A new documentary titled *The One About Matthew Perry* is set to premiere on Netflix on 27 October, coinciding with the third anniversary of the beloved actor’s passing. Directed by Mary Robertson, this three-part series aims to provide insight into the personal life of Perry, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom *Friends*.
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Robertson expressed her deep connection to Perry, stating that like countless others, her admiration for him began with his portrayal of the character on *Friends*. “I always connected with this warmth and vulnerability that he projected,” she remarked. This connection was further intensified during the time when viewers eagerly awaited new episodes each week, effectively welcoming Perry into their living rooms.
The impetus for the documentary surged after Perry released his memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, in 2022. Robertson described consuming the memoir in a single day, captivated by its unflinching honesty and the humour interwoven within the poignant narrative of Perry’s struggles. The memoir not only charted his professional successes but also laid bare the battles he faced with addiction, prompting Robertson to consider the relationships that surrounded him.
Following Perry’s tragic death due to an accidental overdose in 2023, Robertson felt a renewed commitment to tell his story comprehensively. She observed that while the memoir was a valuable testament to Perry’s struggles, it lacked the perspective and voices of those who loved him. “He was fighting in the first person,” Robertson noted, highlighting the necessity for the stories from Perry’s friends and family, who wished to share what it meant to love someone grappling with addiction.
Robertson embarked on a mission to gather these voices, reaching out to people connected to Perry. This time, the response was more favourable, ultimately leading her to develop connections with several of Perry’s close friends and family. “On the basis of those connections, I started conversations with our partners at Netflix, and they were very enthusiastic about the vision for this project,” she recounted.
One of the most significant moments in the documentary process was her conversation with Mia Perry Bowick, Matthew’s sister, who had not spoken publicly about him since his passing. Recalling their first Zoom meeting, Robertson described the emotional atmosphere, as Mia and her husband took a deep breath before expressing their own nerves. “We forged a connection in that moment,” Robertson explained, noting their shared desire to humanise Perry beyond his celebrity status.
Mia’s willingness to share her brother’s story contributes greatly to the documentary’s depth. She aims to highlight not just his accomplishments but also the struggles and commitment he demonstrated in fighting his addiction. “She wants the audience to understand that her brother was a brilliant creator,” Robertson stated, emphasising that the film seeks to help anyone who has loved someone dealing with addiction.
In the documentary, Mia reveals that Matthew dedicated a significant amount of resources—approximately £5.7 million—towards his treatment over the years. This information serves as a testament to his unwavering commitment to recovery. One poignant moment captured in the film features Mia speaking on behalf of their father, John Bennett Perry, who was unable to participate due to health reasons. Mia expressed that her father would be proud of Matthew’s efforts to achieve sobriety.
The documentary also includes interviews with several of Perry’s close friends, some of whom met him during his early acting career in Los Angeles. Among them is Tim Harrington, who first connected with Perry in a recovery meeting in 2001 and feels he owes his own life to Perry. Additionally, some of Matthew’s former partners have also contributed their reflections, aiming to celebrate a side of him that is less known.
As the film approaches its release, Robertson shared her hopes for audience reception. “I hope we made it funny enough for him,” she said, expressing awareness of Perry’s comedic legacy. “I’ve learned through his people that he would want this film to be funny,” she added, ensuring that the documentary maintains a balance of humour in honour of the actor’s essence.
*The One About Matthew Perry* is slated for release on Netflix on 27 October, inviting viewers to reminisce about the man behind the beloved character and the complexities of his life. For those dealing with substance abuse issues, assistance is available through resources such as the SAMHSA helpline.