot.
Engaged viewers on TikTok have paid tributes to Perry, reflecting on the poignant nature of the scene in light of his underwater demise, “Watching this scene feels different now,” a fan remarked. Another concurred, expressing sadness despite never watching an episode.
Speculations arose about whether this scene might be edited out of future showings, with fans expressing, “Will they remove this scene now from Netflix?” Some called the scene eerily prophetic, considering the circumstances of Perry’s passing.
As Monica poses, Chandler struggles to conjure a smile, prompting her to comment on his expression. Her line about their names possibly reading ‘local woman saves drowning moron’ cuts deeper now than it did when first aired. The photographer laughs but is quickly chided by Monica, who affectionately claims Chandler as ‘her drowning moron’, causing Chandler to visibly relax.
This scene resonates deeply with fans given its unintentional parallels to the sad reality of Perry’s passing.
For those dealing with addiction, help can be found with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-4357 in the USA, or in the UK, via FRANK at 0300 123 6600 or the website talktofrank.com for confidential advice and information on drugs and their effects.
The conversation around Matthew Perry’s life and contributions is alive with memories, laughter, and a sincere reverence for his journey and the joy he brought into people’s lives through his work.
