Matthew Perry’s mother, Suzanne Morrison, has shared an emotional tribute to her late son on what would have been his 57th birthday. The tribute was shared by the Matthew Perry House along with an old family photograph showing Suzanne feeding Perry when he was a baby. The post remembered Perry’s life and his long struggle with addiction. The message began by noting that August 19 was his birthday and reflected on the memories of the actor from childhood through the difficult final years of his life.
“Today is Matthew’s birthday, and we wanted to share a note from his mother. August 19th. It’s his birthday. Matthew was born 57 years ago today, a day that I feel as keenly as if all happened this very morning. Along with all the days he struggled, and the days he hid his addiction from the world, and even from me”.
Suzanne then described her son and spoke about how strongly she misses him. “Sweet, loving, funny, cantankerous, pig-headed Matthew, who wanted – so much – to be well. I miss him terribly. All the time. Everyday. And I hear him saying over and over in those last days of his life, “I just want to help people like me, stuck in the disease of addiction.” He can’t anymore. But we can. And with your help, we will”, they added.
Perry, best known for playing Chandler Bing on Friends, died on October 28, 2023. His death was attributed to the acute effects of ketamine. His death later became the subject of a legal investigation involving people who supplied or administered the drug to him.
As part of his plea agreement, Perry’s assistant Kenneth Iwamasa admitted to repeatedly administering ketamine to the actor in the days before his death. According to the plea agreement, Perry had already received two doses on the day he died before asking Iwamasa to “shoot me up with a big one”.
Iwamasa later left Perry’s Los Angeles home to run errands. When he returned, he found the actor unresponsive and face down in his jacuzzi.
Following his sentencing on Wednesday, Iwamasa addressed Perry’s family and friends in court, including Suzanne and her husband, Keith Morrison. He expressed deep regret over his actions, apologised to Perry’s loved ones and said he would regret what happened for the rest of his life.
Perry’s mother’s birthday message has once again brought attention to the actor’s personal struggle with addiction and his wish to help others facing similar problems. Through the Matthew Perry House, his family and supporters continue to focus on that part of his legacy.