Keith Morrison Reflects on Matthew Perry’s Life, Death, and Legacy Amid New Foundation Launch

Keith Morrison, the stepfather of the late actor Matthew Perry, has opened up about the profound impact of Perry’s death and the family’s efforts to honor his legacy. In an interview with Tom Power on CBC‘s Q, Morrison described Perry’s death as “incredibly shocking” and “shattering” for the family.

Perry, known for his role in the popular TV show “Friends,” passed away on October 28, 2023, due to a fatal ketamine overdose. His death was a culmination of a lifelong struggle with addiction, which he had detailed in his memoir “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” released in 2022.

Morrison reflected on Perry’s final days, noting that despite his struggles, Perry had found a new sense of purpose after writing his book. However, his addictive personality eventually led him back to substance use, this time involving ketamine infusion therapy, which was initially supervised by a doctor but later administered by his assistant without medical training.

The family is now launching the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada, along with a similar foundation in the U.S., to support people recovering from addiction. Caitlin Morrison, Perry’s sister and the executive director of the Canadian foundation, expressed that working for the foundation makes her feel close to her brother and continues his mission to help others struggling with addiction.

Keith Morrison emphasized that Perry would want to be remembered for his efforts to help people suffering from addiction. The foundations aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and improve treatment options for those battling addiction, a cause that was deeply personal to Perry.

The launch of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada in Ottawa marks a significant step in honoring Perry’s legacy and continuing his work in supporting those affected by addiction. Morrison expressed his satisfaction with the progress, noting that the foundation is working with innovative approaches to treat addiction, something Perry had been seeking throughout his life.