Is Keith Morrison Related to Matthew Perry? Who are Keith Morrison and Matthew Perry?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 04, 2023
Is Keith Morrison Related to Matthew Perry?
Keith Morrison is not biologically related to Matthew Perry. He is the stepfather of Matthew Perry, having married Perry's mother, Suzanne Perry. The relationship between the two appeared to be quite close, as evident from Morrison's affectionate statements about Perry in an interview with People in 2020. Morrison described Perry as an intense, talented, and focused individual, expressing pride in his stepson's success, particularly in his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the popular TV show "Friends."
The recent photographs of Suzanne Perry and Keith Morrison taking a walk with their dog in LA, just a week after Matthew Perry's tragic passing, reflect the family's shared grief and the close bond they had with him. Morrison's presence at Perry's residence alongside Suzanne and Perry's biological father, John Bennett Perry, underscores the supportive dynamic within the family during this difficult time. While Keith Morrison is not related to Matthew Perry by blood, his heartfelt words and visible support for Perry throughout the years illustrate the strong familial connection that existed between them.
Who is Keith Morrison?
Keith Morrison is a prominent Canadian broadcast journalist, widely recognized for his work as a correspondent on the long-running television newsmagazine show, Dateline NBC, since 1995. With his distinctive, engaging voice and seasoned reporting style, Morrison has become a familiar figure in the realm of investigative journalism. His career spans several decades, during which he has covered a diverse range of high-profile cases, delivering insightful and compelling narratives that have captivated audiences worldwide.
Prior to joining Dateline NBC, Morrison established himself as a respected journalist in Canada, working for various news organizations and gaining recognition for his coverage of significant national and international events. His storytelling prowess, combined with a keen eye for detail, has earned him accolades and a dedicated following. Known for his articulate delivery and in-depth analysis, Morrison continues to play a significant role in shaping public discourse and bringing crucial stories to the forefront of global media attention.
Name
Keith Morrison
Born
July 2, 1947
Born Place
Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada
Age
76
Education
University of Saskatchewan
Occupation
NBC News correspondent
Years active
1966–present
Notable credit(s)
CTV National News and Dateline NBC
Spouse
Suzanne Langford (m. 1981)
Children
5
Specifications
Details
Keith Morrison Career
Keith Morrison's career in journalism spans over several decades, showcasing his versatility and expertise across various media platforms. Beginning in the 1960s, Morrison honed his skills as a reporter and anchor in local stations across Canada, including Saskatchewan, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Toronto, Ontario. His early success led him to CTV's Canada AM in 1973, where he assumed roles as a newsreader, reporter, weekend anchor, and producer, solidifying his presence in the Canadian news landscape.
Morrison's career trajectory continued to ascend, marked by his noteworthy contributions to prominent news organizations such as CTV National News and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. During his tenure with NBC News in Los Angeles, Morrison's coverage extended to significant global events, including the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, solidifying his reputation as a seasoned international correspondent. He also garnered attention for his role as co-anchor of the national morning news program, Canada AM, and for hosting The Editors on PBS.
Despite some controversies and network changes, Morrison's resilience and talent ultimately led him back to NBC in 1995, where he assumed the role of a correspondent for Dateline NBC. His distinctive interviewing style and dramatic delivery of real-life murder mysteries have not only captivated audiences but also caught the attention of popular comedians. Morrison's influence in the field of broadcast journalism remains prominent, with his career serving as a testament to his enduring impact and dedication to the craft.
Who was Matthew Perry?
Matthew Perry was a highly accomplished American and Canadian actor, recognized for his iconic portrayal of Chandler Bing in the widely acclaimed NBC television sitcom Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004. Alongside his prominent role on Friends, Perry demonstrated his acting prowess in various other television series, including Ally McBeal, The West Wing, and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. He also achieved success in the film industry, featuring in leading roles in several notable movies such as Fools Rush In, The Whole Nine Yards, and 17 Again.
In addition to his on-screen contributions, Perry was actively involved in the creation and production of television sitcoms, serving as co-creator, co-writer, and executive producer for shows like Mr. Sunshine and The Odd Couple. Despite his professional achievements, Perry's personal struggles with addiction to drugs and alcohol were well-documented. However, his journey to recovery not only shaped his life but also led him to advocate for rehabilitation and serve as a spokesperson for the National Association of Drug Court Professionals.
Perry's dedication to raising awareness about addiction and supporting recovery efforts earned him recognition, including the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy in 2013. His memoir, Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, published in 2022, offered an intimate reflection on his experiences and life in the limelight.
