7 Heartbreaking Facts About Keith Morrison: The Dateline Host Who Was Matthew Perry's Beloved Stepfather

The relationship between Matthew Perry and his stepfather, Keith Morrison, was one of the most enduring and loving connections in the late actor's life, a fact that has been brought into sharp focus following Perry’s tragic passing in October 2023. As of this December 2025 update, the Canadian journalist and *Dateline NBC* correspondent has been incredibly candid about the "shattering" grief and complex emotions surrounding the loss of his stepson, providing the public with a new, intimate look at the *Friends* star's final years and his lifelong battle with addiction. Morrison's recent public comments offer a fresh, poignant perspective on the man behind the beloved character Chandler Bing, revealing the profound impact Matthew had on his entire family.

The bond between the two men transcended the traditional step-parent dynamic; Keith Morrison married Matthew's mother, Suzanne Marie Morrison, when Matthew was a young boy, essentially raising him from age 10. Their decades-long relationship became a cornerstone of Perry’s life, making Morrison’s recent, often heartbreaking, interviews the most current and authoritative source of insight into Matthew Perry's final chapter and the family's ongoing efforts to honor his legacy through the Matthew Perry Foundation.

Keith Morrison: A Full Biography and Professional Profile

Keith Morrison is one of the most recognizable voices in true crime journalism, a veteran correspondent whose career spans over five decades in both Canadian and American broadcasting. His role as Matthew Perry's stepfather is just one facet of a long and decorated life.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Biography and Key Facts:

• Full Name: Keith Morrison
• Born: July 2, 1947, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada
• Profession: Broadcast Journalist, Correspondent for *Dateline NBC*
• Spouse: Suzanne Marie Morrison (m. 1981)
• Stepson: Matthew Perry (1969–2023)
• Children: Caitlin Morrison, Michael Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, and Matthew Perry (Stepson).
• Education: University of Manitoba
• Notable Career Highlights: Joined *Dateline NBC* in 1995; served as a news anchor and reporter for various Canadian news outlets, including the CBC and CTV; was a correspondent for *NBC News* in the late 1980s.

Morrison met Matthew Perry's mother, Suzanne Marie Langford, in the 1970s. Suzanne was a former press secretary for Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau—a political connection that placed Matthew in the orbit of Canadian elite from a young age. When Morrison married Suzanne in 1981, he became a central figure in the 12-year-old Matthew’s life, a time when the future *Friends* star was navigating his parents' divorce.

7 Heartbreaking Insights Shared by Matthew Perry's Stepfather

Following Matthew Perry’s death on October 28, 2023, due to the acute effects of ketamine, Keith Morrison has become the primary voice for the family, offering candid and emotional reflections that have resonated deeply with fans worldwide. His comments reveal a man who was deeply proud of his stepson but also intimately aware of his struggles.

1. Matthew Was 'Happy' and Full of Hope Just Before His Death

In one of his most poignant statements, Morrison revealed that Matthew was in a good place mentally before his passing. Morrison stated that Perry was "happy" and "felt like he was beating" his addiction issues at the time. This insight provides a tragic contrast to the circumstances of his death, suggesting a sense of optimism that was suddenly cut short. Morrison also noted that Matthew had been looking forward to what he called his "third act"—a new phase of life dedicated to helping others.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

2. The Death Was 'Incredibly Shocking' and 'Shattering' for the Family

Despite Matthew’s lifelong public struggle with opioid and alcohol addiction, his death by ketamine overdose was still a profound shock to his family. Keith Morrison described the event as "shattering" and "incredibly shocking." The unexpected nature of the loss, particularly after Matthew's extensive work on his sobriety, made the grief all the more intense for Morrison, Suzanne, and Matthew's five half-siblings.

3. Morrison Was One of the First Family Members to Arrive at Perry's Home

The close nature of their relationship was underscored by Morrison’s presence at the scene. Reports confirm that Keith Morrison arrived at Matthew Perry’s Los Angeles home shortly after the police and first responders, as the investigation into the actor's death began. He was later tasked with the incredibly difficult duty of identifying his step-son's body.

4. He Spoke Out After Arrests Were Made in Connection with the Overdose

In June 2024, news broke that five individuals had been charged in connection with supplying the ketamine that led to Matthew Perry's death. Keith Morrison publicly addressed the development, expressing his appreciation for the law enforcement efforts. He stated that the family "looks forward to justice" following the arrests, emphasizing the painful and complex nature of the ongoing investigation for the family.

• The Enduring Legacy Of Haylor 5 Shocking Facts About Harry Styles And Taylor Swifts Relationship 10 Years Later Sf662

5. Their Bond Was Built on Decades of Shared Life, Not Just a Title

While Matthew Perry's biological father, John Bennett Perry, remained in his life, Keith Morrison was the consistent, daily parental figure throughout Matthew's formative years. The actor frequently spoke about his stepfather with great affection, referring to him as a "lovely man" and a significant part of his family unit. The stability and presence offered by the *Dateline* host were crucial during Matthew's childhood and adult struggles.

6. The Family Is Focused on Matthew's Legacy and the Foundation

Following Matthew Perry's wishes, the family has poured their energy into the Matthew Perry Foundation, which aims to help others struggling with addiction. Morrison has actively promoted the foundation, channeling the family’s pain into a positive, lasting legacy. He noted that the foundation is a way to keep Matthew's spirit and his dedication to sobriety alive, ensuring his final act of service continues to help people recover from substance abuse.

7. Morrison Believes Matthew 'Didn't Get to Have His Third Act'

A recurring theme in Morrison's reflections is the sense of unfulfilled potential. He lamented that Matthew, who had achieved so much with his memoir *Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing* and his newfound dedication to helping others, "didn't get to have his third act." This statement captures the tragedy of a life cut short just as the actor felt he was turning a corner, a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who followed Matthew Perry’s journey.

The Matthew Perry Family's Enduring Connection

The family structure surrounding Matthew Perry was large and close-knit, anchored by his parents and Keith Morrison. Matthew had a total of five half-siblings from his parents' subsequent marriages: Caitlin Morrison, Emily Morrison, Will Morrison, Michael Morrison (from his mother and stepfather), and Maria Perry (from his father). This large, blended family provided a powerful support system throughout his life.

The public statements from Keith Morrison, a man known for his calm, measured tone on *Dateline*, have given the world a rare glimpse into the private, tumultuous, yet ultimately loving life of Matthew Perry. His willingness to speak openly about the addiction, the shock of the ketamine overdose, and the ongoing quest for justice ensures that the conversation around Matthew’s legacy remains centered on his humanity, his struggles, and his enduring hope for a better future.

As the one-year anniversary of the actor's passing approaches, the Morrison-Perry family continues to mourn, but also to celebrate the life of a son, stepson, and brother who was loved unconditionally, with Keith Morrison serving as a steadfast, grieving voice for the complex reality of a life lived in the shadow of fame and addiction.