Family of Matthew Perry break silence in first official interview regarding his death almost a year on

Warning: This article contains discussion of drug use which some readers may find distressing.

Members of Matthew Perry's family have spoken out in their first official interview following the Friends star's passing nearly a year ago.

On October 28, 2023, Matthew Perry was found dead at his home in Los Angeles at the age of 54.

The actor's younger sister and step-dad have since taken part in their first official interview, raising awareness of a person - and newly launched organization - very close to their hearts.

An autopsy report revealed traces of ketamine in Perry's system and at the time it was ruled as an accidental overdose however, in May 2024, the Los Angeles Police Department announced it would be investigating the source of the ketamine.

During a press conference in August, the US Department of Justice revealed the investigation into Perry's death had ultimately exposed a 'broad underground criminal network' which it said 'took advantage' of the actor by selling him drugs - five people charged in connection to the actor's death.

Perry's family first issued a statement to People in October 2023 reflecting they had been left 'heartbroken' by the 'tragic loss' of their 'beloved son and brother'.

The statement continued: "Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love."

And Perry's stepfather - Dateline NBC correspondent Keith Morrison - and younger sister Caitlin, have since given their first official interview since the actor's passing, announcing the launch of a new organization called The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada.

Matthew Perry was open about his experiences with drug addiction (Jesse Grant/WireImage)

Caitlin - who acts as the executive director for the charity - told HELLO! Canada that launching the organization makes it 'kind of feel' like she's 'sitting right next to Matthew working with him every day on something that was important to him'.

She continued: "I have this treasure of getting to keep him very, very close to my life all the time which is wonderful.

"[...] He had this ability to fill up a room with light. When people were in a room with [Matthew], there was this magnetic energy. Everybody just had a smile on their face and they clung to everything that he said."

Keith noted when Perry passed away it was 'incredibly shocking' to the family.

"Anybody who has lost a child will tell you that, even if you are in some way prepared for the possibility, it’s shattering," he continued. "What we have decided to do is hang on to that determination and try to do something useful."

And that's where the foundation comes in - to not just try to remain close to Perry but to continue his hard work and legacy too.

Perry's family has launched The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada (The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada)

Keith added Perry 'would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction'.

Indeed, the actor opened up about his experience with drug addiction in his memoir Friends, Lovers and The Big Terrible Thing in a bid to raise important awareness and try to negate certain stigmas.

The foundation's objectives include offering 'individual counseling on health and life management, specially adapted residential housing, basic necessities such as food and clothing, professional training, financial support and educational resources'.

Also on the foundation board of the charity are Perry's mom, Suzanne Perry Morrison and mental health worker Cara Vaccarino.

Among the list of ambassadors include Friends co-star Lisa Kudrow and writer of the hit sitcom David Crane.

If you want friendly, confidential advice about drugs, you can call American Addiction Centers on (313) 209-9137 24/7, or contact them through their website.

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.