Matthew Perry’s family is commemorating the life of the late “Friends” star one year after his passing. The family, including Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison, and sisters Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline Morrison, spoke with Savannah Guthrie during an interview on the “Today” show that aired on Monday.
Perry, who was 54 when he died, was discovered unresponsive and face-down in the shallow end of his pool on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed that his death resulted from the “acute effects of ketamine.”
“It hits me so hard that he’s not there,” Suzanne Morrison expressed, highlighting her feelings of helplessness in addressing her son’s struggles.
Keith Morrison reminisced about Perry’s vibrant personality, describing him as someone who had the ability to “light up the room.” However, he added that Perry often struggled with feelings of loneliness. “The sort of exterior that people know about hid an insecure, often very sad guy,” he remarked.
Perry, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom “Friends,” had openly discussed his battle with addiction, particularly in his memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,” detailing his challenges with sobriety.
“If it doesn’t stop, we’re going to lose so many million people,” Perry’s mother said tearfully, addressing the ongoing issues surrounding addiction.
The interview also shed light on the family’s initiative to establish the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, aimed at supporting organizations that aid those grappling with addiction. “No amount of money will cure an addict,” Keith Morrison emphasized, noting the need for more than financial assistance.
In legal matters related to Perry’s death, California prosecutors have charged five individuals for “distributing ketamine to Perry during the final weeks of his life.” Three people have already entered guilty pleas, including a former ketamine clinic operator, Perry’s assistant, and an acquaintance. Two others, identified as Salvador Plasencia and Jasveen Sangha, have been charged with multiple counts and have pleaded not guilty.
Suzanne Morrison expressed her relief that charges were brought in connection to her son’s passing, hoping it would serve as a warning to those supplying dangerous drugs.
The family also recounted the moment they learned of Perry’s death via a phone call, with Suzanne sharing a premonition-like conversation she had with her son just before his passing. The family reflected on Perry’s addiction, with varying opinions on his sobriety at the time of his death.
Emily Morrison, filled with emotion, remembered her brother as someone who was both “grumpy” and “funny,” revealing that his ultimate desire was to love and be loved. Suzanne Morrison shared her feelings of guilt over her inability to help her son and offered encouragement to others facing similar struggles.
“You’ve got to stop blaming yourself, because it tears you up,” she advised.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance use issues, confidential help is available through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), available 24/7 in English and Spanish.