A Year After Matthew Perry’s Death, The Friends Star’s Family Speaks Out About His Presumed Relapse: ‘There Was That Worry’

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As a gamer who grew up watching Friends and admiring Matthew Perry’s portrayal of Chandler Bing, the news of his passing was a heartbreaking blow. I remember the countless laughter-filled nights spent with friends, quoting his iconic lines and trying to mimic his sarcastic wit. But beyond the humor, there was a deep sadness that resonated with me as I learned about Matthew’s struggles with addiction.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the beloved TV show “Friends,” but for those who were particularly close to Matthew Perry, it’s a more solemn event: exactly one year ago, on October 28, 2023, the actor tragically passed away at the age of 54. His death was due to an accidental drowning in his hot tub as a result of a high dose of ketamine. On this anniversary of his passing, Perry’s family shared their concerns about his presumed relapse and their ongoing worries about his sobriety.

On the anniversary of Matthew Perry’s death, his mother Suzanne, stepfather Keith Morrison, and three sisters shared their thoughts with The Today Show. A year has passed, but it seems the family is still searching for answers. At the time of his passing, it was believed that Perry had been sober for 19 months. When Savannah Guthrie asked if it seemed he was continuing on that path, Morrison responded, “It appeared to us as though he was,” while Perry’s mother shook her head in disagreement. Keith Morrison, who is a correspondent for Dateline NBC, continued:

It didn’t appear that way to me, but it seemed as though it might have been the case. He had received ketamine, yet he maintained control over his actions. However, he was a man who tended to take charge: ‘I can handle this, I can do this, I can advise you on what’s right, I know the entire system and its workings, I understand the drug’s effects on me.’ Thus, there was concern about what exactly he was doing.

Matthew Perry had been receiving ketamine treatment, yet the timing of his previous session and the substantial amount detected in his system at the time of passing led the autopsy to conclude that the therapy was not responsible for his demise. Since then, Perry’s assistant has compiled a detailed account of Perry’s final days, which revealed two administrations of ketamine on the day he passed away.

It’s quite probable that the concern about a potential relapse for Matthew Perry, held by his mother and stepfather, persisted and wasn’t limited to them alone. In fact, as stated by his sister Madeline Morrison, it seems that Perry might have concealed his struggles not only from them but also from others.

I don’t even know if in his mind he had relapsed.

As we all seemed to share the same thoughts, it struck me odd when Suzanne Morrison hinted at a sense of unease following a conversation with her son just before his passing. She mentioned experiencing a “feeling” or a “gut instinct,” which she referred to as a “premonition.

It seemed as though the events unfolding were unavoidable for him, a heavy sense of it weighing upon him. Yet, he asserted, ‘I am no longer afraid.’ This statement, however, gave me pause.

Matthew Perry gained fame for providing many hilarious lines as Chandler Bing on the iconic sitcom “Friends,” widely recognized as one of television’s greatest comedies. Beyond his comic talents, though, the actor has openly discussed his battles with addiction and expressed a desire in his memoir titled “Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing” to be remembered for his efforts in helping others.

In connection with these endeavors, his family is lending a helping hand, as they revealed on the anniversary of his passing by initiating the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada. However, this initiative does not alleviate the sorrow that Suzanne Morisson feels, as she shared her deep longing for her son in every breath.

Currently, I might stumble upon some amusing event, perhaps on the news or elsewhere, which would prompt me to reach out to him. Our bond has grown more flexible over time than ever before, yet the realization of his absence strikes me deeply.

It’s hoped that with the establishment of the new foundation and the efforts made by Matthew Perry throughout his life, such as penning his memoir, the “Friends” star will carry on assisting those battling addiction, plus providing support for their loved ones.

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2024-10-28 18:37