Matthew Perry: Netflix is preparing a documentary series on the old Friends
The one who tells what happened.
Three years after the death of the Friends star, Netflix will devote a three-episode documentary series to the life and career of Matthew Perry.
Entitled The One About Matthew Perry, it will be put online on October 27.
The documentary intends to look back on the actor’s journey, from his beginnings as a young actor to his status as a world star thanks to Chandler Bing, the character he played for ten seasons in Friends. But the series will not stop at its immense success: it will also address the personal difficulties of Matthew Perry, in particular his fight against addictions.
The main voice of the documentary will be that of his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, who agreed to share memories and documents from the family archives. Netflix notably announces previously unseen photos and videos of the actor. Several of his “long-time close friends” as well as artistic collaborators are also expected to testify. On the other hand, the possible presence of the other members of the cast of Friends has not yet been confirmed. Mia Perry Bowick explains:
“It took me a while before I felt ready to share these memories and what it meant to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life – to see him as a whole person, not just Chandler or someone who suffered from addiction. Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit. Even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and make you feel loved.”
Directed by Mary Robertson, known notably for Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV and as producer of Framing Britney Spears, the documentary will also be produced by her company Maxine Productions, with Sony Pictures Television.
The director considers Matthew Perry “one of the comedic geniuses of our time… Through his many roles in film, television and stage, and his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, he made millions of us laugh, made us feel connected and a little less alone. He also gave us so much more by courageously speaking out about his addiction.”
For Robertson, the objective of the series is precisely to go beyond the image of the Friends star to reveal the man who was hiding behind the character:
“The public only knew part of his story. That’s why we wanted to do this series: to allow those who knew and loved Matthew to reveal the person behind the public persona.”
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023 at the age of 54.
