5 Shocking Facts About Matthew Perry's Parents: The Famous Dad, The Dateline Stepfather, And Their Fight For Justice

The world continues to mourn the loss of beloved actor Matthew Perry, who passed away in October 2023, but as of December 12, 2025, his family is making headlines with a powerful, unified stance. The actor's parents and stepparents—a fascinating blend of Hollywood, journalism, and politics—have recently stepped into the public eye to deliver emotionally charged victim impact statements regarding the legal proceedings surrounding his death. This extraordinary family unit, which includes a famous actor father and a renowned Dateline correspondent stepfather, has always been a cornerstone of Perry's life, shaping his journey from a young boy in Canada to one of the biggest stars in television history.

The complex and supportive structure of Matthew Perry's family is a testament to the enduring bonds of love and co-parenting. His biological parents, John Bennett Perry and Suzanne Morrison, divorced when he was an infant, leading to a life split between two highly successful, yet very different, households. Understanding who Matthew Perry's parents are—and the influential people they married—is key to grasping the full scope of the man who brought Chandler Bing to life for millions.

Matthew Perry's Core Family: A Complete Biography List

Matthew Perry was an only child from his parents' first marriage but grew up with five half-siblings, creating a large, blended family that spanned two countries and multiple high-profile careers. Here is a detailed look at the key figures in his life:

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• Biological Father: John Bennett Perry (Born: January 4, 1941, Williamstown, Massachusetts). A retired American actor, singer, and former model.
• Biological Mother: Suzanne Marie Morrison (née Langford, Born: 1948). A former Canadian journalist and press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau.
• Stepfather: Keith Morrison (Born: July 2, 1947, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada). A renowned Canadian-American broadcast journalist and correspondent for NBC's Dateline.
• Stepmother: Debbie Perry (née Boyle). John Bennett Perry's second wife.
• Maternal Half-Siblings (Children of Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison): Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, and Madeline Morrison.
• Paternal Half-Sister (Child of John Bennett Perry and Debbie Perry): Maria Perry.

The Actor Father: John Bennett Perry and His Hollywood Legacy

Matthew Perry's biological father, John Bennett Perry, is an accomplished figure in his own right, primarily known as a veteran actor and model. Born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, John Bennett Perry established a solid career in Hollywood long before his son found international fame on Friends.

His acting credits span decades, including roles in films like Lipstick (1976) and appearances on numerous television shows. A fun piece of trivia that fans often miss is that John Bennett Perry actually appeared alongside his son in the 1997 romantic comedy Fools Rush In, starring Matthew Perry and Salma Hayek. John played the father of Matthew's character, Alex Whitman, in a heartwarming nod to their real-life connection.

John Bennett Perry's marriage to Suzanne Morrison was brief, lasting from 1968 to 1970. Following the divorce, he married Debbie Boyle, and together they had Matthew's paternal half-sister, Maria Perry. John and Debbie Perry have maintained a private life but were thrust into the spotlight following Matthew's death. In a recent display of solidarity with Suzanne and Keith Morrison, John and Debbie also submitted a victim impact letter to the court, condemning the "greedy jackals" involved in supplying the lethal dose of ketamine to their son. This joint action highlights the family's unified front in seeking justice for Matthew Perry.

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The Political Mother and The Famous 'Dateline' Stepfather: Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison

Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, played a pivotal role in his upbringing, particularly after moving with him to Ottawa, Canada, following the divorce. Suzanne had a high-profile career as a press secretary for Pierre Trudeau, the 15th Prime Minister of Canada and father of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This political environment in Ottawa shaped Matthew's early life, and he frequently spoke about his childhood in Canada.

In 1981, Suzanne married Keith Morrison, who would become one of the most recognizable voices in true-crime journalism as a correspondent for NBC's Dateline. Keith Morrison's distinctive, dramatic style of narration has made him a household name across North America. Matthew Perry often joked affectionately about his famous stepfather, noting his deep, somber voice, but always spoke of him with genuine warmth and respect.

Keith Morrison effectively became Matthew's second father, and their bond was extremely close. In his memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, Perry wrote about his stepfather's kindness and the stability he brought to his life. The couple welcomed four children together: Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline Morrison, who are Matthew's maternal half-siblings.

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A Family United in Grief and the Fight Against 'Jackals'

The most recent and poignant public information about Matthew Perry's parents comes from their reaction to the investigation into his death. The actor died from the acute effects of ketamine, and the subsequent legal proceedings have brought his family's grief to the forefront. As of late 2024 and into 2025, both Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison have been outspoken about the circumstances of his passing.

In powerful victim impact letters submitted to the court, Suzanne and Keith condemned the individuals who provided the drugs. Keith Morrison stated that Matthew's death was "incredibly shocking" and "shattering" for the entire family. Suzanne Morrison, in particular, delivered a scathing critique of the doctor involved, calling them "among the most culpable of all," and referring to the drug suppliers as "greedy jackals" who preyed on her son's addiction and vulnerability. This strong language and public condemnation underscore the depth of their pain and their commitment to honoring Matthew's memory by seeking accountability.

The family's decision to speak out is significant, as Matthew Perry dedicated the final years of his life to helping others struggling with addiction, a battle he chronicled openly in his memoir. By taking a stand against those who enabled his relapse, his parents and stepparents are continuing his legacy of advocacy and transparency regarding mental health and substance abuse.

The Blended Family: Five Half-Siblings and Enduring Support

Despite the early divorce of his biological parents, Matthew Perry was raised in a large, loving, and supportive blended family. He was the eldest of six children in total, with five younger half-siblings whom he adored and was fiercely protective of. These siblings include the four children of Suzanne and Keith Morrison (Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline) and the daughter of John Bennett Perry and Debbie Perry (Maria).

Matthew often credited his siblings and stepparents for providing him with a sense of normalcy and grounding, especially during the height of his fame on Friends. The complex family structure, spanning both the United States and Canada, taught him adaptability and the strength of unconditional family support. This network became crucial during his decades-long struggle with addiction, as documented in his memoir. The family's recent appearance together, including his mother, stepfather, and sisters, to share their grief and fight for justice, confirms the enduring closeness and unbreakable bond of the Perry-Morrison clan.