Matthew Perry's stepfather opens up on his death: 'It's not fair he didn't get a third act'
Keith Morrison spoke with Hoda Kotb on her podcast Making Space.
Keith Morrison, the broadcast journalist known for his work on Dateline NBC, who was also Matthew Perry's stepfather, has spoken about the Friends star's death and how it has impacted the family.
Speaking to Hoda Kotb on her podcast Making Space, Morrison said: "It’s as other people have told me hundreds of times. It doesn’t go away yet. It’s with you every day. It’s with you all the time."
Morrison noted that Perry was happy before his death, stating: "He said so, and he hadn’t said that for a long time. It’s a source of comfort, but also, he didn’t get to have his third act, and that’s not fair.
"And as he said himself, 'If I suddenly died, people would be shocked, but not too many people would be surprised.' And he was right."
Morrison also revealed that Perry had grown closer with his mother towards the end of his life, and that his passing had been particularly tough for her to deal with.
He said: "There’s some new aspect of it that assaults your brain, and it’s not easy, especially for his mom.
"I don’t think I’m giving away too much if I say that toward the end of his life, they were closer than I had seen them for decades, and texting each other constantly and him sharing things with her that most middle-aged men don’t share with their mothers."
Perry died in October 2023, with friends, co-star and fans paying tribute to him in the days, weeks and months that have followed.
Read more:
- Matthew Perry wanted to be remembered for more than just Friends
- Friends actor claims Matthew Perry stopped Chandler cheating on Monica
The star was paid tribute to during the Emmy Awards and the Oscars. There was no tribute at the BAFTA Film Awards, but it has been announced that this is because his tribute will feature at the BAFTA TV Awards in May.
Ahead of personal statements from each of them being released, Perry's Friends co-stars issued a joint statement following news of his death, saying they were "utterly devastated".
The statement continued: "We were more than just castmates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.
"In time we will say more, as and when we are able. For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world."
By entering your details, you are agreeing to our terms and conditions and privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Looking for something to watch? Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
Try Radio Times magazine today and get 10 issues for only £10 – subscribe now. For more from the biggest stars in TV, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.
Authors
James Hibbs is a Drama Writer for Radio Times, covering programmes across both streaming platforms and linear channels. He previously worked in PR, first for a B2B agency and subsequently for international TV production company Fremantle. He possesses a BA in English and Theatre Studies and an NCTJ Level 5 Diploma in Journalism.
