The spotlight shines once more on Matthew Perry, the beloved actor known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing in the legendary sitcom Friends. As audiences around the world mourn his loss, a new documentary titled Matthew PerrA Hollywood Tragedy is set to air on ITV on August 18, bringing fresh insights into his remarkable yet tumultuous life.
Originally premiering on Peacock in the US, the documentary has now made its way to the UK, providing an intimate look at Perry’s journey. It’s been updated to include the latest developments in the ongoing legal matters surrounding Dr. Salvador Plascencia, who faces charges related to allegations involving Matthew. The film promises to delve deep into the circumstances surrounding his tragic death in October 2023, while highlighting the indelible mark Perry left on fans around the globe.
Perry’s legacy as a versatile actor is cemented through his work with Hollywood A-listers like Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow. However, his personal struggles often overshadowed his professional accomplishments. The documentary takes a candid approach, featuring actress Morgan Fairchild, who played his on-screen mother in Friends. Fairchild reflects on their time together and the darker chapters of Perry’s life, including his battle with addiction.
In addition to Fairchild, the documentary includes interviews with several industry insiders and medical professionals who provide varying perspectives on Perry’s fight against addiction. Among those featured is Katy Forrester, a journalist from the US Sun, and Martin Estrada, the Central District Attorney of California, who was in office at the time of Perry’s demise.
Sasha Breslau, the Head of Content Acquisitions at ITV, expressed enthusiasm for sharing this profound documentary, noting that it portrays Perry not only as a beloved actor but also as a complex individual facing immense challenges. “The film captures first-hand accounts from those who knew Matthew, and for the first time, sheds light on aspects of his tragic passing,” she said.
Ian Russell, the Head of International Programmes at ITN Productions, emphasized the goal of presenting a multi-dimensional portrait of Perry. “This is a Hollywood tragedy that resonates worldwide. Our US and UK teams aimed to explore the intricacies behind his story, sharing the complexities of his life with sensitivity,” he remarked.
Matthew PerrA Hollywood Tragedy will air on ITV1 and ITVX at 9 PM on Monday, August 18.