The Tragedy And Brilliance of Chandler Bing | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Tragedy And Brilliance of Chandler Bing

Why does it seem the most talented are the most troubled?

1027
The Tragedy And Brilliance of Chandler Bing
Chicklit

It seems to be a theme amongst the most hilarious and talented stars that their lives are crippled by one type of mental disease or another. Robin Williams, arguably one of the most brilliant actors and comedians to ever have lived, battled hard against depression. Drew Carey, Woody Allen, Jim Carrey, and even Ellen DeGeneres have all suffered from depression and other mental illness like this as well. It seems, the more incredible their work, the more troubled they are.

Matthew Perry’s vice was addiction.

Chandler Bing is one of the funniest and most recognizable characters on television. His wry, sarcastic tone and uncanny ability to get himself into (and out of) ridiculously awkward situations has made for innumerable laughs over the ten seasons that Friends was on the air. With his relatable persona, it is easy for the viewer to overlook the personal struggles of the actor behind the brilliance of the character.

Prior to getting the role of Chandler Bing at age 24, Perry had already begun a battle with alcohol abuse. In an interview with E News! in 2013, he stated that “From an outsider's perspective, it would seem like I had it all. It was actually a very lonely time for me because I was suffering from alcoholism,"..."It was going on before Friends, but it's a progressive disease.” And furthermore, in addition to the alcoholism, he became addicted to pain killers such as Vicodin after being prescribed them due to a jet skiing accident. The substance abuse caused him to often be hungover and in pain on set and caused him to check into rehab several times to attempt to fight his addiction.

He has even admitted, in his naturally goofy and sarcastic manner, that because of his prolonged drug and alcohol usage he has forgotten much of the time he spent filming seasons 3 through 6.

Which is relatively consistent with his character, is it not? Incredibly humorous, but generally with a dark tinge to the laughter. Almost as if you get the impression that when Chandler Bing puts himself down, Matthew Perry isn't entirely kidding about it.

But how did he, and so many others like him, get to this point? Has it just become a caveat of those who are so talented in the spotlight that the pressure damns them inside their own head? It appears to be both an immense blessing and a terrible curse. Are comedians and actors like this so talented because of their mental illness or affliction, or is in in spite of their struggle? The cycle goes on and on.

Fortunately, Matthew Perry is one of the lucky ones who has been able to overcome his addiction since the final season of Friends back in 2004 and now owns and operates a sober living facility in Malibu called the Perry Home to help others in the way that he needed help years before. In fact, he has been quoted as saying that being able to help others to overcome their addiction is "the thing he likes the most" about himself.

Despite addiction, hardship, and struggle, Chandler Bing lives on, continuing to be the snarky and relatable character that the world fell in love with over the course of Friends.


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

198293
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

19706
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

461519
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

28668
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments