All we know About Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy Documentary- Unveiling the Actor’s life & Death

Peacock has released a gripping new trailer for Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, offering a chilling glimpse into the star’s final days and the shocking investigation that followed. The documentary dives deep into Perry’s struggles, the alleged secret ketamine scene in Hollywood, and the legal battle surrounding his untimely death. 

From his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends to his battle with addiction, Perry’s life was one of immense highs and devastating lows. The documentary not only explores his legacy but also sheds light on the troubling circumstances that led to his tragic end. With new revelations and a legal fight still unfolding, this special is a must-watch for fans seeking the truth.

Want to know everything about this explosive documentary? We break down the latest news, key details, and shocking insights you won’t want to miss. Stay tuned—we’ll keep updating as more information comes to light.

Release date & Where to Watch

Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, an hour-long documentary, premieres on Peacock on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.

What is Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy About?

Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy explores the beloved Friends star’s rise to fame, his struggles with addiction, and the shocking circumstances surrounding his death. On Oct. 28, 2023, Perry was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home, and when ketamine was discovered in his system, many suspected an overdose.

Nearly a year later, prosecutors announced charges against five individuals—including his personal assistant, two doctors, and an alleged Hollywood drug dealer known as the "Ketamine Queen"—for allegedly conspiring to provide him with the drug. The case is still ongoing. (via NBC)

The documentary features interviews with Perry’s collaborators, Hollywood insiders, and law enforcement officials, piecing together the events leading up to his tragic passing. It also highlights his lasting impact—not only through his unforgettable performance as Chandler Bing but also through his dedication to helping others overcome addiction.

Who’s Featured in Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy?

Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy features interviews with Perry’s Friends co-star Morgan Fairchild, who played his on-screen mother, as well as Hollywood insiders and law enforcement officials. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, whose office has charged five defendants—including two doctors and a woman known as Hollywood’s "Ketamine Queen"—also appears in the documentary.

Is There a Trailer for Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy?

The newly released trailer for Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy opens with the chilling 911 dispatch call made on Oct. 29, 2023, the morning after Perry was found unresponsive in his Los Angeles home. Aerial footage of the residence shows a tent set up over the hot tub where he was discovered.

“This could not be true. How could this be true?” a shocked insider says, reacting to the devastating news. The trailer then jumps to red carpet footage of Perry during his Friends era, interwoven with clips of his most iconic moments as Chandler Bing alongside Jennifer Aniston, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer, and Courteney Cox.

A longtime fan reflects on his impact, saying, “He was my favorite one because he just made me laugh all the time.” Morgan Fairchild, who played Chandler’s mother, shares her thoughts on her on-screen son: “He really touched people’s lives.” However, the documentary dives deeper into the struggles Perry faced behind the scenes.

“They really preyed on somebody vulnerable. He was doing so well. Everyone thought he was clean and sober. That’s when we knew that there’s way more to this story,” one interviewee reveals, referencing Perry’s long battle with addiction.

Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, confirms the shocking truth about Perry’s death: “He had died as a result of ketamine. The defendants have all been charged. Three of them have pled guilty and will be cooperating. Two remain.” 

Estrada also sheds light on the disturbing circumstances of Perry’s final months, adding, “The allegations show a trained doctor is injecting Mr. Perry in parking lots. We used to blame the victim. We don’t do that anymore.”

As the trailer nears its end, an insider reflects on the overwhelming media attention: “This story has become so big that we’re really forgetting this story is about one man and that he will be missed.” The final moments shift to a touching tribute, featuring a clip from the 1996 Screen Actors Guild Awards, where Courteney Cox proudly declares, “Matthew Perry is the funniest person in the whole world.”

Did Matthew Perry die of Ketamine Overdose?

On Oct. 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found unresponsive in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home and was pronounced dead that same day. A toxicology report later revealed multiple substances in his system, including ketamine.

In December, LA medical officials confirmed that Perry had likely been under the influence of ketamine at the time of his death, which contributed to drowning. Coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine were also listed as contributing factors. 

Senior Deputy Medical Examiner Raffi Djabourian stated, “Drowning contributes due to the likelihood of submersion into the pool as he lapsed into unconsciousness; coronary artery disease contributes due to exacerbation of ketamine-induced myocardial effects on the heart.” (via BBC)

What is the Ongoing case Related to Matthew Perry’s Death?

The ongoing legal case surrounding Matthew Perry’s tragic death involves five individuals charged with conspiracy to illegally supply the actor with ketamine. Perry, who died on Oct. 28, 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine, had previously battled substance abuse. 

Among those charged are his personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa; two doctors, Dr. Salvador Plasencia and Dr. Mark Chavez; as well as alleged Hollywood drug dealer Jasveen Sangha, known as the "Ketamine Queen." (via Justice.gov)

U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, Martin Estrada, has underscored the gravity of the charges, saying, "They knew what they were doing was wrong... They knew what they were doing was risking great danger to Mr. Perry." (via NBC)

Erik Fleming, who pleaded guilty, admitted to distributing ketamine that contributed to Perry's death. Iwamasa and others also face serious charges, with Iwamasa admitting to injecting Perry multiple times on the day of his death.

The case remains in the legal process, with trial proceedings scheduled for Tuesday, Mar. 4, 2025. The remaining defendants, including Plasencia and Sangha, have pleaded not guilty to charges related to Perry’s death. 

Behind the Scenes

The documentary Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy is directed by Robert Palumbo and produced by ITN Productions. Executive producers include Ian Russell, Mike Griffiths, and Robert Palumbo, with Blue Ant Studios handling global licensing and distribution.

The documentary was commissioned by Cori Abraham, SVP of NBCUniversal, with Nickie Hyde serving as the production manager.

Ian Russell, Head of International Programmes at ITN Productions, emphasized their strong partnership with Peacock/NBC, stating, “The trusted relationship we have built up with Peacock/NBC is very important to us as producers. We were delighted to be given the opportunity to make this premium documentary about one of NBC’s most-loved actors who starred in one of its most iconic shows.” (via ITN Productions)

Mike Griffiths highlighted the film’s depth, saying, “Matthew Perry’s story is known the world over. In making this documentary, our US and UK-based production team wanted to look beneath the headlines to tell a detailed story of this Hollywood star. Matthew Perry’s story is truly a Hollywood tragedy. We set out to present the complexities around his life, the tragic circumstances around his death, and his place in popular culture with sensitivity and insight.”

Lilla Hurst, Global Head of Acquisitions and Content Strategy at Blue Ant Studios, added, “ITN Productions have struck a delicate balance in making a film that appeals to die-hard Friends and Matthew Perry fans whilst introducing the story to a broader audience with a compelling and journalistic approach. This is not just a film about Matthew Perry but a story about the complicit world that so many celebrities inhabit."