For over a decade and across 236 episodes, Matthew Perry brought laughter to the world as Chandler Bing on the era-defining sitcom Friends.
As the quick-witted, brilliantly sarcastic and unwaveringly loyal character of the series, Perry spun everyday anxieties into some of television’s most quoted lines — and for millions around the globe, became their favourite Friend.
But the reality for the real-life Friend was unequivocally different, with Perry battling with addiction for much of his adult life.
The beloved actor was tragically found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023, with his passing determined to have been caused by the acute effects of ketamine.
In an explosive new Netflix documentary about the Friends star, set to be released on the third anniversary of his death, his sister Mia Perry Bowick reveals the incredible lengths Perry went to in order to stay sober.
“All great stories have comedy and tragedy in them, and that certainly was Matthew’s story,” she began.
“My brother would talk about that feeling of emptiness or loneliness that he couldn’t quite fill. He spent $7 million (AUD $10 million) trying to get sober. That’s how seriously he took his disease.”
In a trailer for the documentary released on Monday, Ms Perry Bowick and several of the late star’s closest friends, tearfully recount Perry’s battle with drink and drugs.
Interviews with NBC President Warren Littlefiend and Friends season one writer Jeff Strauss also delve into the audition that changed Perry’s life forever and the subsequent creation of his iconic TV character Chandler Bing.
The three-part series also shares never-before-seen photos and videos from the Perry family’s private archive.
Netflix say the series explores “the full scope of who Matthew was: the comedic genius, the man who grappled with addiction, the advocate in the addiction and recovery space”.
The documentary’s Emmy winning director Mary Robertson, said she hoped the series would “reveal the person behind the public figure.”
Ms Robertson said: “Matthew Perry was one of the comedic geniuses of our time. Through his many films, TV and stage performances, and his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, he made millions of us laugh, connect, and feel a little less alone.
“He also gave us so much more by bravely speaking about addiction. Yet the public only knew part of his story. That’s why we set out to make this film: to let the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind the public figure.”
The One About Matthew Perry will be available to stream on Netflix in Australia from October 27.
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