Matthew Perry's mom shares the heartbreaking six words she was told as she learned of son's death

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By Asiya Ali

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Matthew Perry's mom has tearfully recalled the moment she learned of her son's death one year ago.

The world of Hollywood was left heartbroken after the beloved actor - best known for playing Chandler Bing in Friends - was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023.

Perry was later pronounced dead. He was just 54 years old.

Matthew PerryPerry tragically died on October 28, 2023. Credit: David M. Benett / Getty

A toxicology report revealed that Perry tragically died from acute effects of ketamine. The report listed the manner of death as accidental drowning.

The actor's death led led to a police investigation being launched in May, which authorities say uncovered a "broad underground criminal network" of drug suppliers who distributed large quantities of ketamine, per BBC News.

Five people were arrested and charged in relation to Perry's death, including two doctors, the actor's personal assistant, a Hollywood acquaintance, and a woman known as the "Ketamine Queen". Three of the five have already pleaded guilty to charges against them.

Matthew PerryPerry played Chandler Bing in Friends. Credit: Fotos International / Getty

One year on from the tragedy, and Perry’s mother, Suzanne Perry, stepdad Keith Morrison, and sisters Emily, Caitlin, and Madeleine Morrison, have all opened up about their grief in an emotional interview with the Today Show.

The actor's stepdad gushed: “[To light up a room is] something you’re born with or you’re not born with. And he was certainly born with it in spades."

“But it must be said, I think,” Suzanne chimed in. “That he was also very lonely in his soul.”

Watch the full interview below:


Perry underwent ketamine infusion therapy for anxiety and depression in the days before his passing. He candidly spoke about his struggles with substance abuse in his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.

The 17 Again star revealed that he'd "dissociate" when he took ketamine and would "often thought that I was dying during that hour".

"Oh, I thought, this is what happens when you die. Yet I would continually sign up for this s**t because it was something different, and anything different is good," he penned. "Taking K is like being hit in the head with a giant happy shovel. But the hangover was rough and outweighed the shovel. Ketamine was not for me."

In the Today interview, Suzanne said despite being a "very lucky woman" there was one problem she "couldn't conquer" when it came to her beloved son's addiction. “I couldn’t help him," she tearfully shared. “You’ve got to stop blaming yourself because it tears you up.”

The grieving parents then recalled the moment they learned of their son's death. Morrison revealed that someone called his wife and broke the news, not giving context on who had called.

She then revealed the six words she was told down the phone.

“‘Matthew’s dead. Your son is dead,'" Suzanne heartbreakingly said.

GettyImages-1427039.jpgMatthew Perry and his mother. Credit: Vince Bucci / Getty

Perry's loved ones have launched the Matthew Perry Foundation, which will help those battling substance abuse.

“What he taught the world was that no amount of money will cure an addict. It needs something else. And that’s what we are trying to do,” Keith explained, stating that it "appeared to be as if” his son was sober before he passed.

“Although, you know, he was a guy who would make decisions. ‘I can handle this. I can do this. I can tell you what’s right. I know the whole system inside and out. I know what the drug will do to me.’ And so there was that worry of, ‘What is he really doing?'” he asked.

One of his sisters said: “I don’t even know if in his mind he had relapsed.” Keith agreed, adding: “I don’t think he did.”

Suzanne heartbreakingly shared that she often calls her late son when something funny happens in her life and will sit and talk with him at the cemetery.

Our thoughts continue to be with Perry's family and friends.

Featured image credit: Mike Pont / Getty