One episode of the hit show Friends almost featured a storyline where Chandler Bing, played by Matthew Perry, cheated on Monica Geller, played by Courteney Cox. Actress Lisa Cash, who appeared in the season 5 episode “The One in Vegas: Part 1,” revealed that she was originally involved in this plotline before it was changed due to Perry’s objections.
The scene involved Chandler and Monica arguing in Las Vegas, where Chandler would later cheat on Monica with Cash’s character, who worked as a hotel employee. Cash mentioned that they had rehearsed the scene, but the day before it was set to be filmed in front of a live audience, Perry requested a change to the storyline. He reportedly expressed concerns that the audience would not forgive Chandler for cheating on Monica, a decision Cash agreed with.
The creators of Friends, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, did not respond to requests for comment on whether the storyline was altered. As a result, Cash’s character appeared in the same episode as a flight attendant for Rachel Green and Ross Geller’s flight instead. Despite the change, Cash spoke positively about her experience working with Perry, describing him as welcoming and easy to work with.
The news of Perry’s passing on October 28 at the age of 54 has sent shockwaves through the Friends community. Sources reported that emergency services responded to his home for a cardiac arrest, and no illegal drugs were found at the scene. Additional reports revealed references to “drowning” in the 911 dispatch audio.
Perry’s Friends co-stars, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc, expressed their devastation in a joint statement. They emphasized their strong bond and shared grief over the loss. Friends’ executive producers, Kauffman, Crane, and Kevin Bright, also released a statement expressing their shock and deep sadness, praising Perry’s talent, kindness, and wit.
Perry was laid to rest on November 3 at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, with all of his Friends co-stars in attendance. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his loved ones and the entertainment industry as a whole.
