Suzanne Morrison and Keith Morrison appeared in court during the emotional case.

Matthew Perry’s Family Appears in Court

May 28, 2026 – Matthew Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison and stepfather Keith Morrison attended the sentencing hearing of the late actor’s former live-in assistant Kenneth Iwamasa, marking another emotional chapter in the investigation surrounding Perry’s death.

The hearing took place in Los Angeles as Iwamasa faced sentencing connected to charges tied to Perry’s ketamine overdose death in October 2023. The courtroom appearance drew major public attention because it represented one of the first major legal proceedings directly involving members of Perry’s inner circle since the actor’s passing shocked Hollywood.

Suzanne and Keith Morrison reportedly sat quietly throughout the hearing while prosecutors detailed the events leading up to Perry’s death.

Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Kenneth Iwamasa Pleaded Guilty

Kenneth Iwamasa previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to illegally obtaining ketamine for Perry in the weeks before the Friends star died.

Federal prosecutors alleged that Iwamasa helped coordinate drug deliveries and injections connected to Perry’s ketamine use despite understanding the risks involved. Investigators claimed Perry received multiple injections in the days leading up to his death at his Pacific Palisades home.

According to court filings, Iwamasa cooperated extensively with investigators as authorities expanded the case toward additional individuals accused of supplying drugs connected to the actor’s overdose.

Matthew Perry Died in 2023

Matthew Perry died on October 28, 2023, at age 54. The actor was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles home, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later determining the primary cause of death involved the acute effects of ketamine.

The news devastated fans worldwide because Perry remained one of television’s most beloved actors following his iconic role as Chandler Bing on Friends. Beyond comedy, Perry had also become widely respected for publicly discussing addiction recovery and helping others struggling with substance abuse.

His death reignited larger conversations surrounding addiction, celebrity vulnerability, and relapse risks.

Credit: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong

Keith Morrison Has Remained Publicly Supportive

Keith Morrison, the longtime Dateline correspondent married to Perry’s mother Suzanne, has remained visibly supportive of the family throughout the legal process.

Following Perry’s death, Morrison spoke publicly several times about the emotional impact of losing his stepson while also praising Perry’s honesty regarding addiction struggles throughout his life. The family later established the Matthew Perry Foundation to support addiction recovery initiatives and treatment programs.

Their courtroom appearance highlighted how personally painful the ongoing legal proceedings remain for Perry’s loved ones.

Prosecutors Continue Expanding the Investigation

The sentencing hearing also comes amid a wider federal investigation into the network of individuals accused of illegally supplying ketamine to Perry before his death.

Authorities previously announced charges against multiple people connected to the case, including doctors, intermediaries, and alleged suppliers prosecutors referred to as part of an underground ketamine distribution operation targeting vulnerable individuals struggling with addiction.

Investigators claimed some defendants exploited Perry’s well-known history with substance abuse while profiting financially from dangerous drug distribution practices.

The case continues drawing enormous media attention because of Perry’s celebrity status and the broader opioid and ketamine crises impacting the United States.

Credit: Gregg DeGuire/WireImage; Nathan Congleton/NBC

Perry Was Open About Addiction Struggles

Throughout his life, Perry spoke openly about his long battle with addiction and recovery. In interviews, memoirs, and public appearances, he discussed years of struggles involving prescription drugs, alcohol dependency, rehabilitation programs, and health complications.

His honesty earned widespread admiration because many fans viewed him as helping reduce stigma surrounding addiction recovery. Perry frequently said he hoped his experiences would encourage others to seek help rather than suffer privately.

That transparency makes the circumstances surrounding his death especially heartbreaking for many longtime supporters.

Hollywood Continues Reacting to the Case

The legal developments surrounding Perry’s death continue generating strong reactions across Hollywood and among Friends fans worldwide.

Many observers say the case highlights the dangers surrounding celebrity addiction, enabling behavior, and private drug networks operating around wealthy public figures. Others have emphasized how Perry’s death reflects broader systemic failures surrounding addiction treatment and mental health support.

The emotional courtroom appearance from Suzanne and Keith Morrison only intensified public sympathy surrounding the ongoing case.

Credit: Everett Collection

The Friends Legacy Remains Powerful

Even years after Friends ended, Perry’s cultural impact remains enormous. Chandler Bing continues standing as one of television’s most beloved sitcom characters, helping Friends remain globally popular through streaming platforms and syndication.

Tributes following Perry’s death repeatedly highlighted not only his comedic brilliance but also his emotional vulnerability and generosity offscreen. His castmates and friends publicly described him as deeply caring, funny, and complicated — qualities many fans also connected with through his performances.

That lasting emotional connection continues shaping public attention surrounding the case today.

Final Thoughts

The appearance of Matthew Perry’s mother Suzanne Morrison and stepfather Keith Morrison at Kenneth Iwamasa’s sentencing hearing underscored the continuing emotional weight surrounding the actor’s tragic death. As prosecutors continue investigating the circumstances leading to Perry’s ketamine overdose, the courtroom proceedings remain deeply painful reminders of addiction’s devastating impact.

For many fans, the case also reinforces the heartbreaking reality that even someone as beloved, successful, and openly committed to recovery as Matthew Perry could still struggle privately despite years of fighting addiction.

FAQs

Q1. Why did Matthew Perry’s family attend court?
They attended the sentencing hearing of Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s former assistant.

Q2. Who is Kenneth Iwamasa?
Iwamasa was Matthew Perry’s live-in assistant and previously pleaded guilty in connection to the ketamine investigation.

Q3. What caused Matthew Perry’s death?
The medical examiner determined Perry died from the acute effects of ketamine in October 2023.

Q4. Who is Keith Morrison?
Keith Morrison is a longtime Dateline correspondent and Matthew Perry’s stepfather.

Q5. What is the Matthew Perry Foundation?
The foundation supports addiction recovery programs and treatment initiatives in Perry’s memory.