Matthew Perry’s Family Speaks Out for the First Time Since His Death: ‘It Was Incredibly Shocking’

Matthew Perry’s family is speaking out nearly a year after his death.

Perry’s stepfather, Dateline NBC correspondent Keith Morrison, and sister Caitlin spoke with HELLO! Canada to reflect on their grief and their efforts to continue his legacy and the creation of the Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada.

Per the organization’s official website, the foundation was created to provide “comprehensive support to individuals living with substance use disorders after their treatment.”

Those individuals will receive support with housing, counseling, job training, and other services—all in memory of the late Friends actor, who wanted to be remembered for helping others struggling with addiction.

“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,” said 43-year-old Caitlin, who serves as the foundation’s executive director. “I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time, which is wonderful.”

“He would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction,” said Morrison, 77.

Despite the actor’s lifelong struggle with sobriety, Perry’s sudden death blindsided his family.

“When [Matthew] 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,” Morrison said. “What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful.”

Perry was found dead in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence on Oct. 28, 2023. He was 54 years old.