The Friends star died aged 54 in 2023 after an accidental overdose, and now his sister Mia Perry Bowick has opened up about his struggles in a trailer for Netflix's upcoming documentary about his life.
In a teaser for The One About Matthew Perry, Mia said: "My brother would talk about that feeling of emptiness or loneliness that he couldn't quite fill.
"He spent $US7 million ($A10 million) trying to get sober. That's how seriously he took his disease."
Elsewhere in the trailer, Mia noted acting helped her brother with his personal struggles, and gave him a positive focus.
She said: "When he made people laugh, it made him feel good."
Netflix announced the three-part docuseries earlier in September, and confirmed it would feature Matthew's sister giving never-before-heard testimony about her late brother.
She told Tudum: "It's taken time for me to feel ready to share these memories and what it was like to love Matthew through all the complexity of his life — to see him as a whole person, not just as Chandler, and not just as someone who struggled with addiction.
"As his sister, he shaped who I am today, the person I strive to be, and the work to which I've devoted my life.
"Matthew had a beautiful heart and a generous spirit, and even in his darkest moments, he could still make you laugh and feel loved.
"I hope this series gives everyone who loved him, whether personally or from afar, a deeper appreciation for who he truly was, and the legacy he leaves behind."
The documentary, which is directed by Mary Robertson, will be released on October 27.
Netflix teased: "Anchored by never-before-heard testimonies from Perry's sister Mia Perry Bowick and his lifelong best friends, the three-part series, which features unreleased photos and videos from the Perry family's private archive, traces his journey from rising comedic star to the man the world still loves as their favourite Friend.
"Firsthand memories from his creative collaborators and friends who adored and supported him are woven with candid new details on his private struggles."
Filmmaker Mary hailed the late Friends actor as "one of the comedic geniuses of our time".
"Through his many films, TV, and stage performances, and his unforgettable portrayal of Chandler Bing, he made millions of us laugh, connect, and feel a little less alone," she said.
"He also gave us so much more by bravely speaking about addiction. Yet the public only knew part of his story.
"That's why we set out to make this series: to let the people who knew and loved Matthew reveal the person behind the public figure."
15°C