Matthew Perry's Stepfather Expresses Lack of Surprise Over Star's Passing

Keith Morrison Says Not Fair Stepson Matthew Perry Did Not Get to Have His Third Act

Keith Morrison and Matthew Perry Getty Images; FilmMagic

Keith Morrison is sharing his thoughts on his stepson Matthew Perry's death for the first time. The Dateline host, aged 76, spoke to Today's Hoda Kotb on her "Making Space" podcast episode on Wednesday, March 13. He mentioned that the pain of losing Perry is something he carries with him every day. Morrison expressed, "It's always there. There are moments when a new wave of sadness hits you, and it's tough, especially for his mom."

Morrison married Perry's mother, Suzanne, in 1981 when the Friends star was 12 years old. He shared with Kotb that towards the end of Perry's life, they grew closer and constantly texted each other. Perry expressed happiness, which was a source of comfort as he hadn't felt that way in a long time. However, it was also unfair that he didn't get to experience his third act.

Perry passed away at the age of 54 in October 2023 after being found in his Los Angeles home jacuzzi. The L.A. County Medical Examiner's office confirmed in December 2023 that Perry, who had been sober for over a year before his death, died from "the acute effects of ketamine."

Perry previously mentioned that people would be "shocked" if he suddenly passed away, but not many would be surprised. Morrison agreed with this statement.

Morrison admitted that the news of Perry's death was not completely unexpected for him. He described it as the kind of news you hope to never hear, but know deep down that it might happen someday.

Perry’s struggle with addiction is something Morrison said “he felt like he was beating, but you never beat it, and he knew that, too.”

Matthew Perry High Roller LINQ Promenade

Since Matthew Perry's passing, his friends and family have come together to create the Matthew Perry Foundation in his memory. The foundation aims to support organizations that assist individuals in challenging circumstances and provide them with the help they need. Perry shared with Kotb that the goal is to do whatever is possible to help rescue people in need and offer them support.

Kotb admitted to her Today cohosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin that she felt "afraid" to bring up Perry’s death during their podcast conversation with Morrison. Despite her trepidation, she expressed feeling "honored" that Morrison chose to discuss it.

After Perry's passing, his family released a statement expressing their deep sorrow. They shared with People in October 2023 that they were "heartbroken" by the loss of Matthew, who brought joy to the world as both an actor and a friend. The family also conveyed their gratitude for the overwhelming love and support from fans.

One month later, Morrison asked fans to consider supporting the Matthew Perry Foundation for Giving Tuesday. He explained that it was not something he usually did, but this year felt different. Morrison shared a link to the organization's website in November 2023, urging people to donate whatever they could. He mentioned that Matthew Perry would have appreciated any contributions.

Editor's P/S:

Keith Morrison's poignant reflections on the loss of his stepson, Matthew Perry, offer a glimpse into the profound grief and bittersweet memories that accompany such a tragedy. Morrison's description of the "new waves of sadness" that hit him and Perry's mother, Suzanne, underscores the enduring impact of their loss. Despite the pain, Morrison finds solace in the closeness he and Perry shared towards the end of the actor's life, a time when Perry expressed a newfound happiness.

Morrison's acknowledgment that Perry's death was not entirely unexpected highlights the insidious nature of addiction and the constant battle Perry faced. The creation of the Matthew Perry Foundation serves as a testament to the actor's desire to help others in need. Morrison's appeal for support for the foundation is a powerful reminder of Perry's legacy and the ongoing fight against addiction. addiction is a relentless adversary that can strike even those who appear to be on the mend. The article also sheds light on the importance of seeking help and support when struggling with addiction, emphasizing the crucial role that organizations like the Matthew Perry Foundation play in providing a lifeline for those in need.