Matthew Perry's stepfather and sister break silence and speak about Friends star's death for the first time

Almost a year after the passing of Friends star Matthew Perry, his family is finally breaking their silence.

In a recent interview, Perry's younger sister, Caitlin Morrison, and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, have spoken about their grief and the ways in which they are working to preserve his memory.

Their focus is on ensuring Matthew's legacy continues through the initiatives they've undertaken, particularly in supporting those affected by addiction, an issue that Perry himself battled for years.

Caitlin Morrison, 43, has taken on a central role in preserving her brother's legacy as the executive director of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada.

This initiative builds on the work already established in the U.S. through the Matthew Perry Foundation, focusing on supporting individuals struggling with addiction.

Speaking to Hello! Canada, Caitlin expressed how closely she feels connected to her brother through the work she does with the foundation.

"I feel like I'm sitting right next to Matthew, working with him every day on something that was important to him," she said, adding, "I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time, which is wonderful."

Keith Morrison, 77, Matthew's stepfather, echoed Caitlin's sentiments, adding that Perry would have been proud of the work being done in his name.

"He would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction," Keith remarked, emphasizing how the family is channeling their grief into positive action.

Determination to Make a Difference

The sudden loss of Matthew Perry, at the age of 54, continues to weigh heavily on his family.

The actor was found unresponsive in the jacuzzi at his Los Angeles home, with an autopsy later confirming that he had died from the acute effects of ketamine.

His passing shocked his fans and loved ones, especially given Perry's long and public battle with addiction.

Reflecting on the devastating loss, Keith Morrison shared, "Anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it's shattering."

Despite the profound pain, the family has resolved to continue Matthew's mission of helping others. "What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful," Keith explained.

Caitlin also took time to remember her brother's magnetic presence, saying, "He had this ability to fill up a room with light. 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."

For her, being Matthew's younger sister was a role she cherished. "I will always think of myself as Matthew's kid sister - a wide-eyed girl who thought (and still thinks) her brother was the coolest human being who has ever existed," she fondly recalled.

Caitlin shared that the greatest life lesson her brother imparted to her was resilience. "No matter how many times you fail, you haven't failed until you stop trying," she said, a message that reflects the enduring spirit of Matthew Perry's life.

Building a Lasting Legacy

In the wake of Perry's death, the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada was officially launched on November 3, 2023, just days after his passing.

The foundation aims to help individuals affected by addiction, a cause Perry held close to his heart. His mother Suzanne serves on the foundation's board of directors alongside other key figures, including his childhood friend Brian Murray and mental health expert Cara Vaccarino.

In a statement released at the time of the foundation's launch, the family expressed their commitment to honoring Matthew's memory: "It is important to us, as a family, to honor Matthew's legacy. The potential that the Matthew Perry Foundation has to help those suffering from this disease is something we are proud to bring to the world."

As the family continues to push forward with this important work, they hope to use Matthew Perry's platform to make a difference in the lives of those struggling with addiction.

Though his life ended tragically, his legacy lives on through the foundation that aims to offer hope and support to those in need, ensuring that Matthew Perry's compassion and resilience continue to impact others for years to come.