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A “Friend” Died But We Never Knew Him, So Why So Sad?
TV shows don’t engender worldwide sorrow, but when Matthew Perry died, things were different. Why?
Even if they did not personally know him, the passing of a well-known actor like Matthew Perry might have a significant impact on people all over the world. This phenomenon, frequently referred to as “parasocial relationships,” happens when individuals form emotional connections with well-known individuals—celebrities, for example—despite never having actually met.
With the TV series Friends, there was a special connection for millions who related to the show’s ensemble cast and the show’s content. It portrayed what they felt was reminiscent of their lives. When Matthew Perry, the Chandler Bing character, died suddenly, it was more than what we’ve seen when other famous actors die. Perry was buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in CA on November 3, 2023, with 20 people in attendance, including the entire cast of “Friends” and his parents.
Yes, there were crowds and mourning when John Lennon, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Farrah Fawcett, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Jim Morrison, and Elvis Presley died, but only Presley's death has resulted in a yearly anticipated outflow of fans to his Memphis grave. Morrison’s grave has been visited regularly for “parties” and painting of the stones or…
