Matthew Perry's mom reflects on her visits to his gravesite and special connection she shares with him
NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: On the first anniversary of Matthew Perry's death, his family opened up about their memories of the beloved 'Friends' star, his character, and his impact on their lives.
In an emotional interview with 'Today’s Savannah Guthrie, Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, shared memories of her son, her visits to his gravesite, and the special connection she continues to feel with him.
Suzanne Morrison finds solace at son Matthew Perry's gravesite
Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, at the age of 54 following an accidental overdose, leaving fans and loved ones in mourning.
Reflecting on moments of laughter and connection, Suzanne described her lingering impulse to call him.
"Even now, something funny will happen — I’ll see something ridiculous on the news, and I go to call him," she recalled.
Exclusive: A year after Matthew Perry’s death, his loved ones, including mother Suzanne Morrison and stepfather and “Dateline” correspondent Keith Morrison, spoke to @savannahguthrie about his final days, their grief and the foundation aimed at continuing his life’s work. pic.twitter.com/BGLT8CYVNX
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 28, 2024
"I have more freedom of a relationship with him now than I ever did. And then it hits me, so hard, that he’s not there," she added.
Since Perry’s death, Suzanne has found comfort in visiting his cemetery.
“We go to the cemetery,” Perry’s stepfather Keith Morrison shared. "[Suzanne will] sit there and have a chat with him for a while."
Matthew Perry's sisters say he'd 'do anything' for them
Matthew Perry’s sisters, Caitlin, Madeline, and Emily, also shared memories of their brother’s humor and devotion to family.
Caitlin described him as bringing joy to every gathering, while Madeline recalled their special inside jokes.
“He was grumpy all the time, but he was funny all the time,” said Emily.
“When the people that he loved succeeded or they were scared, he would do anything for you," she added.
Suzanne Morrison on Matthew Perry's loneliness
Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, expressed how the 'Friends' actor's battle with addiction and inner struggles left her feeling helpless at times.
"He was always very lonely in his soul," she revealed. Despite the joy he brought to others, he struggled to find peace.
Reflecting on his lifelong challenge, she explained, "I’m a very lucky woman, but there was one glitch; there was one problem. I couldn’t conquer it. I couldn’t help him."
"You’ve got to stop blaming yourself because it tears you up," she added.
Matthew Perry Foundation continues 'Friends' star's legacy
Matthew Perry’s family is extending his legacy by furthering the late actor's dedication to helping others through the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada.
The organization, directed by Perry’s sister Caitlin, focuses on supporting those with addiction.
“What [Matthew] taught the world is that no amount of money will cure an addict,” said Perry's stepfather Keith.
“It needs something else, and that’s what we’re trying to do.” This mission reflects Perry’s own compassion and empathy for others, as he used his platform to spread awareness of addiction recovery.
Before his death, Perry had been receiving ketamine infusions as a treatment for depression and anxiety.
Although his family knew he was using the treatment, they were concerned about the potential dependency risks.
Keith admitted that, while they thought Perry was maintaining sobriety, they were always worried about his well-being, according to People.
