Netflix has revealed plans for a three-part documentary series focused on the life of the late actor Matthew Perry, scheduled for release next month. Perry, who gained fame for his role as the comedic Chandler Bing in the beloved television series Friends, passed away at the age of 54 in 2023 due to an overdose of ketamine. He had been candid about his enduring struggle with substance abuse.
The docuseries, titled The One About Matthew Perry, is set to debut on October 27. It aims to explore not only his struggles with addiction—which have garnered increased attention since his passing—but also his career and personal life beyond the character that made him famous. The title is inspired by the naming convention used for episodes of Friends.
In a statement to Deadline, Mia Perry Bowick, Matthew’s sister, expressed that it took time for her to feel ready to share her memories of him, emphasizing the importance of seeing him as a complete individual rather than merely as Chandler or as someone who faced addiction.
Mia reflected on her brother’s “beautiful heart” and “generous spirit,” noting that even during his most challenging times, he had the ability to bring joy and love to those around him. She hopes that the series will provide a deeper understanding of Matthew for those who admired him, whether personally or from a distance, and highlight the legacy he has left behind.
The official description of the docuseries states, “The One About Matthew Perry reveals the real Matthew Perry—a generous, humorous, vulnerable, and larger-than-life individual—along with the struggles he faced to become the man behind the icon. It offers an unfiltered account of a life fully lived and the honesty that became his most significant legacy.”
Matthew Perry began his acting career in 1979, but it was in 1994 that he achieved fame with his role as Chandler Bing on Friends. He was part of the show’s main ensemble, which included Jennifer Aniston as Rachel Green, David Schwimmer as Ross Geller, Courteney Cox as Monica Geller, Matt LeBlanc as Joey Tribbiani, and Lisa Kudrow as Phoebe Buffay. The iconic sitcom aired for ten successful seasons, concluding in 2004.
The success of Friends also paved the way for Perry’s film career. He starred in his first leading role alongside Salma Hayek in the 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In. His filmography includes notable performances with Bruce Willis in the 2000 crime comedy The Whole Nine Yards, Elizabeth Hurley in the 2002 romantic comedy Serving Sara, and in the 2009 fantasy comedy 17 Again.
Perry also took on the role of executive producer for the 2007 dark romantic comedy Numb, which delved into the protagonist’s mental health challenges.
Matthew Perry was discovered deceased in the hot tub at his residence in Los Angeles in October 2023. The medical examiner determined that the acute effects of ketamine, a drug frequently utilized as an anesthetic, were the primary cause of his death, with drowning listed as a contributing factor.
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