‘He Didn’t Understand…’: Matthew Perry’s Stepfather Keith Morrison Says Late Friends Star ‘Never Believed’ He Was Loved

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As a lifestyle expert with a heart for those battling addiction, I find the story of Mathew Perry both heartbreaking and inspiring. Having worked with numerous individuals grappling with similar issues, I can empathize with his struggle to accept love from others.

Trigger warning: This article contains mentions of death and drug use. 

Although Matthew Perry was adored by many, both personally and professionally, his family believes he never fully embraced this admiration himself. In a recent interview with PEOPLE, the father of the ‘Friends’ star, Keith Morrison, shared some insights on Perry.

In a recent disclosure, Keith, who’s married to Suzanne Morrison (Perry’s mom), shared that the tabloid photos showing Suzanne looking overweight, unflattering, and strolling alone had an impact on Perry, to some degree.

Keith expressed, if he had [felt] he’d made a mistake, and he commented further that Perry never truly grasped the fact that he was cherished – something he wouldn’t have accepted. However, following the release of his memoir Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing, and wrapping up his book tour, it was then that Perry understood he was adored.

After returning from his book tour, Keith found himself in disbelief, often remarking, “I can’t believe people actually seem to like me.” This realization proved accurate as his honesty about his addiction resonated deeply with many. As Perry’s stepfather put it, “It was brutally honest and he seemed to have finally overcome it.

As per him, the deceased actor had found tranquility and, in a sense, overcame his feelings of self-doubt (or imposter syndrome). He used his memoir as a means to release these feelings. “Perhaps if I express it publicly, if I write it down in a book and they continually remind me, maybe I can achieve success,” Keith remarked further.

Since the passing of Perry, his relatives – Keith, Suzanne, Emily, Madeline, and Caitlin – have committed their lives to aiding those struggling with addiction via the Matthew Perry Foundation, which operates in both Canada and the United States. To honor the late actor’s first anniversary and his lasting impact, the entire family shared cherished memories of him during an interview on the Today Show, discussing both the joyous, challenging, and complex aspects of their relationship.

Keith mentioned that his friend’s heartfelt desire was to be recognized for his benevolence towards others rather than his fame from “Friends.” He emphasized that they are committed to honoring this wish by continuing his acts of kindness.

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2024-10-29 19:22