Matthew Perry’s family is commemorating the life of the late Friends star while anticipating the upcoming criminal trial of two individuals implicated in connection with his death. In an interview on the Today show, marking one year since Perry’s passing at the age of 54 due to the acute effects of ketamine, his mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison, and three sisters—Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline Morrison—shared memories of Perry’s final days.
Suzanne described sensing a premonition about Perry’s fate shortly before his death. She recounted a poignant moment when he expressed his love for her and his happiness to be together, which she found unusual after years without such a heartfelt conversation. In the days leading up to his death, Perry reassured his mother that he was no longer afraid, a declaration that troubled her.
Perry was discovered deceased in the hot tub at his Los Angeles home. Despite having spoken openly about his struggles with addiction and previously stating he was sober—especially around the release of his memoir—concerns lingered about his state at the time of his death. While those close to him believed he was sober, questions arose regarding his possible addiction to ketamine, as suggested by prosecutors. Keith noted that he thought Perry appeared to be managing his treatment but acknowledged a level of uncertainty regarding his decisions about the drug.
A year after Perry’s death, five individuals have been indicted as part of an investigation that revealed an extensive illegal network related to his situation. Three have accepted plea deals, cooperating with the authorities, while two—Dr. Salvador Plasencia and dealer Jasveen Sangha, dubbed the “Ketamine Queen”—are scheduled for trial in early 2025. Suzanne expressed her satisfaction with the charges, and Keith voiced hope that the legal proceedings would serve as a warning to those who supply dangerous drugs.
The family emphasized Perry’s desire to aid others struggling with addiction, with Caitlin leading the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, established after his passing. The foundation focuses on helping individuals seek the necessary support for addiction recovery. Suzanne reflected on her struggles to assist her son, urging others to avoid self-blame, as understanding the complexity of addiction can be challenging.
Perry’s family shared that they still find themselves reaching out to him in spirit, and they are touched by the ongoing visits from fans to his grave, where many leave heartfelt notes expressing the profound effect he had on their lives. Suzanne mentioned considering sharing these letters, highlighting the deep connection fans felt with Perry.