Name
Matthew Langford Perry
Born
August 19, 1969
Born Place
Williamstown, Massachusetts, US
Died
October 28, 2023
Death day
Los Angeles, California, US
Age at Death
54
Citizenship
United States and Canada
Occupation
Actor
Years active
1979–2023
Parents
John Bennett Perry (father) and Suzanne Marie Morrison (Mother)
Relatives
Keith Morrison (stepfather)
Specifications
Details
Matthew Perry Career
Matthew Perry had a prolific and diverse career in the entertainment industry, beginning with his early roles in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which included appearances in television shows like 240-Robert, Not Necessarily the News, Charles in Charge, and Silver Spoons. His breakthrough came with his portrayal of Chazz Russell in the TV series Second Chance (later renamed Boys Will Be Boys) and his film debut in A Night in the Life of Jimmy Reardon in 1988. Throughout the early 1990s, he continued to secure roles in various television series, including the CBS sitcom Sydney and the ABC sitcom Home Free.
However, Perry's career reached new heights when he was cast as Chandler Bing in the immensely popular television sitcom Friends, which aired from 1994 to 2004. The show's success catapulted Perry to international stardom, and his performance earned him critical acclaim, along with a substantial increase in his salary per episode. Alongside his work on Friends, Perry appeared in numerous films such as Fools Rush In, Almost Heroes, Three to Tango, The Whole Nine Yards, and its sequel The Whole Ten Yards, and Serving Sara.
Post-Friends, Perry continued to showcase his acting skills through various television and film projects. He received Emmy nominations for his roles in The West Wing and The Ron Clark Story, and he starred in the drama Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. His theatrical endeavors included performances in Numb and David Mamet's Sexual Perversity in Chicago. Additionally, he delved into the realm of sitcoms, starring in shows like Mr. Sunshine and The Odd Couple. Perry's career also encompassed directing and playwriting, with his play The End of Longing receiving both critical acclaim and mixed reviews.
Amidst his acting achievements, Perry became a vocal advocate for addiction recovery, drawing from his own struggles with substance abuse. He received recognition for his efforts in this area, including the Champion of Recovery Award from the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Perry's career highlights also included appearances in special programs such as Friends: The Reunion, showcasing his enduring influence and legacy in the world of entertainment.
Matthew Perry Personal Life
Matthew Perry was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, on August 19, 1969. His parents, Suzanne Marie Morrison and John Bennett Perry, had separated when he was a year old, and his mother later married Canadian broadcast journalist Keith Morrison. Perry spent most of his childhood in Ottawa, Ontario, attending Rockcliffe Park Public School and later Ashbury College, a boarding school. It was during his formative years that he started displaying behavioral issues, including theft, smoking, and deteriorating academic performance. Notably, he was known to have been involved in an altercation with future Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau during his school years.
Perry's interest in acting and comedy emerged during his time at Buckley School in Los Angeles, where he studied acting and participated in improvisational comedy classes. Despite his early struggles, Perry went on to become a renowned actor, gaining dual Canadian and American citizenship along the way. Throughout his life, he was known for his relationships with several high-profile personalities, including Yasmine Bleeth, Julia Roberts, and Lizzy Caplan. In November 2020, he became engaged to literary manager Molly Hurwitz, although their engagement ended in 2021.
Tragically, on October 28, 2023, Perry was found unresponsive in his hot tub at his home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, after returning from a game of pickleball. While the cause of his death was initially listed as "deferred" by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's Office, LAPD Captain Scot Williams stated that foul play was not suspected. Perry's untimely passing marked the end of a life marked by both personal struggles and remarkable professional achievements, leaving behind a legacy that extended far beyond the realm of entertainment.
Is Keith Morrison Related to Matthew Perry - FAQs
No, Keith Morrison is not related to Matthew Perry by blood. He is Matthew Perry's stepfather, having married Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison.
Keith Morrison is Matthew Perry's stepfather. He married Perry's mother, Suzanne Morrison, and played a significant role in Perry's life, providing support and guidance.
While not directly involved in Perry's career, Keith Morrison's presence and support within the family likely contributed to Perry's personal and professional growth, given his extensive experience in the field of journalism and broadcasting.
There is no known direct involvement of Keith Morrison in Matthew Perry's professional projects. However, Morrison has been vocal about his admiration for Perry's talents and successes as an actor.
As of now, there have been no specific public statements from Keith Morrison regarding Matthew Perry's passing. However, their close familial bond suggests that Morrison is likely deeply affected by the loss.