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The Untold Story Of Matthew Perry's Parents: 5 Shocking Facts About John Bennett Perry And Suzanne Morrison

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The sudden passing of beloved actor Matthew Perry in October 2023 brought renewed public focus to the private lives of his family, particularly his parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison. As of December 2025, new details and emotional statements from his mother and stepfather have emerged, providing a deeper, more current understanding of the complex family unit that shaped the man behind the iconic character, Chandler Bing. This article delves into the unique lives and careers of his parents and step-parents, revealing the full scope of the supportive, albeit complicated, family structure Matthew Perry cherished.

Matthew Perry was not only the product of two creative and ambitious individuals but also the central figure in a blended family that included five half-siblings. Their story, marked by early divorce and subsequent remarriages, is a testament to the enduring bonds of love and support that transcended traditional family structures, a bond that has been powerfully demonstrated in their recent, heartbreaking public appearances.

Matthew Perry's Full Family Profile: Parents, Step-Parents, and Six Siblings

Matthew Perry's life was significantly influenced by his parents' early divorce and the subsequent formation of two strong, new family units. This list provides a complete biographical profile of the key figures in his life.

  • Full Name: Matthew Langford Perry
  • Date of Birth: August 19, 1969
  • Date of Death: October 28, 2023
  • Father: John Bennett Perry
  • Mother: Suzanne Marie Morrison (née Langford)
  • Stepfather: Keith Morrison
  • Stepmother: Debbie Perry
  • Total Siblings: Matthew was the oldest of six children.

John Bennett Perry (Father)

  • Born: January 4, 1941, in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
  • Career: American retired actor, singer, and former model.
  • Notable Roles: Known for his work in television and film, often appearing in commercials, including as the "Old Spice Guy." He even appeared alongside Matthew in a 2004 episode of Scrubs and the film Fools Rush In.
  • Marital Status: Divorced from Suzanne Morrison (1970). Later married Debbie Perry.

Suzanne Morrison (Mother)

  • Born: 1948, in Canada.
  • Career: Former journalist and press secretary. She notably served as the press secretary for former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau (father of Justin Trudeau).
  • Marital Status: Divorced from John Bennett Perry (1970). Later married Keith Morrison.

Keith Morrison (Stepfather)

  • Career: Highly recognizable Canadian-American broadcast journalist, best known as a correspondent for NBC's true-crime series, Dateline.
  • Relationship with Matthew: Matthew often spoke highly of his stepfather, describing him as a warm and supportive figure in his life. Keith married Suzanne in 1981.

Matthew Perry's Half-Siblings

Matthew had a close bond with his five half-siblings, forming a large, supportive extended family:

  • From Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison: Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Madeline Morrison, and Will Morrison.
  • From John Bennett Perry and Debbie Perry: Maria Perry.

The Blended Family Dynamic: A Childhood Split Between Two Countries

Matthew Perry's parents divorced when he was only one year old, fundamentally shaping his childhood and the family relationships he would maintain throughout his life. After the split, Matthew primarily lived with his mother, Suzanne Morrison, in Ottawa, Canada. This meant he was raised predominantly by his mother and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, who married Suzanne in 1981.

His early life in Canada was marked by a keen interest in tennis, where he became a top-ranked junior player. However, the distance from his biological father, John Bennett Perry, created a strain that Matthew later described as a "tumultuous relationship" in his younger years.

At age 15, Matthew made the pivotal decision to move to Los Angeles to live with his father, John Bennett Perry, to pursue his acting career. This move allowed him to reconnect with his actor father and eventually led to his breakthrough role on Friends. The influence of his father's Hollywood career, including John's appearances in shows like Life as We Know It and 3rd Rock from the Sun, undoubtedly played a role in Matthew's career path.

The close-knit nature of the blended family was evident in his later years. Matthew frequently credited Keith Morrison for his supportive presence and often spoke of the strong bond he shared with all his half-siblings, highlighting a deep sense of family loyalty.

Recent Emotional Statements and the Fight for Matthew's Legacy

In the wake of Matthew Perry's tragic death, his parents and stepfather have stepped forward with powerful, emotional statements that underscore their profound grief and their dedication to honoring his memory. This recent news provides the most current and unique insight into their feelings.

Around the one-year anniversary of his passing, Matthew's mother, Suzanne Morrison, and stepfather, Keith Morrison, participated in exclusive interviews, sharing intimate details about their final conversations and the pain of their loss. Suzanne revealed that Matthew had been in good spirits and had a "premonition" about his life, making his death all the more shocking and devastating for the family.

The 'Culpable' Statement

Perhaps the most significant and newest development has been the family’s involvement in the legal proceedings following his death. Matthew Perry's parents, Suzanne Morrison and John Bennett Perry, along with Keith Morrison, shared emotionally charged victim impact letters ahead of the sentencing of a doctor charged in connection with the actor's passing.

In a fiery letter, his parents asserted that the doctor involved was "culpable" for their son's death, demanding accountability. This collective action by the family—mother, father, and stepfather—fighting for justice for Matthew, highlights the enduring and unified love they shared for him, despite the geographical distance and the early divorce. They continue to fight for Matthew's legacy, including the work of the Matthew Perry Foundation, established in his honor to help those struggling with addiction.

The Careers That Shaped Matthew Perry's Hollywood Journey

Matthew Perry's own career in Hollywood was clearly influenced by the professional lives of his parents and step-parents, providing a rich topical authority for his own ambitions.

John Bennett Perry: The Actor Father

John Bennett Perry's long career as an actor, singer, and model provided Matthew with a direct link to the entertainment industry. John’s presence in Hollywood was a major factor in Matthew’s decision to move to LA at 15. The father and son even shared the screen, most notably in the 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In, where John played the father of Matthew’s character, Alex Whitman. This on-screen collaboration was a poignant full-circle moment for a relationship that started with a large distance.

Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison: The Journalism Power Couple

Suzanne's background as a press secretary for a major political figure, Pierre Trudeau, and Keith Morrison's long, distinguished career as a broadcast journalist for Dateline, demonstrated a life of public service and high-profile communication. This environment of professionalism, public speaking, and high-pressure media work likely instilled in Matthew a sharp wit and a strong ability to handle the demands of global fame that came with Friends.

Ultimately, the story of Matthew Perry's parents is one of two separate, successful families that came together to support one extraordinary son. The recent public statements and interviews serve as a powerful, current reminder of the depth of their love and the profound loss they continue to experience.

matthew perry parents
matthew perry parents

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