Just months after the world mourned the loss of beloved actor Matthew Perry, his stepfather Keith Morrison sheds light on his final days and the enduring pain of his absence.
A Father Figure Opens Up: Finding Solace in Shared Memories
Keith, who married Matthew’s mother Suzanne in 1981, spoke candidly on Hoda Kotb’s podcast “Making Spaces.” While acknowledging the ever-present grief, he shares a glimmer of comfort: “Toward the end, they [Matthew and Suzanne] were closer than I’d seen in decades.”
A Life Interrupted: A Third Act Cut Short
Despite the positive strides in his relationship with his mother, Keith laments the unfinished chapter in Matthew’s life. “He was happy…and hadn’t said that for a long time,” he reveals. Keith acknowledges the missed opportunities, “He didn’t get to have his third act, and that’s not fair.”
Living with the Legacy: A Void Filled with Memories
Hoda’s question about feeling Matthew’s presence resonates with the profound loss. Keith’s reply paints a picture of a man who left an undeniable mark: “He was goofy, funny…even silent, he commanded attention. That’s gone, but the echo of it lingers.”
A Relentless Battle: Remembering Matthew’s Struggles
Keith acknowledges Matthew’s openness about his addiction, a “disease he felt he was beating, but you never truly do,” as Keith states. This resonates with Perry’s public battles with substance abuse.
A Legacy of Hope: Helping Others Through Loss
In the wake of this tragedy, the family has established a foundation in Matthew’s name. “The goal,” Keith explains, “is to aid organizations that support those struggling in difficult situations, to get them the help they need.”
Matthew Perry’s absence leaves a void in the hearts of many. His stepfather’s words offer a glimpse into the personal side of this loss, while highlighting the ongoing fight against addiction and the importance of seeking help.
