EntertainmentBehind the Scenes: How Matthew Perry shaped Chandler's faithfulness

Behind the Scenes: How Matthew Perry shaped Chandler's faithfulness

Chandler did not cheat on Monica due to the actor's objection.
Chandler did not cheat on Monica due to the actor's objection.
Images source: © HBO

8:02 AM EST, November 8, 2023

Matthew Perry's portrayal of Chandler Bing continues to be celebrated by "Friends" fans, despite his recent passing. Known for memorizing each episode, these fans may be surprised to hear that Chandler was initially supposed to cheat on Monica in one episode. So, why didn't that happen?

Matthew Perry passed away at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, October 28th, at the age of 54. He was found in his hot tub. A private funeral ceremony attended only by close associates took place on Friday, November 3rd. Fans and colleagues within the entertainment industry continue to remember him.

In a recent interview with TMZ, actress Lisa Cash, who had a minor role in the 1999 fifth season of "Friends", stated that she was originally slated to play a crucial role in Chandler's narrative. The character Cash was meant to portray— a hotel maid in Las Vegas—was scripted as Chandler's one-night stand.

Cash revealed that during scene rehearsals, Chandler and Monica, played by Courteney Cox, were supposed to have a dispute in the hotel, after which Chandler goes back to his room and ultimately ends up in bed with the maid. This script, however, was altered shortly before filming in front of a live audience.

- "Matthew approached the writers and expressed that the audience would not forgive Chandler if he cheated on Monica. He was probably right", said Lisa Cash, who went on to play the role of a flight attendant in a scene involving Rachel (Jennifer Aniston) and Ross (David Schwimmer).

Lisa Cash as a flight attendant
Lisa Cash as a flight attendant© HBO