“Tom Selleck Reflects on Matthew Perry’s Raw Talent in ‘Friends’ Memory”

Tom Selleck, best known for his role in “Magnum P.I.,” recently reminisced about his time on “Friends,” highlighting a unique connection he had with Matthew Perry’s iconic character, Chandler Bing. Here’s a look back at their memorable role reversal and friendship.

Selleck Steps into Chandler’s Shoes

Imagine Tom Selleck playing Chandler Bing – that’s exactly what happened during his guest appearance on “Friends.” In an amusing twist, Selleck’s character, Richard Burke, took on some Chandler-esque traits. Selleck described it as a fun role reversal: “We had this role reversal thing going, where (Richard) tried to be like them, and them like me.”

Mastering Chandler’s Signature Style

Imitating Chandler’s distinctive style was no easy feat for Selleck. He struggled to capture Perry’s unique sarcastic delivery, especially for lines like: “Could that shot be any prettier?” Selleck admitted, “Matthew had this speech pattern that I hadn’t been aware of.” To get it right, he sought Perry’s help directly, leading to some entertaining behind-the-scenes moments where Selleck repeatedly asked, “Can you say it again?”

Perry’s Signature Line

Perry’s delivery of his signature lines left a lasting impression on Selleck. He recalls Perry telling him, “It’s a joke, Tom. It’s the way he says it.” Selleck found Perry’s advice invaluable, and the repeated requests for Perry’s guidance were a testament to how much he valued getting it just right.

Cherished Friendships

Selleck, now 78, joined “Friends” in Season 2 and developed a special bond with Perry, who was frequently seen on set alongside his father, actor John Bennett Perry. Selleck fondly remembers asking Matthew about his father regularly, with the two sharing friendly conversations. This camaraderie made the set a warm and inviting place.

Praise for Perry’s Talent

Selleck holds Perry’s acting talent in high regard: “He was raw talent. Matthew’s gone, so it’s easy to say this, but it’s true. I think he was the most talented of a very talented group of people.” This heartfelt tribute underscores the deep respect Selleck had for Perry’s skills.

Missed Memorial, Genuine Bond

Following Perry’s passing in October, Selleck was deeply moved by the invitation to a private memorial with the “Friends” cast but regrettably couldn’t attend due to his filming schedule in New York. He appreciated the genuine friendship among the cast, noting, “There are no bad stories. No star stuff. Nothing like that there.” The camaraderie was palpable, as Selleck observed, “They all just got along. I think it’s because all these actors had failures on other shows. And now they’re in this hit. They all realized how lucky they were.”