Advertisement
Maggie Wheeler, known for her iconic role as Janice Hosenstein on the beloved TV show ‘Friends,’ is mourning the loss of her co-star and dear friend, Matthew Perry. Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing in the hit series, tragically passed away on Saturday at the age of 54. In a touching Instagram tribute, Wheeler shared her heartfelt feelings, remembering the joy he brought to the world.
Wheeler, 62, took to Instagram to honor Perry’s memory, saying, “What a loss. The world will miss you Mathew Perry. The joy you brought to so many in your too short lifetime will live on. I feel so very blessed by every creative moment we shared.”
Throughout ‘Friends’ ten-season run from 1994 to 2004, Wheeler made several memorable guest appearances as Janice Hosenstein, Chandler’s on-and-off love interest. She was known for her distinct nasal drawl and her signature catchphrase, “Oh. My. God.” Wheeler’s portrayal of Janice remains a fan favorite, and her character became a beloved and memorable part of the show’s history.
The actress previously praised Perry as a brilliant comedian who often made her break character on set. She shared an interesting anecdote about the creation of Janice’s infamous laugh, which she developed as a means to cope with Perry’s exceptional humor. During a 2016 interview on ITV’s ‘This Morning,’ she explained, “So the laugh happened organically in the first rehearsal, because I needed to find a way to laugh, because Matthew Perry is so funny. And working with him, I knew right away, I thought, ‘This guy’s gonna make me laugh on set, I’ve gotta be prepared. What am I going to do?’ So I created Janice’s laugh just as a safety measure for when Matthew made me laugh.”
In 2021, Wheeler made a fun and memorable appearance in a TikTok video with performer Jax. In the video, they performed a parody of the ‘Friends’ theme song, “I’ll Be There For You,” with modified lyrics reflecting her desire to see Chandler leave Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox, for Janice. The humorous tribute was a testament to the enduring popularity of the show and the beloved characters within it.
Following Perry’s tragic passing, Warner Bros., the production company behind ‘Friends,’ released a heartfelt statement expressing their devastation at the loss of their dear friend and talented actor. They acknowledged the global impact of Perry’s comedic genius and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.
Wheeler’s tribute is just one of many expressions of grief from Perry’s former colleagues and friends, all of whom remember him as a brilliant and generous man of unparalleled talent. Timothy Busfield, Perry’s co-star in ‘Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip,’ fondly recalled the actor’s humor and recounted an amusing story that exemplified Perry’s unique personality and wit.
The world continues to mourn the loss of Matthew Perry, and as tributes pour in from all corners of the industry, it’s evident that his legacy as a gifted actor and a warm and funny soul will remain deeply cherished by those who knew him and the millions who enjoyed his work on screen.