Matthew Perry's Legacy: Family Remembers One Year Later

Matthew Perry's Family Reflects on His Legacy One Year After His Death

Matthew Perry's family is marking the first anniversary of his death by celebrating his legacy the way he would have wanted. In an exclusive interview with TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie, Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, his stepfather Keith Morrison, and three of Perry’s sisters reflected on his final days, their enduring grief, and a new foundation aimed at continuing his life’s work.

Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada

Perry’s family announced this October the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, which addresses the impact of addiction by funding research and providing support for individuals living with substance use disorders. This organization is distinct from the Matthew Perry Foundation of the U.S., which was founded shortly after his passing.

“He made it a big focus of his life to help other people, to encourage other people to say, ‘I need help,’” Caitlin Morrison, the executive director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, told Savannah. Perry wrote in his memoir, “When I die, it would be nice if ‘Friends’ were listed far behind the things I did to try to help other people.”

Reflections on Addiction and Support

Caitlin Morrison emphasized the emotional toll surrounding addiction, stating, “It can be a hopeless thing… that it’s a constant battle.” Suzanne Morrison further shared her feelings on the challenges of helping her son, recalling, “You’ve got to stop blaming yourself because you don’t understand what your child is going through.”

On October 28, 2023, Perry died at age 54, related to acute effects of ketamine. His family remains vocal about his struggles, emphasizing the need for change and support within the addiction community.

Perry's Last Words and Public Impact

Suzanne reminisced about Perry's last words, “I love you so much,” adding a sense of “premonition” regarding his death. Keith Morrison noted, “What he taught the world is that no amount of money will cure an addict. It needs something else.” This commitment to his legacy serves as a guiding mission for the foundation.

Reflecting on his roots in Canada, Caitlin stated, “Canada was very important to him,” and his mother noted the continued devotion from fans visiting Perry’s grave in California. She described receiving letters from fans expressing how Perry impacted their lives, stating, “He really helped me get through my teen years.”