Matthew Perry: 6 underrated performances of the late ‘Friends’ star

American comedian and actor Matthew Perry tragically passed away this week, leaving fans of the beloved star devastated. Best known for playing the iconic wise-cracking character of Chandler Bing in America’s most popular sitcom Friends, Perry has established himself as one of the most recognisable faces on television across the globe. So today’s List Hai Toh Hit Hai podcast features a special episode dedicated to Matthew Perry and some of his most memorable performances across film and television.

17 Again - Apple TV, Amazon Prime, and YouTube VOD

The 2009 body-swapping romcom stars Matthew Perry and Zac Efron in the lead as the older and younger versions of the same character who grapples with a rather curious situation. The film revolves around 37-year-old Mike O'Donnell who miraculously transforms into his 17-year-old self. This triggers a chain of events as he sets out to help his teenage children at high school, while simultaneously attempting to repair his fractured marriage. Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Michelle Trachtenberg, essay prominent roles in this Burr Steers directorial.The Ron Clark Story - MX PlayerOne of Matthew Perry’s best film performances would surely include the 2006 drama The Ron Clark Story. Directed by Randa Haines, the film tells the story of an idealistic teacher, Ron Clark, who leaves the comfort of his hometown behind to teach at one of the most notorious public schools in New York. The story follows Clark’s attempts to connect with his rebellious students, hoping to impart what he considers to be quality education. The film received numerous accolades for its poignant story and Perry’s portrayal of the titular character.

Fools Rush In - BookMyShow VOD

In 1997, Matthew Perry starred alongside Hollywood star Salma Hayek in the romantic comedy Fools Rush In. Perry plays the role of Alex, who has a one-night stand with Hayek’s character Isabel. But when Isabel realises that she is pregnant, they decide to get married in a moment of spontaneity. But this brash decision soon leads to much awkwardness as they gradually realise that their cultural differences could wreck their marriage. The film is directed by Andy Tennant and also stars Jon Tenney and Jill Clayburgh in supporting roles.

The Good Wife  - Prime Video

Matthew Perry does play one of the lead roles in the legal drama series The Good Wife, but his guest role as the sleazy and opportunistic lawyer-turned-politician Mike Kresteva is arguably one of his best performances. Perry slips into the role of a character that audiences just love to hate. He also reprises his role in the sequel series The Good Fight. The original series starring Julianna Margulies, Josh Charles, Chris Noth, Christine Baranski, Matt Czuchry, and Archie Panjabi was remade into Hindi as the Disney+Hotstar show The Trial starring Kajol in the lead.

Almost Heroes - Amazon Prime VOD

The 1998 film Almost Heroes may not be one of Matthew Perry’s best films, but makes for an entertaining comedy. Perry stars alongside Chris Farley as two explorers who embark on a journey to eclipse the achievements of two of their biggest rivals. Their journey takes them through several hilarious adventures and misadventures. The film is helmed by Christopher Guest and features performances by Eugene Levy, Kevin Dunn, and Bokeem Woodbine in supporting roles.

The Big Lie: American Addict 2 - Plex

The final film on this list is the 2018 documentary The Big Lie: American Addict 2. It explores the consequences and effects of America’s dangerous dependency on prescription medication and drugs. Matthew Perry is joined by Jonathan Davis, Ron Paul, and Dennis Kucinich as they offer crucial insights on the subject. The documentary is helmed by Serbian-American documentary filmmaker Sasha Knezev, who also helmed the 2012 docu American Addict, which focuses on the business practices of big pharma companies in the US who are notorious for bending the rules for commercial gains.

Well that's all for this special episode on the works of Late Mathew Perry, until the next one it's your host Nikhil signing out.

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Written by Ryan Gomez

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