Mia Perry Bowick speak about her brother, Friends star Matthew Perry as part of new three part Netflix series,
Mia Perry Bowick has given an interview for a new Matthew Perry Netflix series.
Matthew Perry’s sister has revealed the late Friends star spent $7million to try to get sober. The actor was found dead in his backyard jacuzzi in southern California in October 2023. His death was determined to have been caused by the acute effects of ketamine, having had addiction issues for a number of years.
In a new Netflix documentary about the Friends star, his sister Mia Perry Bowick highlights the incredible lengths he went to in order to stay sober and off drugs. She says: “All great stories have comedy and tragedy in them, and that certainly was Matthew’s story.”
Mia then adds: “My brother would talk about that feeling of emptiness or loneliness that he couldn’t quite fill. He spent $7 million trying to get sober. That’s how seriously he took his disease.”
However his efforts were in vain and both Mia and some of his friends get emotional as they remember his battles with drink and drugs.
The comments come in the trailer for the documentary The One About Matthew Perry which also feature some of the actor’s closest friends, and some of the funnier moments in his career.
The three-part series will be landing next month, just ahead of the third anniversary of Matthew’s death.
Addressing her decision to give an interview to the documentary, Mia explained: “It’s taken time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life—to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler, and not just as someone who struggled with addiction.
“As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I’ve devoted my life. Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and feel loved.
“I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was, and the legacy he leaves behind.”
Other contributors to the series include best friends David Pressman, Roger Castillo, NBC President Warren Littlefiend and Friends season one writer Jeff Strauss. There are also never-before-seen photos and videos from the Perry family’s private archive.
And through former NBC President Warren and writer Jeff we hear all about Matthew’s audition for Friends and the creation of his iconic TV character Chandler Bing.
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, also released a statement alongside the trailer. She 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 released on Netflix on October 27
Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
If you are struggling with alcohol abuse or addiction, advice and support can be found at alcoholchange.org.uk
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