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Maggie Wheeler Reflects on a Heartfelt Sign from Matthew Perry After His Passing
Apr
Introduction: A Heartfelt Reflection from Maggie Wheeler
In a deeply emotional moment, Maggie Wheeler, best known for her role as Janice on the beloved sitcom Friends, recently shared a moving encounter that she believes was a sign from her late co-star, Matthew Perry. Perry, who portrayed Chandler Bing, tragically passed away in October 2023 from a drug overdose. Wheeler, who spent years working alongside Perry, expressed how much she misses him, both as a friend and a professional colleague. On a podcast in April 2025, Wheeler described a profound moment of connection she experienced after his passing, involving two hawks that she believes were sent by Perry’s spirit. This moment serves as a testament to the enduring bond between the two stars, even after Perry’s death.
The Connection with Matthew Perry: A Longtime Friendship
Maggie Wheeler and Matthew Perry shared an unforgettable bond while working together on Friends, with Wheeler’s character Janice becoming one of Chandler Bing’s most iconic romantic interests. Despite Janice’s hilariously annoying laugh and persistent presence in Chandler’s life, her character was a crucial part of the sitcom’s narrative, providing some of the show’s most memorable moments. Wheeler’s recounting of her friendship with Perry highlights the depth of their connection, as she recalls his warmth, humor, and the personal struggles he faced throughout his life. Her grief over his passing is a reflection of the love and admiration they shared as colleagues and friends.
The Spiritual Sign: A Sign from the Other Side?
In an interview on Still Here Hollywood with Steve Kmetko, Wheeler described an encounter that she believes was a spiritual sign from Perry. After his death, she was at a neighbor’s pool, alone and reflecting on her brother, who also struggled with addiction. While lying on her back, Wheeler called out to her brother, asking him to “look out for [Perry].” It was then that two hawks appeared overhead, one circling around the other before flying past her. To Wheeler, this sighting felt like a meaningful sign from Perry, a beautiful moment that offered a sense of closure and peace. She acknowledged that many people believe spirits can communicate through birds and other natural occurrences, and this experience provided a moment of comfort and connection.
The Pain of Addiction: A Shared Experience
The grief Wheeler feels over Perry’s passing is compounded by her own personal history with addiction. She shared that she had lost her brother to addiction, making Perry’s death all the more poignant. In her reflections, Wheeler highlighted the profound struggle Perry faced throughout his life with addiction, as documented in his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing. In this book, Perry candidly spoke about his years of battling addiction, revealing that he had spent millions of dollars trying to get sober, despite the ongoing challenge. Wheeler’s words capture the sadness and heartbreak that came with the loss of a man who was not only a brilliant actor but someone who fought an incredibly tough battle behind closed doors.
The Enduring Legacy of Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry’s impact on the world extends far beyond his role as Chandler Bing. Through his memoir and public statements, Perry inspired countless individuals struggling with addiction, offering them a sense of hope and understanding. Wheeler reflected on how many people were affected by Perry’s passing, from his Friends co-stars to the millions of fans who grew up watching the show. She spoke about the “ripple effect” his life and work had on the world, noting that while his struggle with addiction was heartbreaking, it also made his moments of joy and humor even more significant. The legacy Perry left behind is one of laughter, love, and the courage to be open about his struggles.
Conclusion: A Final Goodbye and Spiritual Comfort
Maggie Wheeler’s heartfelt reflection on Matthew Perry’s passing provides a touching look at the emotional journey of losing a friend and co-worker. Her belief in the spiritual sign from Perry in the form of the two hawks offers a sense of comfort and closure, providing a moment of peace in the midst of grief. As she continues to remember Perry, she also reflects on the profound impact he had on both her personal life and the lives of many others. His legacy as Chandler Bing and as an advocate for addiction recovery will continue to resonate, leaving a lasting mark on the world. For Wheeler, the sign she received from Perry is a reminder that love and connection transcend even death, and that sometimes, even in the most unlikely ways, our loved ones continue to make their presence felt.
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