Netflix Documentary Reveals New Details About Matthew Perry and His Final Years

A new three-part Netflix documentary series examines the personal struggles and final years of late television star Matthew Perry, featuring interviews with his family members and colleagues.

The production explores the actor's health crises, including his near-death experience in 2018 when his colon ruptured from opioid overuse, leading to a long hospital stay.

Family and friends noted that Perry felt intense pressure and struggled with sobriety ahead of his appearance at the 2021 television reunion special.

His sister, Mia Perry Bowick, said in the documentary that the actor wanted to project a positive image during the filming of the special despite his lingering health challenges.

“Because his health was so bad, he hadn’t really been out in public since 2018,” said Mia Perry Bowick.

Bowick recalled that her brother faced severe complications after his colon burst, requiring multiple surgeries and an ECMO machine to support his failing body.

Friend and actor Kevin Pollak remarked in the documentary that watching Perry during the reunion special was difficult because he was not fully himself at the time.

“It’s tough to watch, because he’s just not himself,” said Kevin Pollak.

The documentary also covers the actor's private funeral held six days after he died in October 2023 at the age of 54 from the acute effects of ketamine.

Bowick remembered seeing the main cast of the popular sitcom arrive together at the memorial service to pay their respects to their former co-star.

“And then all five of them walked up to the casket holding hands, and just stood around him, crying,” said Mia Perry Bowick.

Several individuals connected to the fatal overdose later faced criminal charges and prison sentences following an investigation into the circumstances of his death.