Intimate Details Revealed in New Matthew Perry Documentary

A new Netflix documentary explores the life of Friends star Matthew Perry, delving into his battles with addiction, relationships, and the aftermath of his passing nearly three years ago. Titled The One About Matthew Perry, this three-part series moves beyond his death due to a ketamine overdose, highlighting personal struggles and acts of kindness from his closest companions.

The Documentary’s Personal Accounts

Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, along with old friends, share lesser-known events from his life. Directed by Mary Robertson, the series debuts on October 27, the day before the third anniversary of Perry’s death. Robertson’s inspiration came from reading Perry’s 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, and her connection with Bowick, who discusses her brother candidly for the first time.

Five Key Takeaways

1. Perry’s Financial Commitment to Sobriety: The documentary emphasizes the substantial financial commitment Perry made towards his recovery, spending over $7 million. This figure illustrates his deep commitment to overcoming addiction. Discrepancies exist between this and reports from his memoir, which claim he spent over $9 million on rehab.
2. Family Insights During Filming of Friends: Perry’s family was acutely aware of his struggles during key filming moments, such as Chandler and Monica’s wedding episode. Bowick reveals that Perry had re-entered treatment afterward due to worsening substance issues.
3. Perry’s Difficulties During the Friends Reunion: The highly anticipated 2021 Friends reunion was a challenging experience for those close to Perry. Bowick and others recount how his health issues had taken a toll on his energy, and how recovering from a life-threatening condition impacted the reunion.
4. Perry’s Kindness Towards Friends: The series highlights Perry’s generous nature, such as inviting Tim Harrington, whom he met during recovery, to live with him to avoid homelessness. Perry’s dedication to helping others in similar situations extended to public advocacy and creating sober-living homes.
5. The Final Farewell: An intimate account of Perry’s funeral is shared, with Bowick describing how Perry’s Friends co-stars arrived together, offering poignant tributes to their colleague and friend.

Timeline of Perry’s Passing

Perry died on October 28, 2023, at 54. He passed away from acute effects of ketamine, compounded by heart disease and buprenorphine use. Federal investigations later highlighted how his legitimate ketamine treatment for depression expanded into unauthorized acquisition and consumption of the drug.

Insights from Interviews

The documentary includes perspectives from several people who knew Perry during different phases of his life. Though his Friends co-stars were invited to contribute, they chose not to participate. Robertson respects their decision, acknowledging diverse ways of dealing with grief.

Perry’s Rehab Odyssey

Highlighting the ongoing battle with addiction, Perry entered rehab more than a dozen times. This journey, featuring prominently in both his memoir and the documentary, overlaps with his professional career, including during pivotal moments on Friends.

Perry’s Private Funeral

A private ceremony in the Hollywood Hills marked Perry’s final resting place. The documentary opens a window into this personal farewell, reinforcing the deep friendship bonds fostered during his life.

How to Watch the Documentary

The One About Matthew Perry is available on Netflix starting October 27. A Netflix subscription is required, with options ranging from $8.99 to $26.99 monthly. There are varied plans offering different viewing benefits.