As fans around the world remember Friends star Matthew Perry, his family shared a touching look back at his life and struggles while also addressing the legal action now underway against those connected to his tragic passing. Perry’s death, which occurred a year ago from the acute effects of ketamine, has led to criminal charges against five individuals. His family spoke recently about his final days and their efforts to keep his legacy alive.
Matthew’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, stepfather, and Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison, along with his three sisters, Caitlin, Emily, and Madeline Morrison, opened up in an interview about Perry’s journey, their grief, and how they’re honoring him through a foundation dedicated to addiction support. They also addressed the ongoing investigation and legal proceedings against those allegedly involved in his death, stressing the importance of justice for him and for others who have suffered from addiction.
Family Recalls Perry’s Final Days and Struggles
Reflecting on Perry’s last days, Suzanne Morrison described a bittersweet premonition she had. Perry had shown her a new home and expressed love and happiness to be spending time with her, a moment that felt almost like a farewell. Recalling the conversation now, she wondered if he sensed what was coming, even if he didn’t say it outright. Perry had also mentioned feeling less afraid in his final days, a statement that Suzanne remembers as worrisome.
Keith Morrison, who was close to Perry as his stepfather, explained his own worries about the complex nature of Perry’s struggles with addiction. Despite Perry’s openness about his addiction in his memoir, Keith noted that his stepson often approached treatment as something he could manage alone. Perry had shared his confidence in knowing “the system” and how each substance would affect him. This desire to remain in control, according to Keith, brought significant risks. “He was a guy who would make decisions, like, ‘I can handle this,’” Keith said, adding that this independence often left his family feeling uncertain about his state of sobriety.
Madeline, Perry’s sister, said that despite any relapse, Perry may not have fully accepted it himself, given how complicated addiction can be. His family believes he wanted to live a healthier life but was continually challenged by the cycles of addiction, which he was open about in interviews and his memoir.
Ongoing Criminal Charges Bring Hope for Accountability
The investigation into Perry’s death has led to charges against five individuals, including Dr. Salvador Plasencia and an alleged dealer known as “The Ketamine Queen.” Three of the accused have accepted plea deals and are cooperating with prosecutors. The trial for Plasencia and the dealer is expected in early 2025.
Speaking about the charges, Suzanne expressed relief that action is being taken, calling the developments “a step towards justice.” Keith, meanwhile, shared his hope that this case will serve as a warning for those who supply dangerous substances to vulnerable individuals, noting, “People who supply drugs that kill — they’re on notice. It doesn’t matter what your professional credentials are.”
Honoring Matthew Perry’s Legacy Through Advocacy
Perry’s family has established the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, a nonprofit that focuses on supporting addiction recovery services. The foundation operates in Canada, Perry’s home country, with his sister Caitlin as executive director. Its mission mirrors that of the Matthew Perry Foundation in the United States, which was formed with similar goals of providing resources for individuals and families impacted by addiction.
Matthew’s dedication to helping others through their recovery journey has been a key part of his legacy. In interviews and his memoir, Perry shared that he wanted to be remembered not just as a beloved TV character but as someone who made a difference in the lives of others dealing with addiction. “He made it a big focus of his life to help other people, to encourage others to say, ‘I need help.’” Caitlin noted.
Suzanne shared that as a mother, coming to terms with her inability to “save” Perry has been one of her most significant challenges. Reflecting on her experience, she shared that the foundation is a way for her to honor his memory and continue what he started. “I have to learn, and it’s very hard, to stop blaming myself,” Suzanne admitted. She believes that supporting others through the foundation will help other families find peace.
Perry’s Influence Lives On: Fans and Family Keep His Memory Alive
Beyond the family’s efforts to keep Perry’s legacy alive, his fans continue to show their love and gratitude. Suzanne mentioned that whenever she visits his grave, she finds heartfelt letters left by fans who felt a deep connection with him. Many have written about how his humor and vulnerability helped them through difficult times. Suzanne said that someday she may release some of these letters, sharing, “They really did love him because they could relate to him.”
One year after his death, Matthew Perry’s family remains focused on honoring his legacy by working to prevent addiction and support recovery. Through both the Canadian and U.S.-based Matthew Perry Foundations, they aim to offer hope, just as Perry tried to do for so many in his life.
