New documentary reveals insider betrayal and family grief following Matthew Perry's passing

Netflix's documentary series The One About Matthew Perry explores the late actor's life, his battle with chemical dependence, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death at age fifty-four from the acute effects of ketamine.

The Betrayal

Matthew's sister, Mia Perry Bowick, expressed deep disappointment in the project regarding Kenny Iwamasa, the actor's live-in assistant who sourced and administered the ketamine. Iwamasa, who knew Matthew for three decades, received a prison sentence of three years and five months in May 2026. Mia stated that Iwamasa could have quit his job or alerted family members instead of enabling the addiction. Friend David Pressman added that people in the actor's inner circle took advantage of his wealth and condition, leaving him with little chance to overcome his struggles.

Family and Friends

Mia attended the court hearings despite initial hesitation, describing the experience as a moment of catharsis that helped relieve lingering grief. Because their father has been ill for a long period, Mia stepped in to represent the family in the project. She shared that her father always praised Matthew's strength and supported his recovery efforts. Friends including David Pressman, Roger Castillo, and Friends producer Warren Littlefield also reflected on the actor's humor, the enduring pain of his absence, and his final social media post showing him relaxed in a hot tub near the ocean.

Context

Documentaries focusing on the lives and struggles of prominent cultural figures often bring renewed public attention to the legal and personal challenges surrounding substance abuse. High-profile cases involving prescription drugs and celebrity assistants frequently highlight the complex web of relationships that can form around individuals battling severe addiction.