Matthew Perry’s sister is revisiting the dark chapter in a new Netflix documentary, recalling the late Friends star’s $7 million fight for sobriety. For a decade, the man behind Chandler Bing captured the hearts of millions around the globe, anchoring one of the most beloved sitcoms in television history while battling an intensely private, grueling behind-the-scenes war with addiction.

Now, exactly three years after his tragic passing, a forthcoming Netflix documentary is set to pull back the curtain on the complex reality behind the laughter and global superstardom. Among the things said and revealed about his legacy, the late actor’s sister has revealed the expensive cost of his quest for sobriety.

The One About Matthew Perry steers directly into the more painful chapters of the late Friends star's life. In the initial preview for the three-part documentary, his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, suggests the project will unflinchingly examine both the triumphs and tribulations of her brother's journey, arriving three years after his sudden passing at age 54 stunned the entertainment world. At some point in the trailer, Bowick talks about her brother's battles with substance abuse while also recognizing his resolve to become sober and assist others in doing the same.

“My brother would talk about that feeling of emptiness or loneliness that he couldn’t quite fill,” Bowick said. 

“He spent $7 million trying to get sober. That’s how seriously he took his disease,” she further added in the trailer.

Reflecting on her brother's lifelong battle in the trailer, she later noted that his craft served as a vital anchor throughout his struggles, explaining that bringing joy to audiences provided him with a profound sense of comfort and well-being. Notably, Perry was candid about his battles with addiction throughout his life, claiming to have attended treatment fifteen times.

On October 28, 2023, he passed away at the age of 54 due to the acute effects of ketamine. Drowning, coronary artery disease, and the effects of buprenorphine were noted as contributory factors to his death, which was declared an accident. The documentary is set to release on October 27, marking the three-year anniversary of the late actor.

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The documentary is going to be a very intimate examination of the life of a very complicated man, and to describe what kind of life Perry had, it will tap some of the closest people in the late star’s life besides his sister.  

Spearheaded by Emmy Award-winning director Mary Robertson (Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV, JUNE), the Netflix docuseries draws upon insights from Matthew Perry's inner circle to paint a comprehensive picture of the iconic comedian. The project's official logline characterizes it as an unfiltered account of a life experienced fully, anchored by the radical transparency that ultimately defined his lasting impact.

Alongside contributions from Mia Perry Bowick, The One About Matthew Perry features firsthand recollections from close friends David Pressman and Roger Castillo, as well as several ex-girlfriends. Furthermore, viewers can expect fresh interviews with key figures from his television and film journey - highlighting behind-the-scenes stories about his Friends audition and the genesis of Chandler Bing, recounted by former NBC President Warren Littlefield and season-one writer Jeff Strauss.

The series will also present deeply personal perspectives on his grueling, long-term battle with substance abuse, narrated by those who stood beside him through it all.

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Did you like The One About Matthew Perry’s trailer? Do let us know in the comments.