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The Express Gazette
Saturday, October 31, 2026

Matthew Perry's Memoir Offers Deeper Look into Life and Legacy

A year after the actor's death, his memoir and a new Netflix docuseries provide insights into his struggles and triumphs.

Culture & Entertainment • 2 hours ago
Matthew Perry's Memoir Offers Deeper Look into Life and Legacy

One year following the death of actor Matthew Perry, his life and legacy are being explored through a new Netflix documentary and his posthumously published memoir. The three-part docuseries, "The One About Matthew Perry," released on Netflix on October 28, the anniversary of his passing, chronicles his rise to fame on the sitcom "Friends," his ongoing battles with addiction, and his eventual death.

The documentary incorporates previously unseen footage from Perry's family, alongside interviews with his sister Mia Perry Bowick, father John Bennett Perry, and former colleagues Warren Littlefield and Jeff Strauss. A notable revelation from the series is that in 2018, when Perry nearly died from opioid use and was in a coma, his sister was granted power of attorney. This occurred shortly after she had given birth in the same hospital where he was admitted.

The docuseries also highlights Perry's significant efforts to overcome his addiction, revealing that he spent approximately $7 million in his attempts to achieve sobriety.

For those seeking a more personal account, Perry's memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir," published in June 2024, offers a firsthand perspective on his life. The book delves into his early aspirations for fame, the complexities of his upbringing, and his eventual commitment to sobriety. Perry, who died in October 2023, was candid about his struggles and shared advice for others facing similar challenges.

"Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir" has become a bestseller, currently listed as the No. 1 best-seller in television comedy books on Amazon. The memoir provides an emotionally raw depiction of addiction while also sharing uplifting stories about his time with the "Friends" cast and the experiences they shared. In recognition of the one-year anniversary of his death, the memoir is available at a discounted price on Amazon.

Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir


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