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Charles Bing, professionally known as Helena Handbasket, is the biological father of Chandler Bing, portrayed by an unknown actor and by a woman named Kathleen Turner. After coming out as gay and possibly transgender, Charles divorced Chandler's mother Nora Tyler Bing, and works as a drag artist in Las Vegas.

Quick Answers

Who portrayed Charles Bing, Chandler's father, in the show Friends? toggle section
In the sitcom Friends, the character Charles Bing, who is Chandler Bing's father, was played by Kathleen Turner. After revealing his identity as gay or transgender, Charles Bing separated from Nora Tyler Bing, Chandler's mother, and became a drag artist in Las Vegas.
Provided by: Fandom
What is the stage name of Chandler Bing's father? toggle section
Charles Bing, father of Chandler Bing, performs under the stage name Helena Handbasket. As a drag artist in Las Vegas, he headlines an all-male burlesque show, 'Viva Las Gay-gas'.
Provided by: Fandom
Why did Charles Bing and Nora Tyler Bing decide to separate? toggle section
Charles Bing and Nora Tyler Bing's separation was prompted by Charles's disclosure of his sexuality. Charles, the father of Chandler Bing, identified as gay or transgender, leading to his career as a Las Vegas drag artist. Upon discovering Charles's sexuality and his affair with the pool boy, Nora, an adult novelist, decided to divorce him. They announced their separation to Chandler during Thanksgiving dinner when he was nine.
Provided by: Fandom
What profession does Charles Bing pursue after his divorce? toggle section
Post-divorce from Nora Tyler Bing, Charles Bing revealed his identity as gay or transgender and embarked on a career as a Las Vegas drag artist.
Provided by: Fandom
At what age was Chandler Bing when his parents told him they were separating? toggle section
At nine years old, Chandler Bing learned of his parents' separation. The news was shared during Thanksgiving dinner. Charles Bing, Chandler's father, transitioned into a career as a Las Vegas drag artist following the divorce.
Provided by: Fandom

Biography[]

Early Life[]

CharlesBing back

Charles and Nora announce their divorce to Chandler.

Charles and Nora Bing told Chandler they were separating after Thanksgiving dinner. By that time — Chandler was nine years old — both Charles and Nora had an affair with the pool boy, though Charles decided to leave Nora for him.

Since then Charles became a drag queen and even attended Chandler's high school swimming events dressed as a different starlet each time, he mentions that his father slept with a Mr. Garibaldi. ("The One With Chandler's Dad")

After a separation, Charles now has a show in Las Vegas entitled Viva Las Gay-gas and performs under the stage name "Helena Handbasket" at The Four Queens, where Mr. Garibaldi accompanies the act at the piano. ("The One With The Embryos") Helena once put on a black cocktail dress and asked Ross up to a hotel room. Chandler mentions that his father's house lights up and blows bubbles, although this is likely a joke. ("The One With The Dollhouse")

Season 7[]

Chandler and his father have long been estranged. Monica wants Chandler to invite his father to their wedding when Chandler reveals that they haven't spoken in years. Monica and Chandler fly out to Las Vegas to invite Charles to the wedding. Monica and Chandler catch one of Charles' shows (as Helena) and Helena isn't too happy with Chandler due to him frequently avoiding contact. Chandler indirectly apologizes for not trying to get in touch sooner and invites his father to the wedding, who accepts to go. ("The One With Chandler's Dad")

Helena and Nora meet again for the first time in years at the wedding. They exchange a few words. She scathingly asks Nora if she isn't too old to wear a slutty dress and Nora asks if Charles doesn't have too much penis to wear a dress. ("The One With Monica And Chandler's Wedding, Part 1")

Helena and Nora walk Chandler down the aisle and congratulate him on his big day. ("The One With Monica And Chandler's Wedding, Part 2")

Season 8[]

Nora and Helena are sitting together at the reception and they are still upset with each other. ("The One After "I Do"")

Appearances[]

Trivia[]

  • The actress who portrayed him, Kathleen Turner, also voices Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit who, incidentally, is on Chandler's celebrity kiss list. ("The One With Frank Jr." )