Matthew Perry’s life story will be told by his friends and family in a new three-part Netflix documentary, the streamer has announced.
Netflix said Tuesday that The One About Matthew Perry will mark the “first in-depth, definitive documentary” about the life of the late Friends star, from his storied career as a sitcom actor to his personal experiences with addiction.
It will feature never-before-heard testimonies from Perry’s sister Mia Perry Bowick, unreleased footage from the Perry family’s private archive and will hear from his former creative collaborators and lifelong friends, who are set to share “candid new details on his private struggles.”
Bowick said in a statement that she was finally ready to share memories of her brother’s legacy after he died in October 2023, aged 54.
“It’s taken time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life — to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler, and not just as someone who struggled with addiction,” Bowick said.
open image in gallery“As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I’ve devoted my life. Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and feel loved,” she continued.
“I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was, and the legacy he leaves behind.”
The One About Matthew Perry is directed by Emmy-winning director Mary Robertson, who calls Perry “one of the comedic geniuses of our time.”
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“Through his many films, TV and stage performances, and his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, he made millions of us laugh, connect, and feel a little less alone,” Robertson said.
“He also gave us so much more by bravely speaking about addiction. Yet the public only knew part of his story,” the statement continued. “That’s why we set out to make this series: to let the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind the public figure.”
open image in gallery
open image in galleryThe docuseries will premiere on the streaming platform on October 27, the day before the third anniversary of Perry’s death on October 28, 2023.
Perry died from an accidental overdose caused by the “acute effects” of ketamine, an autopsy revealed.
On August 19, the Matthew Perry House — the foundation set up to honor Perry’s legacy and support people dealing with addiction — shared a tribute from the late actor’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, on what would have been his 57th birthday.
“August 19th. It’s his birthday. Matthew was born 57 years ago today, a day that I feel as keenly as if [it] all happened this very morning,” she wrote. “Along with all the days he struggled, and the days he hid his addiction from the world, and even from me.”
“Sweet, loving, funny, cantankerous, pig-headed Matthew, who wanted — so much — to be well. I miss him terribly. All the time. Every day.”
“And I hear him saying over and over in those last days of his life, ‘I just want to help people like me, stuck in the disease of addiction,’” she continued. “He can’t anymore. But we can. And with your help, we will.”
If you or someone you know is suffering from drug addiction, you can seek confidential help and support 24-7 from Frank, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111, sending an email or visiting their website here.
In the US, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration can be reached at 1-800-662-HELP