'I miss him terribly': Matthew Perry's mother marks his 57th birthday, recalls son's wish to help others fight addiction

On August 19th, the day Matthew Perry would have turned 57, his mother Suzanne Morrison shared a heartfelt tribute to her son through the Matthew Perry House, a nonprofit organization, on Instagram. She described his birthday as a day that stung as acutely as if it had happened only hours ago. The photo accompanying the post featured a nostalgic snapshot of Morrison feeding a young Matthew.

Morrison reflected on the bittersweet nature of remembering her son, acknowledging the struggle he faced with addiction, which he often concealed from her even during his most vulnerable moments. She fondly remembered him as sweet, loving, funny, and cantankerous, emphasizing his deep desire to be well. Her grief, she noted, remained as constant as his birthday, never truly fading with time.

Perry's last days were marked by his repeated plea, "I just want to help people like me, stuck in the disease of addiction," which his mother recorded in her poignant message. Despite his own inability to live that life, Morrison expressed a collective resolve to honor his mission through the work of the Matthew Perry House. She urged others to join in supporting those battling addiction, emphasizing that they could carry on his legacy.

Matthew Perry's death on October 28, 2023, was attributed to an accidental overdose involving ketamine. His family released a statement to PEOPLE expressing their profound loss, noting the joy he had brought to others through his acting and personal relationships. In the wake of his passing, Morrison submitted a victim impact statement to the court, detailing her unwavering grief over losing her son in such a sudden and violent manner.

She referred to him as her heart and soul, articulating the profound sorrow that accompanies the loss of a child.