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Matthew Perry’s Family Is Full of Famous Faces From Dateline’s Keith Morrison to Actors and More
Matthew Perry died at his Los Angeles home on October 28, 2023, according to TMZ. The late actor, who was best known for portraying Chandler Bing on Friends, came from a family of other famous faces, including his dad, actor John Bennett, and Dateline’s Keith Morrison.
The family released a statement about the loss one day after Matthew died. “We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother,” they shared, via PEOPLE. “Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”
Matthew’s childhood wasn’t easy. He was born in Massachusetts and then raised by his mom, Suzanne, in Canada after his parents got divorced. “I was one,” Matthew said about his parents’ split in a previous interview with Katie Couric. “So I didn’t blame myself quite yet.”
Although Matthew and his father had a bit of a distant relationship growing up, the actor still looked up to him. “That was mostly the way that I saw my father when I was young — on TV shows, and you know, getting shot through a door on Mannix, or something like that. That’s my dad.”
Are Matthew Perry and Keith Morrison Related?
Keith Morrison, the journalist known for his unforgettable deep voice, was Matthew’s stepfather. Keith married the 17 Again star’s mother, Suzanne Marie, in 1981, years after she split from the comedian’s biological dad. Together, the couple welcomed children Caitlin, Emily, Willy and Madeleine.
In a 2017 interview with Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live, the true crime reporter dished on what it’s like being related to the Friends alum. “He is a very good guy,” Keith said while sitting next to Real Housewives of Orange County’s Tamra Judge. He admitted he thought Matthew would grow up to be famous but “probably not as an actor.”
Who Is Matthew Perry’s Mom?
Matt’s mom, Suzanne, has quit the impressive resume like her son and husband. The proud mother previously worked as a Canadian journalist and was the former press secretary to the Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Trudeau. In addition to her work as a journalist, she was a political consultant and a fundraiser for several businesses, foundations and government agencies.
Who Is Matthew Perry’s Dad?
Although The Whole Nine Yards actor’s parents divorced after only two years of marriage in 1970, his father, John Bennett, still remained an important fixture in Matt’s life. John went on to marry his current wife, Debbie, and welcomed Matt’s sister Mia in 1982.
John worked as an actor which clearly had a strong influence on his son. He also was known for his work as a model and singer. The father and son acted alongside each other in the 1997 film Fools Rush In. He also made an appearance on Friends, playing the role of Rachel Green’s boyfriend’s father.
How Did Matthew Perry Die?
The Birds of America actor died on October 28, 2023, after he was found unresponsive in a hot tub at his Pacific Palisades home. It was initially reported that he died from an apparent drowning, though his cause of death was later ruled as the acute effects of ketamine.
