Suzanne Morrison, mother of the late Friends star Matthew Perry, shared touching memories of her last conversations with her son, reflecting on the moments that felt both bittersweet and fateful.
Just before Perry’s tragic passing on October 28, 2023, Suzanne recalls a rare, heartfelt exchange during a tour of his new home in Los Angeles.
The exchange, she revealed to NBC’s Today show, brought an unexpected closeness.
“He came up to me and said, ‘I love you so much, and I’m so happy to be with you now,’” Suzanne recalled, noting that the words now feel almost prophetic.
“I didn’t think about it at the time, but it had been years since we’d spoken like that.”
A Mother’s Unshakable Concern
Reflecting on their conversation, Suzanne expressed that her son’s demeanor seemed to carry a sense of inevitability.
“He wasn’t frightened anymore,” she recalled, though the change worried her deeply.
She attributed some of this shift to a new medication he had been prescribed, which she believes may have impacted his state of mind in his final days.
Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, and his sisters were with Suzanne as she opened up about the devastating loss, offering their own memories and support.
The News No Parent Should Hear
Keith Morrison described the heartbreaking moment they learned of Perry’s death.
“Someone called Suzanne and simply said, ‘Matthew’s dead,’” he shared.
Suzanne remembered hearing the devastating words, “Your son is dead,” a moment she says has haunted her since.
She also spoke of Perry’s deep loneliness, a battle he struggled with despite his fame and achievements.
“I’m a very lucky woman,” she said, “but there was one problem I couldn’t conquer.”
A Legacy of Love and Sobriety
While Keith believes Perry was sober at the time of his passing, Suzanne shook her head, indicating her uncertainty.
Their interview revealed mixed feelings about Perry’s sobriety, with each family member offering a unique perspective.
Despite these uncertainties, they found comfort in the recent arrests of individuals allegedly involved in providing the drugs that contributed to his death.
“I was thrilled,” Suzanne shared, as Keith delivered a warning to those in the business of drug trafficking, saying, “You’re going down.”
A Family’s Lasting Tribute
In Perry’s memory, his family established the Matthew Perry Foundation to support those suffering from addiction.
The foundation, they hope, will honor Perry’s legacy and aid others battling the same struggles he faced.
“The potential this foundation has to help those suffering from this disease is something we are proud to bring to the world,” they said, demonstrating their commitment to continuing Perry’s life’s work.
The family’s tribute and the foundation’s mission serve as reminders of Perry’s desire for connection and healing, offering solace to those he left behind.
