LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As condolences and tributes pour in from fans, friends, and coworkers in the wake of Matthew Perry's death, a scene of the actor from 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' has gone viral.
X (formerly Twitter) user @TicsVitsJacThic shared a clip from the 2006 drama where Perry's character, Matt Albie, can be seen talking about his addiction, making it familiar to those who are aware of the 'Friend' star's battle with opioid abuse.
The caption read, "Often lost in Matthew Perry’s catalogue of work is Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip probably due to it’s, in my opinion, unfair early cancellation. I can’t imagine how difficult it was to play what was essentially a depiction of himself in ways. This scene hits even harder now."
Perry, who rose to fame on the popular NBC sitcom 'Friends,' was discovered unresponsive in a jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home on Saturday, October 28, per law enforcement sources who spoke to the Los Angeles Times.
During the ten seasons of 'Friends,' which aired from 1994 to 2004, Perry became popular throughout the world for his portrayal of the witty, quick-witted Chandler.
The actor also worked in TV shows like 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' and 'The Odd Couple' as well as films like 'Fools Rush In', 'Almost Heroes', and 'Three to Tango'.
Internet left in tatters as Matthew Perry's scene from 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' goes viral
Soon after the video of Mattew Perry talking about addiction on 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' was posted, netizens flocked to reply with their condolences as well as views about the show.
One wrote, "This was such a great show. Never should have been canceled. Some really great work from Matthew Perry. May he rest in peace."
Another added, "Having never watched the west wing, this show was such a breath of fresh air. And he was such a huge part of it. I wish this show had gotten more seasons. It was incredible."
One more wrote, "He was excellent in this and painfully self deprecating at times."
A user hailed Perry and the show, saying, "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip was AWESOME and I was crushed when it got canceled. MP was brilliant."
"That was a great show. Still shocked that he is gone! The treasures of comedy and the lessons of sobriety with which he left us. He was a true gift," noted another fan.
Someone else expressed, "It really is a powerful,satirical and overlooked drama,with Mathew Perry,giving the perfect performance-maybe it will get another look,now!"
Why 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' was canceled?
'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip', a comedy-drama TV show created and primarily written by Aaron Sorkin, was canceled after just a single season due to low viewership and unfavorable reviews.
The show's basic premise revolved around the production of a live comedy series similar to that of Saturday Night Live.
As it shared a similar premise as '30 Rock', 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' did appear to have the best chance of succeeding at the time. However, the cost of producing 'Studio 60' episodes was also expensive, and NBC was not getting a return on their investment, according to Film School Rejects.
'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' ran on NBC from September 18, 2006, to June 28, 2007, and became one of the four TV shows created by Sorkin to not air for more than a single season.
Speaking with USA Today, Matthew Perry previously shared that the end of 'Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip' gave him tremendous insight into the world of television, saying, "Studio 60 taught me that even if a show has this insane amount of power behind it, you never know what's going to happen."
He added, "I was really proud of being part of that, because that pilot was just as good as anything I've seen on television. I can't believe I was in it."