Documentary filmmaker Mary Robertson’s latest project, the Netflix docuseries *The One About Matthew Perry*, offers an intimate look at the late actor’s life, struggles, and legacy. The three-part series, which premiered Tuesday, features interviews with Perry’s close friends, former girlfriends, and co-workers, presenting a candid portrait of the “Friends” star beyond his widely known public persona.
Perry, who died nearly three years ago on October 28, 2023, was found dead in his hot tub, with illicit ketamine in his system. He was 54 years old. The docuseries explores the challenges he faced, particularly his battle with addiction and alcoholism, portraying these struggles as a central theme rather than focusing on any individual adversary, Robertson explained. “The common enemy is a disease, not a person,” she noted.
Robertson, whose previous work includes Emmy-nominated investigations into Hollywood abuses, sought to present a nuanced understanding of Perry’s experience with addiction. While the actor’s years on *Friends* gave audiences a long-running glimpse of his physical transformation, his personal struggles remained largely private during the show’s original run. It was not until Perry’s 2022 memoir, *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing*, that he spoke openly about his addiction in a way that could help others confronting similar issues.
The documentary also highlights Perry’s commitment to comedy, both as a professional craft and a personal passion. Friends such as David Pressman emphasize Perry’s dedication to humor as a defining trait, describing it as essential to how he connected with others and coped with life’s difficulties. Robertson herself reflected on the impact of Perry’s comedic spirit, saying she felt an obligation to imbue the film with humor, something Perry would have wanted.
Despite attempts to reach other significant figures from Perry’s life, the series did not include interviews with the remaining *Friends* cast members or the show’s creators, Marta Kauffman and David Crane, all of whom declined to participate. Robertson attributed this to ongoing grief and the difficulty many face in processing Perry’s passing. She acknowledged the delicate nature of the project and expressed gratitude toward those who contributed candidly without editorial control, emphasizing the intention to create a “love letter” that acknowledges both Perry’s accomplishments and his struggles.
Among those interviewed is Perry’s sister, Mia Perry Bowick, a licensed psychotherapist whose career was influenced by her brother’s battles with addiction. The docuseries offers an unflinching yet affectionate portrayal aimed at deepening public understanding of Perry’s life beyond his iconic television role.
Separately, Robertson mentioned a recent legal victory related to her prior work, noting that a defamation suit filed by Dan Schneider against her and others involved with the *Quiet on Set* miniseries had been dismissed, affirming the protection of free speech.
*The One About Matthew Perry* seeks to provide a fuller narrative of a beloved actor remembered for his humor but shaped by personal battles that remained largely unseen by the public during his lifetime.