In a heartfelt message that broke a month-long silence, Dateline correspondent Keith Morrison has opened up about the untimely passing of his stepson, Friends star Matthew Perry. The 54-year-old actor, known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing, left a lasting impact not only through his on-screen charisma but also through his candid struggles with addiction.
Taking to social media on a poignant Monday, Morrison shared a personal plea for support on the upcoming Giving Tuesday, urging fans to contribute to the newly established Matthew Perry Foundation. The foundation, born out of Perry’s unwavering commitment to aiding those battling addiction, was launched in the wake of his tragic demise.
“This is not the sort of thing I commonly do, this pitch. But this year is different,” Morrison wrote in his post, accompanied by a link to the Matthew Perry Foundation. “And tomorrow is Giving Tuesday. Do what you can; he would have been grateful.”
Keith Morrison has been part of Perry’s life since 1981, having married Suzanne, Perry’s mother, when the actor was just 12 years old. The union followed Suzanne’s separation from Perry’s father, John Bennett Perry, and has endured for over four decades.
The Matthew Perry Foundation, founded with a mission to carry forward Perry’s dedication to aiding those struggling with addiction, seeks to honor his legacy. Perry, throughout his career, openly discussed his battles with addiction and his challenging journey to sobriety. An advocate for substance abuse treatment, Perry had envisioned establishing a foundation to support others facing similar struggles before his untimely demise.
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In a statement, Perry’s family expressed pride in the foundation’s potential to make a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. The foundation’s website prominently features a quote from Perry’s 2022 appearance on the Q With Tom Power podcast, emphasizing his passion for addiction recovery work.
“When I die, I don’t want Friends to be the first thing that’s mentioned. I want helping others to be the first thing that’s mentioned. And I’m going to live the rest of my life proving that,” Perry passionately stated. “Addiction is far too powerful for anyone to defeat alone. But together, one day at a time, we can beat it down.”
As we approach Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to charitable acts, Morrison’s call for support resonates with the shared goal of the Matthew Perry Foundation. The actor’s family, along with Morrison, is determined to carry forward Perry’s vision and make a meaningful impact in the fight against addiction.
The Matthew Perry Foundation invites individuals to join the cause, highlighting the importance of collective effort in overcoming the powerful grip of addiction. Perry’s legacy, marked by resilience and advocacy, lives on through the foundation’s mission to support those on the difficult path to recovery.
In a world where Giving Tuesday provides an opportunity for generosity and compassion, the Matthew Perry Foundation stands as a beacon of hope, a tangible way for individuals to contribute to a cause that deeply mattered to a beloved actor. As we remember Matthew Perry, let us also honor his memory by extending a helping hand to those battling addiction, one donation at a time.
