Matthew Perry Reportedly Kept His Character On 'Friends' From Cheating

Matthew Perry wanted nothing to do with a cheating character!

New reports have surfaced claiming that Chandler Bing — the late actor's "Friends" character — was initially set to cheat on his partner Monica Geller [played by Courteney Cox] before he caught wind of the controversial storyline and altered it. That was a good call as fans might not have forgiven the show if Chandler and Monica — one of the most beloved couples on the NBC sitcom, had gone down that road.

When actress Lisa Cash joined the cast of "Friends" in season five, she was given the small role of an extra. However, her role might have been expanded to involve an affair after Chandler and Monica's fight in Las Vegas.

The California native, who was featured in the 1999 episode titled "The One in Vegas: Part 1," revealed that her character in the episode was initially far more controversial.

"I was super-excited. Initially in our script, Chandler goes up to the hotel room, and orders room service. I bring it up as a hotel worker and we end up talking and laughing and connecting. And Chandler ends up cheating on Monica with my character," she began.

Cash revealed that after rehearsing the scene, Matthew Perry went to the writers and insisted they remove it, pointing to the actor's evident awareness of how much the couple meant to fans. Recounting the event to TMZ, the American Conservatory Theatre alum said:

"We had rehearsed it and everything, and the day before we were shooting in front of a live audience. I was told that [Perry] went to the writers and said the audience would never forgive him for cheating on Monica. He was probably right.That would have changed the course of the show and his character."

Cash's interview comes just two days after The Blast reported that loved ones, including celebrity friends, had turned up to his funeral at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, California. His "Friends" co-stars — Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, and Lisa Kudrow — were also seen walking to the cemetery in their black outfits.

Even though Matt LeBlanc wasn't seen at the Memorial Park alongside his on-screen pals, he was spotted a few days ago, driving in his car and seemingly trying to avoid paparazzi. It's worth noting that the "Episodes" star could have been in attendance and just avoided getting caught on camera.

Since the news of the late 54-year-old's death broke a week ago, tributes have poured in from all over the world. One of the most remarkable homages he revived came when a church tower in the Netherlands played the "Friends" theme song in his honor.

As The Blast observed, videos of the carillonneur of the Martini Tower in Groningen, the Netherlands playing the tune made social media rounds and promptly got fans in their feelings. One Reddit user's lengthy response to the sweet moment read:

"This is beautiful. And somewhat crazy how so many people seem touched by his death. I'm not exactly surprised because I'm also more touched than I'd like to admit but I don't remember so many public tributes to another recent celebrity death."

Sharing that the sound brought back memories, another Reddit user typed, "I was studying abroad in the mid-2000s and every time I would get homesick, I would turn on the TV and Friends would be on. We would do weekend trips to neighboring countries, and I would turn on the TV and Friends would be on."

Continuing the reflection, they added, "Friends was- and still is- a universal language, and knowing that it means as much to so many as it does to me both makes this sadder and helps with the sadness. RIP Matthew."

Over on TikTok, one user noted in the comments, "That's so sweet and sad. Rest In Peace Mathew Perry," as another declared, "The global reach is incredible. I hope he knew how loved he was," and a third claimed, "He must be smiling. Even tho he didn't want Friends to be his legacy the healing through laughter he gave millions is amazing!!"