Remembering Matthew Perry: A Heartfelt Farewell from His Family

In an emotional interview on the anniversary of his death, Matthew Perry’s mother reveals a poignant moment before his passing and the family’s commitment to addressing addiction through The Matthew Perry Foundation.

Matthew Perry’s family has come together to share their grief and memories on the first anniversary of his untimely death. In a deeply emotional interview on the Today show with Savannah Guthrie, his mother, Suzanne Morrison, opened up about a touching moment she shared with her son shortly before he passed away.

Perry, best known for his role as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom Friends, tragically died at the age of 54. He was found unresponsive in the heated end of his pool on October 28, 2023. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determined that his death was due to the acute effects of ketamine.

In the interview, Suzanne recalled a particularly heartfelt conversation they had just days before his death. “He came up to me and he said, ‘I love you so much, and I’m so happy to be with you now,'” she reflected, adding that it felt almost like a premonition. “I didn’t think about it at the time, but I thought, ‘How long has it been since we have had a conversation like that? It’s been years.’”

Along with her ex-husband, John Bennett Perry, Suzanne Morrison has founded The Matthew Perry Foundation, aimed at supporting organizations that assist those struggling with addiction and substance abuse. This initiative is born from the family’s desire to honor Matthew’s memory and make a positive impact in the fight against addiction.

The interview aired as San Diego-based Dr. Mark Chavez pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute ketamine, the very drug that led to Perry’s tragic demise. This was part of a larger case that saw five individuals charged in connection with his death.

Keith Morrison, Suzanne’s husband and a correspondent for Dateline, also addressed the profound impact of Matthew’s loss, stating that grief is an everyday presence. “As other people have told me hundreds of times, it doesn’t go away. It’s with you every day,” he shared during an earlier podcast episode.

In the wake of Matthew Perry’s passing, his family has expressed their heartbreak but also gratitude towards law enforcement for taking his case seriously. “We look forward to justice taking its course,” they stated, underscoring their hope that this tragedy will raise awareness about the dangers of substance abuse and prevent similar incidents in the future.

As fans and friends continue to remember Matthew Perry for his iconic role and his lasting impact, his family’s heartfelt reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of open conversations about mental health and addiction.