‘Friends’ Fans React to Matthew Perry’s Engagement: ‘Finally a Thanksgiving Chandler Doesn’t Hate’
Friends star Matthew Perry’s engagement in 2020 was well-received by fans despite how it turned out. As Chandler Bing, Perry earned a loyal following who stuck with the late actor throughout his personal ups and downs. Perry never married, calling off his engagement in 2022. However, that wasn’t before some Friends fans had fun with the news by invoking the sitcom’s classic Thanksgiving episodes.
News of Matthew Perry’s engagement broke on Thanksgiving in 2020
Perhaps Matthew Perry’s engagement announcement was influenced by his character. He revealed the news on Thanksgiving in 2020, revealing his relationship status with literary manager Molly Hurwitz.
Perry and Hurwitz began dating in 2018 before announcing their engagement two years later. Perry then confirmed the two split in June 2021.
Chandler hated Thanksgiving
When many fans think of Friends, Thanksgiving comes to mind. Every season of the series features a Thanksgiving episode. In the first season, Chandler says he doesn’t celebrate it — not because of the day’s problematic origins, but because his parents announced their divorce over Thanksgiving dinner when he was a kid.
Over the years, fans learned more about Chandler’s aversion to the holiday. One year, they all play football. In another, Chandler spends hours in a wooden crate to prove his loyalty to Joey. However, in Season 5, his opinion begins to change as Monica tells him she loves him (with a turkey on her head).
Who is Perry’s former fiancée, Molly Hurwitz?
Perry was engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz until they called it off in 2021. They had been dating since at least 2018.
Before Hurwitz, Perry dated several famous Hollywood actors. He had short relationships with Julia Roberts and Yasmine Bleeth, both of whom guest-starred on Friends. Perry also dated his Three to Tango co-star Neve Campbell, and his Birds of America co-star Lauren Graham. He and Lizzy Caplan (Masters of Sex) were together for six years.
Matthew Perry’s death on October 28, 2023
Matthew Perry was found deceased in his hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home on Oct. 28, 2023. Authorities cited the effects of ketamine, buprenorphine, drowning, and coronary artery disease as the cause of death.
The 54-year-old’s passing shocked the world. While Perry played a lovable fictional character on TV, he openly discussed the troubles he went through in life, including addiction.
Hurwitz posted a tribute to Perry on Instagram following his death. She referenced his talents as an actor as well as the challenges he faced with addiction.
