The new Netflix documentary series The One About Matthew Perry is now streaming, offering a three-part look at the late actor's life away from the cameras, including his struggles with substance abuse. However, the programme notably does not feature interviews with his Friends co-stars.
Perry, who became inseparable from the character Chandler Bing for audiences worldwide, died from an accidental overdose in October 2023. His death prompted an outpouring of mourning from his co-stars and fans globally. While those close to Perry share their recollections in the documentary, his on-screen best friends are not interviewed.
Why the Friends Cast Are Not in the Documentary
The Friends cast have publicly posted tributes celebrating Perry's life over the past three years, yet they chose not to take part in the Netflix documentary. Director Mary Robertson clarified their choice, telling Tudum: "We know the cast of Friends loves Matthew and are grieving in their own ways. We did approach them, and they decided not to participate."
Robertson added: "I feel so privileged and honoured, though, by the participation of a producer and writer [Jeff Strauss] who worked very closely on Friends, and the photographs that were shared with us ... [which] allowed us to offer a perspective on that sitcom that I don't think you've heard before and that is quite intimate."
Perry's Sister Shares Personal Memories
Within the documentary, Perry's sister Mia disclosed that her brother invested $7 million attempting to get sober. She stated: "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."
Reflecting on her decision to participate, Mia commented: "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." She added: "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."
Perry's Death and Legacy
The late actor maintained close bonds with his Friends co-stars following the sitcom's conclusion in 2004. He was found dead in the hot tub at his southern California residence in October 2023, with medical examiners determining that he died from the acute effects of ketamine.
The One About Matthew Perry can be streamed on Netflix now.
