Tom Selleck has reflected on the challenges of channeling Matthew Perry’s iconic Chandler Bing from Friends during his time on the show.
In an episode featuring Selleck’s recurring role as ophthalmologist Richard Burke, the actor was tasked with mimicking Perry’s distinct sarcastic style. “We had this role reversal thing going, where Richard tried to be like Chandler and Joey, and they tried to be like me,” Selleck tells USA TODAY.
Selleck admits that capturing Perry’s unique delivery for a line about Richard’s foosball skills was no easy feat. “Matthew had a specific speech pattern that I hadn’t fully grasped,” he explains. To perfect the Chandler-esque line, “Could that shot be any prettier?” Selleck sought Perry’s guidance.
Perry, who passed away on October 28 at the age of 54, was patient with Selleck. “Matt told me, ‘It’s a joke, Tom. It’s all about the way he says it.’ Throughout the shoot, I kept asking him, ‘Can you say it again?’ and he would oblige,” Selleck recalls.
The 78-year-old actor shared these insights ahead of his return for Season 14 of Blue Bloods.
