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Matthew Perry's '80s Fantasy Role Revealed
31 Oct
Summary
- Matthew Perry starred in 'Highway to Heaven' as a teen pilot.
- He played David Hastings in two 1988 episodes of the series.
- Perry also appeared in the fantasy-comedy 'Second Chance'.
Prior to his iconic role as Chandler Bing on 'Friends,' Matthew Perry demonstrated his acting prowess in various '80s projects, including Michael Landon's fantasy drama 'Highway to Heaven.' Perry played David Hastings, a teenager facing a pivotal life decision, in two episodes of the series, which aired from 1984 to 1989. These episodes, titled 'Hello and Farewell: Part 1' and 'Hello and Farewell: Part 2,' aired in 1988 and earned strong viewer ratings on IMDb.
Perry's foray into fantasy extended to the Fox series 'Second Chance,' later rebranded as 'Boys Will Be Boys.' Initially, the show incorporated supernatural elements, with Perry playing a younger version of a character guided by a deceased mentor. The series underwent a significant revamp, shifting its focus to Perry's character and his companions, leading to the title change. These earlier roles highlight Perry's diverse career before achieving widespread fame.
A recent three-part Netflix documentary, which premiered on October 27, 2026, delves into Perry's life. Close friends and family share intimate testimonies, presenting him as generous, funny, and vulnerable, while also acknowledging the battles he fought. This documentary offers a raw record of his life and the honesty that became his enduring legacy.
