The Friends Storyline That Matthew Perry Refused To Take Part In

via HBO / Comedy Central

Actor Lisa Cash has told of how Matthew Perry refused to take part in a certain Friends storyline for the sake of his character.

Perry, who sadly passed away last week, is said to have refused a certain storyline about Chandler cheating on Monica in The One in Vegas: Part 1.

Cash said that her character was originally written as a member of hotel staff who delivers food to Chandler’s room after he has a fight with Monica. The scene got as far as rehearsals when Perry apparently left the set and told the writers that Chandler would never cheat on Monica, and that if he did, the audience would never forgive him.

“We had rehearsed it and everything, and then the day before we were shooting in front of a live audience,” she told TMZ.

“I was told that [Perry] went to the writers and said that the audience would never forgive him for cheating on Monica. He was probably right, that would’ve changed possibly the course of the show and his character.

via HBO / Comedy Central

“I think it was a good move, because they had that other thing with Ross and Rachel, like, ‘We’re on a break!’ This was a decision that he was going to cheat on her, in the moment and everything, but I don’t think the audience would have forgiven that. So, it was smart.”

Cash said that although it could have been a “game changer” for her career to have such a big part in the show, she understands why Perry wanted the storyline cut.

“They were so nice for not completely cutting me out of the episode,” she said. “They gave me the co-starring role as a flight attendant with Ross and Rachel. That was great, too.”

Perry sadly passed away in his home last week, aged 54. Following the news, his Friends co-stars released a statement saying: “We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew.

“We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss. In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”

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• Matthew Perry