Why 'F.R.I.E.N.D.S' stars don't appear in Matthew Perry's documentary
What's the story
The new documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, premiered on Peacock on Tuesday. Directed and executive produced by Robert Palumbo, the film delves into the life and untimely death of F.R.I.E.N.D.S star Matthew Perry.
Speaking to The Post, Palumbo said it's not too soon for such a documentary as "the impact of his death is fresh."
Absence explained
'They were reluctant to go on a documentary about Matthew...'
Notably, the documentary does not include interviews with Perry's F.R.I.E.N.D.S co-stars David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc.
Explaining their absence, Palumbo said, "Understandably, they were reluctant to go on a documentary about Matthew at this point. Maybe many years down the line... We understand their decision not to appear."
In-depth exploration
The documentary delves into Perry's struggles and death
The documentary dives into Perry's battle with addiction and substance abuse.
It also features an interview with Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed his character Chandler's mother on F.R.I.E.N.D.S.
Palumbo revealed that Perry wished to be remembered for his work in helping others with addiction problems, a sentiment Fairchild echoed.
Legal proceedings
Perry's death investigation and Hollywood's dark side
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy also details the five arrests in the investigation into Perry's death.
Some of the arrested are still awaiting trial, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, aka the "Ketamine Queen." Both have pleaded not guilty.
The documentary delves into this ongoing legal case with a clear disclaimer that statements about actions or defendants are alleged until determined by a court of law.
Dark revelations
Perry's death and Hollywood's underbelly
Palumbo was shocked by many details of the case, calling it a glimpse into the "underbelly of Hollywood."
He emphasized the complications, including Perry's longtime personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, who allegedly helped supply ketamine during the final weeks of his life.
Iwamasa pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death.
Perry died at 54 on October 28, 2023.