Mia Perry, sister of the late actor Matthew Perry, has spoken publicly for the first time since his death in a new Netflix documentary, The One About Matthew Perry. In an interview included in the three-part series, Mia Perry described her overwhelming grief and anger at her brother’s struggles with addiction, which ultimately led to his death in October 2023 at age 54.
Matthew Perry’s death and addiction history
Matthew Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the television series Friends, died on October 28, 2023, after drowning in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office later ruled his death an accidental drowning, with ketamine in his system at the time of death. Ketamine was obtained illegally, according to the coroner’s report.
Five years prior to his death, Perry nearly died after his colon ruptured due to opioid overuse. At that time, doctors gave him a 2% chance of survival. Mia Perry, who served as his power of attorney during his medical crises, reflected on the emotional toll of those events in the documentary.
Mia Perry’s emotional account of addiction and loss
In the Netflix documentary, Mia Perry recounted the intense pressure and anxiety she experienced while making critical medical decisions for her brother. She described a moment of denial about his addiction, saying she would often forget the severity of his condition, even briefly. During the interview, she broke down in tears, expressing a mix of anger and sorrow.
‘You did this to yourself,’ Mia Perry said in the documentary, addressing her brother. ‘I just had a baby. You’re supposed to be an uncle right now. It’s really, really hard.’
She also spoke about the multiple near-death experiences her brother endured, including overdoses and car crashes, which she described as part of a long struggle with substance abuse. Mia Perry emphasized the complex layers of grief faced by families of individuals battling addiction, noting that denial is one of the most difficult aspects to navigate.
Documentary’s portrayal of Perry’s life and legacy
TheThe One About Matthew Perry, directed by Mary Robertson, premieres on Netflix and features interviews with Perry’s close friends, former co-stars, and colleagues. Robertson described the documentary as a love letter to Perry, highlighting both his professional achievements and personal challenges.
The series was released nearly three years after Perry’s death, a timing Robertson said was intentional. In a recent interview, Robertson explained that the documentary’s central focus is not a person but a disease—addiction—framed as the common enemy in Perry’s life.
Friends and former colleagues, including those from Friends, shared intimate memories of Perry in the documentary. The series aims to provide a comprehensive look at his life, including his stumbles and triumphs, as well as the impact of his addiction on those closest to him.