Matthew Perry's new doc: Why Jennifer Aniston and other 'Friends' star declined to participate

A new documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, has premiered today, offering an in-depth look at the late actor’s life and untold struggles.

While fans have been eagerly awaiting the release of the Peacock documentary, one lingering question has emerged—why Perry’s Friends co-stars did not participate.

The documentary does not feature Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, or Lisa Kudrow, despite their decades-long friendship with Perry.

Addressing the absence, director and executive producer Robert Palumbo told The New York Post: "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."

Palumbo also explained why he believes it is not too soon to make a documentary about Perry’s life, emphasizing that his story and legacy of helping others should be shared.

"I think he will have a legacy of helping other people. And Morgan [Fairchild] thought that was really the most important thing to communicate," he added.

Despite the absence of Perry’s former Friends castmates, the documentary aims to honour his life, shedding light on his career, struggles with addiction, and philanthropic efforts.

How did Matthew Perry pass away?

Matthew Perry passed away on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54. According to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office autopsy report, the actor died of "acute effects of ketamine” and subsequent drowning. Perry's body was discovered floating in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home.

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