Matthew Perry’s Stepfather Reflects on the Actor’s Struggles and Legacy

Matthew Perry’s stepfather, Keith Morrison, has opened up about the late actor’s battle with addiction, revealing that Perry felt he was making progress in overcoming his struggles before his tragic death in October.

Despite Perry’s efforts, Morrison emphasised that addiction is a lifelong challenge, stating, “But you never beat it, and he knew that too.” Perry, known for his role in Friends, openly discussed his struggles with alcohol and substance abuse, which ultimately led to his untimely passing at the age of 54.

An autopsy report revealed that Perry had been “reportedly clean for 19 months” but had traces of ketamine and buprenorphine in his system, along with underlying health issues such as coronary artery disease. Perry was undergoing ketamine infusion therapy to manage depression and anxiety at the time of his death.

Morrison, who married Perry’s mother when the actor was 12, expressed the ongoing grief he experiences following Perry’s death, describing it as a constant presence in his life. Despite the pain, Morrison noted that Perry seemed content in his final days, describing him as “happy” and expressing regret that Perry didn’t have the opportunity to fully realise his potential.

Reflecting on their relationship, Morrison fondly recalled Perry’s vibrant personality and their close bond, despite their contrasting temperaments. He highlighted Perry’s resilience in seeking treatment for his addiction, acknowledging the challenges of battling such a pervasive illness in the public eye.

Perry’s advocacy for sobriety and his commitment to helping others struggling with addiction were integral parts of his legacy. In honour of his memory, Perry’s mother and stepfather established the Matthew Perry Foundation to support individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.

Through his candidness and advocacy, Perry left a lasting impact on those who knew him and continues to inspire efforts to combat addiction and promote mental health awareness.