Matthew Perry’s Family: Meet Chandler’s Real-Life Parents John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison
- Matthew Perry had a complex relationship with his parents after their separation.
- His siblings supported him through his acting career and struggles with addiction.
- His family shared her heartbreak over the actor's challenges and tragic passing.
Matthew Perry, beloved for his role as Chandler Bing on FRIENDS, passed away on October 28, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and heartfelt moments. While his portrayal of Chandler brought joy to millions, there’s so much more to his story than just the sitcom laughs.
Perry was a son, a brother, and someone who faced heavy stuff throughout his life. Growing up in Ottawa, Canada, and later moving to California, his journey was shaped not just by his talent but also by the love and complexities of his family.
In this article, we’re diving into the lives of the people who really mattered to him, from his parents to his siblings. Let’s unpack how they influenced him through all the highs and lows.
Who are Matthew Perry’s Real Parents?
Matthew Perry’s family story begins with his parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison. They were a couple with big dreams, but their paths diverged early on. His dad and his mom had him in 1969, but they split up less than a year later. After that, things got a bit more complicated.
Both parents remarried—Suzanne tied the knot with Dateline’s Keith Morrison in 1981, and John married Debbie Perry the same year. So, Perry had a lot of family dynamics going on as he was growing up!
Matthew Perry’s Relationship with His parents
Matthew Perry had a pretty complicated relationship with his dad, John Bennett Perry. In his 2022 memoir, Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, he opened up about feeling abandoned by John, who left him when he was just nine months old to chase his acting dreams.
His parents’ divorce came soon after, and Perry mostly connected with his dad through the screen. At 15, he moved from Canada to Hollywood, hoping to reconnect with John after a rough patch with his mom. John supported his acting goals, even buying him books to help fuel that passion.
Speaking of his mom, Suzanne Perry Morrison had quite the career as a press secretary for Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. Perry shared how her demanding job sometimes made him feel overlooked. He recalled in his book:
I was left to compete with the ongoing concerns of a major Western democracy and its charismatic swordsman leader if I wanted a little attention.
Perry added that when she entered the ballroom, he longed for her attention:
All I wanted was for her to turn around and focus on me, be with me. And she never really did that.
Despite their rocky beginnings, Perry eventually built a solid relationship with both parents. In 2018, when he faced a serious health crisis related to his addiction, both Suzanne and John were right there by his side, showing up for him when it really mattered.
Who are Matthew Perry’s Step-Siblings
In addition to his parents, Perry had a close-knit group of half-siblings who played an essential role in his life. His siblings include Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, Madeline Morrison, and Maria Perry.
Caitlin, born in 1981, has become a prominent figure in her own right, serving as the executive director of The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada. This organization is dedicated to helping those struggling with addiction, a cause that is especially meaningful given his own battles.
Emily, born in 1985, and Maria, born in 1986, also contributed to the supportive family environment. His only half-brother, Will, was born in 1987, followed by the youngest sibling, Madeline, in 1989.
Growing up, these siblings were the star’s cheerleaders, supporting his career and celebrating his successes. They maintained a close bond, and even in tough times, they rallied around him.
Matthew Perry’s Family Opened Up After His Tragic Loss
Matthew Perry’s mom, Suzanne Morrison, opened up about her son’s loneliness as they marked a year since his death. An investigation revealed a network exploiting him, despite his efforts to help others through a sober living facility.
In a recent interview with TODAY, Suzanne expressed her relief over charges being brought against those involved in his death. She mentioned that he struggled with the effects of ketamine, which was prescribed for his depression. Her husband, journalist Keith Morrison also said:
What I’m hoping, and I think the agencies that got involved in this are hoping, that people who have put themselves in the business of supplying people with the drugs that will kill them, that they are now on notice. It doesn’t matter what your professional credentials are, you are going down, baby.
Suzanne shared her heartbreak, admitting she felt helpless against his addiction, saying, “you’ve got to stop blaming yourself.”
Despite this, she feels more connected to Perry now than before. His sister Caitlin leads a foundation started in his memory, aiming to combat addiction. The ketamine that led to Perry’s death was allegedly supplied by a man named Sangha, who faces trial next March.
Other individuals involved, including a doctor and Perry’s former assistant, have pleaded guilty or are awaiting sentencing. Perry was seeking help for depression when he became involved with questionable doctors.
