Netflix announces revealing documentary series about Matthew Perry
Matthew Perry (photo: Getty Images)
Streaming service Netflix has announced the release of the documentary series The One About Matthew Perry, dedicated to the life and career of American actor Matthew Perry. The three-part project will feature previously unseen footage from the star’s family archive and reveal unique details about his life, according to Netflix.
What the Matthew Perry documentary will show
The documentary will feature the actor’s sister, Mia Perry Bovic. She will share personal memories of her brother. The series will also include previously unreleased photos and videos from the family archive.
The creators promise to trace the actor’s journey from a young comedy star to one of the most famous television actors of his generation. Special attention will be paid to his personal struggles and battle with addiction.
According to the creators, viewers will learn new details about Matthew’s private life and legacy, including his efforts to openly discuss addiction and the importance of helping people who face it.
It is not yet known whether other Friends actors will appear in the documentary series. At the same time, Netflix says that some of his “closest friends” and “creative collaborators” took part in the project.
Netflix to release documentary about Matthew Perry (photo: instagram.com/MattyPerry4)
What the actor’s sister said
Mia admitted that it took her time to be ready to speak publicly about her brother’s life. She wanted to show Perry as a whole person, rather than simply a star or someone struggling with addiction.
“Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous soul, and even in the hardest moments, he could still make you laugh and make you feel loved,” she shared.
She hopes the series will help fans better understand who Perry really was as a person and appreciate his legacy.
“Because of him, I became the person I am today, the person I strive to be, and found the cause to which I have devoted my life,” Mia admitted.
Perry as Chandler (still from the series)
Who created the documentary and when it premieres
The One About Matthew Perry was directed by Mary Robertson, known for her work on the documentary series Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV and as a producer of Framing Britney Spears.
Robertson also served as an executive producer on the project. Other executive producers include Lisa Kalikov, Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman. Laura Moftak served as a co-executive producer, while Jessica Koll was a producer.
The director called Perry one of the greatest comedic talents of his generation. According to her, through his roles in film, television and on stage, and especially his portrayal of Chandler, the actor made people laugh, feel connected to others and feel less alone.
At the same time, she noted that the public knew only part of his story. That is why the creators decided to give a voice to people who personally knew and loved the actor.
The documentary series is set to premiere on Netflix on October 27. The project will consist of three episodes.
What is known about Perry’s death
As a reminder, the actor died in October 2023 at the age of 54. His death was caused by an accidental overdose of ketamine.
Afterward, law enforcement began investigating how the drug ended up in Perry’s possession and determined that several people were involved in its illegal supply.
Five people were arrested in connection with the case, including two doctors — Salvador Plasencia and Mark Chavez — the actor’s personal assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, intermediary Eric Fleming, and drug dealer Jasveen Sangha.
