Matthew Perry's Sister Speaks Out for the First Time After His Devastating Death

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Matthew Perry's family is continuing to honor his memory a year after the actor's tragic death.

In an article published on Wednesday, October 23, Perry's younger sister, Caitlin Morrison, spoke to HELLO! Canada, marking her first interview since his passing.

Caitlin reflected on her big brother's infectious spirit. "He had this ability to fill up a room with light," Caitlin quipped. "When people were in a room with [Matthew], there was this magnetic energy. Everybody just had a smile on their face and they clung to everything that he said."

Actor Matthew Perry arrives at CBS, CW And Showtime 2015 Summer TCA Party at Pacific Design Center on August 10, 2015 in West Hollywood, California. The 'Ally McBeal' alum's younger sister Caitlin, has given her... Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/Getty Images

In October 2023, the Friends star was discovered unresponsive in his hot tub at his Los Angeles residence — his cause of death was ruled to be from the acute effects of ketamine.

In her new role as executive director for The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada — which aims to help people struggling with substance abuse disorders — Caitlin feels exceptionally close to the late 17 Again actor. "The work that I'm doing now is very selfish because it kind of feels like I'm sitting right next to Matthew, working with him every day on something that was important to him," she said. "I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time," Caitlin explained, which she thinks "is wonderful."

The Beverly Hills 90210 alum's stepdad, Keith Morrison, who has previously commented on his stepson's heartbreaking passing, talked to the outlet about the difficulty of losing a child. "When [Perry] suddenly died, it was incredibly shocking... anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it's shattering," the long-running Dateline correspondent said. "What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful."

Keith shared that Perry wanted his legacy to be one of helping others: "He would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction."

A slew of arrests have been made in connection to the Emmy-nominated actor's death. One of Perry's former doctors, Dr. Mark Chavez, pleaded guilty to the charge of conspiracy to distribute ketamine earlier this month — his sentence will be determined in April 2025.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).