Matthew Perry's 'delightfully gossipy' memoir pre-empted by Headline

Headline has acquired Matthew Perry's "extraordinary, brave and bold" memoir, securing the actor's debut in an overnight pre-empt. 

The currently untitled book sees Perry delve into behind-the-scenes accounts and the onstage antics of "Friends", while opening up about his private struggles with addiction. The synopsis explains: "Candid, self-aware and told with his trademark humour, Perry vividly details his lifelong battle with [substance addiction] and what fuelled it, despite seemingly having it all. Perry’s memoir, the first from a cast member of 'Friends', is unflinchingly honest, delightfully gossipy and absolutely hilarious. 

"This is the book that 'Friends' fans have been waiting for but also one that shines a powerful light into the dark for anyone who is in their own battle with addiction, either for themselves or a loved one."

Commenting on his debut, Perry said: "There has been so much written about me by others in the past. I thought it was time people heard it directly from the horse’s mouth. In this case, the horse’s mouth being me."

Bob Miller, president of Flatiron Books in the US and Megan Lynch, publisher at Flatiron, acquired world rights to the book in a "major" overnight pre-empt. Sarah Emsley, Headline non-fiction publishing director, acquired UK and Commonwealth rights from Kerry Nordling at Flatiron. The memoir, as yet untitled, will be published in autumn 2022.

Emsley said: "Here is that rare beast that we are always searching for—an extraordinary, brave and bold book from a talented writer with an unparalleled global profile. Matthew’s writing is exceptional. His voice jumps off the page to such an extent that it feels as if he is sitting in the room talking to you as you read. This memoir will leave you gasping in shock, laughing out loud and full of hope. We couldn’t be more excited to be welcoming Matthew to the Headline list."

Earlier this year, Perry reunited with Jennifer Aniston, David Schwimmer, Matt LeBlanc, Lisa Kudrow and Courtney Cox in HBO Max’s “Friends: The Reunion”. He shot to fame as Chandler Bing on the hit show during its critically acclaimed, record-breaking ratings run from 1994 to 2004, and has continued in film, TV and stage since, with acting, directing, and playwriting credits to his name.