Matthew Perry’s family recently shared heartfelt memories of the late Friends actor, opening up about his final days and his lasting legacy.
His mother, Suzanne Morrison, spoke with NBC’s Today Show, describing her last meaningful conversation with her son. In the interview, which will air on the anniversary of Perry’s passing on Oct. 28, Morrison recalled a moment that felt almost like a “premonition” of what was to come.
In an emotional reflection, Morrison remembered a recent visit where Perry showed her one of his new homes.
During that visit, Perry expressed deep affection, telling his mom, “I love you so much, and I’m so happy to be with you now.” Morrison described how unusual and touching the moment was, as it had been years since they’d shared such a vulnerable conversation. Looking back, she wondered if her son sensed something she hadn’t.
“There was an inevitability to what was going to happen next to him, and he felt it very strongly,” Morrison said, explaining how Perry seemed at peace. “He said, ‘I’m not frightened anymore,’ and it worried me.”
In an exclusive interview with TODAY’s @SavannahGuthrie, Matthew Perry’s mom Suzanne Morrison recounted the tender moments she had with her son before his death.
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) October 25, 2024
Watch the full conversation on Monday, October 28 on TODAY. pic.twitter.com/Ce8uPggN9f
Reflecting on her son’s final years, Morrison expressed pride in the work Perry had devoted himself to: helping others in their journeys to sobriety.
Perry, who had openly struggled with addiction for much of his life, used his own experiences to inspire and support others facing similar battles.
As Today host Savannah Guthrie noted, Perry’s family has “a real sense of purpose about the work that he was doing, helping others get sober.”
Perry died on Oct. 28, 2023, at age 54. He was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Los Angeles-area home. The coroner’s report confirmed that Perry’s death was due to a combination of factors: drowning and the effects of ketamine and buprenorphine, a medication used in treating opioid addiction.
Perry also had coronary artery disease, a condition that affects blood flow to the heart, which contributed to his sudden passing.
Following Perry’s death, his family expressed their grief in a statement to PEOPLE. “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” they said. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend.
You all meant so much to him, and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
In the months following his death, authorities began investigating the circumstances surrounding Perry’s access to ketamine. In August, five people, including two doctors and a woman known as “The Ketamine Queen,” were arrested on charges connected to his death.
These individuals, along with Perry’s live-in assistant, are accused of illegally supplying drugs to the actor. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated that those involved “took advantage of Mr. Perry’s addiction issues to enrich themselves,” prioritizing profit over Perry’s health and well-being.
Fans around the world continue to remember Perry’s contributions to entertainment and his advocacy work. Known for his portrayal of Chandler Bing on Friends, Perry brought humor and heart to millions.
However, beyond the screen, he was known for his candid discussions about addiction and his commitment to helping others. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry opened up about his personal struggles, hoping to make a difference in the lives of those battling addiction.
In her interview with Today, Morrison shared that Perry’s legacy is not only the joy he brought through his acting but also the impact of his recovery work. Even though his journey was often challenging, Perry’s dedication to helping others remains a bright spot for those who knew him.
News Source PEOPLE MAGAZINE
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