Matthew Perry’s family is reflecting on his life and legacy as they commemorate the one-year anniversary of his passing. In an exclusive conversation with Savannah Guthrie from the Today show, held in the Canadian town where Perry grew up, his mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison, and younger sisters Caitlin, Madeline, and Emily shared their enduring love for the beloved Friends star.
Suzanne recounted moments when something humorous would occur, prompting her to instinctively reach for the phone to call him. “I feel a deeper connection to him now than ever before,” she shared. However, the realization that he is no longer there strikes her with profound sadness.
The family reflects on Perry’s struggles with addiction and their admiration for his resilience and mission to help others
Keith recalled visiting the cemetery, where Suzanne often sits and speaks to Perry, reflecting their ongoing bond. When asked about what she misses most, Madeline expressed, “Everything,” highlighting their shared private jokes and the comfort of his constant presence. Caitlin chimed in, noting the joy his visits brought, saying, “It was always a celebration when he came over.”
Emily, fighting back tears, shared that although he could be grumpy, he was always funny and would go to great lengths for the people he loved. “He really just wanted to love and be loved,” she said, adding that he struggled to find peace but had reached a good place in his life.
Perry passed away at the age of 54 on October 28, 2023, from an accidental drug overdose. He had openly discussed his battle with addiction in his memoir, where he detailed his many attempts at recovery.
His family witnessed the emotional turmoil firsthand. Caitlin mentioned that despite his challenges, they were always proud of his resilience. “We admired how he continued to fight and made it his mission to help others,” she reflected.
Suzanne expressed her feelings of helplessness in trying to support him, admitting that there was a persistent challenge she couldn’t overcome. During her discussion with Guthrie, she expressed the guilt she feels, learning the hard way that self-blame can be destructive. “You have to let go of the guilt, or it will consume you,” she noted.
Instead of allowing grief to overwhelm them, Suzanne and her family, along with Perry’s friends, are dedicated to honoring his memory through the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada. As executive director, Caitlin leads efforts to support those seeking recovery from addiction, with a counterpart organization in the U.S. that shares the same mission.
Keith emphasized the vital message Perry left behind: “No amount of money can cure addiction; it requires more.” Suzanne added that the ongoing addiction crisis demands urgent attention. “If we don’t take action, we risk losing countless lives.”
Prior to his death, Perry had been receiving ketamine infusions, a treatment with hallucinogenic properties that the Drug Enforcement Administration notes is often used for depression and anxiety.
However, it appears that Perry developed an addiction to the drug, which played a remarkable role in his passing, as revealed in his December 2023 autopsy report. The report also cited drowning, coronary artery disease, and buprenorphine effects, a medication typically used for treating opioid use disorder, as contributing factors.
The family was aware of Perry’s use of ketamine, but Keith expressed surprise at the extent of it. “I thought he was managing it and still sober,” he said. “He had a strong belief in his ability to handle things.”
Caitlin recalls the joy and celebration Perry brought whenever he visited the family
Madeline stated that she wasn’t sure if Perry even realized he had relapsed, a sentiment echoed by the rest of the family. An investigation into the circumstances surrounding Perry’s death has been launched by the California branch of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Los Angeles Police Department.
Five individuals, including two doctors, a woman dubbed “The Ketamine Queen,” and Perry’s personal assistant, have been charged in connection with his death. Three of the accused have pleaded guilty, while a trial for the remaining individuals is scheduled for March 4.
Suzanne expressed her satisfaction that some accountability is being pursued, a sentiment shared by Keith. “I hope this sends a strong message to those profiting from providing dangerous drugs,” he remarked. “It doesn’t matter what credentials you have; consequences are coming.”
Perry’s family also discussed their ongoing connection to him. Caitlin noted, “I don’t think there’s a single person in this room who doesn’t feel his presence,” sharing how they recently paused to watch the Northern Lights — a moment that brought Perry to mind. “You can feel a sense of divinity in that experience.”
Despite their efforts to find solace, the pain of his absence remains palpable. “I believe grief is a constant companion,” Caitlin reflected. “Finding meaning in our experience helps, as this tragedy is not unique; it impacts many families.”
Through sharing their story, they hope to reach those enduring similar grief. Keith reminded everyone, “There’s nothing exceptional about our situation, despite having a famous family member. Countless people experience this loss.” “This isn’t just about us; it’s about all those others,” he concluded. “The world is hurting, and it needs support.”
