Matthew Perry's Friends co-stars won't be appearing in the star's new Netflix documentary after making a heartbreaking decision about the show.
Perry, who tragically died in 2023 following an accidental overdose, will forever be revered for playing the iconic Chandler Bing alongside Hollywood stars, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow.
Documentary details
Following his devastating death, Netflix has produced a three-part documentary honouring the star called The One About Matthew Perry. The programme, which airs on October 27, is said to reveal the real actor - including Perry's desperate struggles with addiction.
Testimonies to the star will be revealed by his close friends and family. However, the actor's Friends co-stars have decided not to take part in the documentary, despite being contacted by Netflix.
Co-stars' decision
Claiming the group chose to not participate, an insider told Page Six: “They were reached out to and decided not to participate. Ultimately, the series gives a voice to other friends and colleagues in his life who have memory and love from Matthew.”
Heartbreakingly, a second source said that appearing in the documentary would be too painful for one huge star from the show, who was particularly close to Perry.
Explaining why seasoned actress, Jennifer Aniston, 57, would not be involved, they said: “There’s no way Jen would ever do something like that. She isn’t going to sit down and start crying on camera. She doesn’t want to relive it and have it be so public.”
Perry remained close with all of his former Friends co-stars after the show ended in 2004. However, he credited Jennifer for being the one who checked in on him the most.
Sister's tribute
Friends fans were left heartbroken when news of Perry's death was announced three years ago. The actor was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023. His death was determined to have been caused by the acute effects of ketamine, having had addiction issues for a number of years.
In the Netflix show, the star's sister, Mia, reveals her brother spent a staggering $7 million trying to get sober. She says: "All great stories have comedy and tragedy in them, and that certainly was Matthew's story.
"My brother would talk about that feeling of emptiness or loneliness that he couldn't quite fill. He spent $7 million trying to get sober. That's how seriously he took his disease."
Addressing her decision to take part in the documentary, Mia explains: “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.
"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."
The One About Matthew Perry will be released on Netflix on October 27.
