ITN Productions’ 1×60 documentary, Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy, is to be shown on Peacock in the US on 25th February.
In the film, the story of Perry’s rise to fame is interwoven with the harrowing story of his final days, as his assistant allegedly sought ketamine from sources the U.S. Attorney claims “should have known better”.
Morgan Fairchild, who portrayed Perry’s mother on Friends, Hollywood insiders, and law enforcement are heard from in programme documenting the story.
Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, also appears in the documentary. It’s his office that has charged five defendants including two doctors and a woman dubbed Hollywood’s “Ketamine Queen” in connection with Perry’s death.
On October 28th, 2023, the news that actor Matthew Perry was found dead at home in Los Angeles shocked the world. In his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and The Big Terrible Thing,” he had told his story of battling addiction, and when ketamine was found in his system, it was thought by many that he had died from an overdose. Nearly a year later, a bombshell announcement from prosecutors: five people, including Perry’s live-in personal assistant, two medical doctors, and an alleged Hollywood drug dealer known as “the Ketamine Queen” were charged with conspiracy to illegally provide Perry with ketamine. The special explores the case as two of the defendants, who have pleaded not guilty, await trial.
Blue Ant Studios oversees global licensing and distribution for the film.
Ian Russell, ITN Productions Head of International Programmes, said: “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.”
Mike Griffiths, ITN Productions executive producer, said: “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, Blue Ant Studios, said: “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.”
Matthew Perry: A Hollywood Tragedy was executive produced by Ian Russell, Head of International Programmes ITN Productions, Mike Griffiths and Robert Palumbo. It was directed by Robert Palumbo and the production manager was Nickie Hyde. It was commissioned by Cori Abraham, SVP NBCUniversal and is distributed worldwide by Blue Ant.
Jon Creamer
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