Keith Morrison opens up about stepson Matthew Perry’s death

TODAY

13 Mar 202406:57

Summary

TLDRIn this interview, Keith Morrison reflects on his career and the impact of true crime journalism, particularly through his work on 'Dateline' and its successful podcast ventures. He discusses the attention he receives and his humble nature, as well as the tragic loss of his stepson, Matthew Perry, and the foundation established in his memory to help those struggling with addiction.

Takeaways

🎤 Keith Morrison is a prominent figure in journalism, known for his work on 'Dateline' and his distinctive voice.
📈 Dateline's success has been marked by 11 number one original podcasts and 1.4 billion downloads.
🌟 Keith has interviewed a wide range of individuals throughout his 50-year career, from veterans to entertainers.
🏠 He lives a quiet life in California with his wife of 43 years, and they have raised six children together.
🌟 Keith's stepson, Matthew Perry, was a well-known actor who passed away at a young age.
💔 The family experienced a profound loss with Matthew's passing in October 2023, which continues to affect them deeply.
📖 Matthew's life and struggle with addiction were documented in a memoir released shortly before his death.
🌈 In honor of Matthew, a foundation has been established to help people in difficult situations.
🎙️ Keith continues to use his platform to amplify the voices of those who can no longer tell their own stories.
🤗 The interview reveals a more personal side of Keith, showcasing his empathy and love for his family.
📱 The podcast where Keith shares his personal experiences and insights is called 'So Making Space' and is available on various platforms.

Q & A

Who is Keith Morrison and what is his role in the transcript?
-Keith Morrison is a journalist who is featured in the transcript. He is known for his work with "Dateline" and has been a significant figure in journalism for over 50 years, covering a wide range of stories and interviewing various individuals.
What is the significance of the 'Keith Craze' mentioned in the transcript?
-The 'Keith Craze' refers to the popularity and influence of Keith Morrison, particularly in the context of his work with 'Dateline'. His distinctive voice and storytelling have made him a central character in the series, contributing to its success with 11 number one original podcasts and 1.4 billion downloads.
How has Keith Morrison's career evolved over the years?
-Keith Morrison began his career at both NBC and in Canadian TV before joining the Friday News Magazine in 1995. Over his more than 50-year career, he has covered stories worldwide, interviewing a diverse range of individuals from veterans and student protesters to major figures in entertainment, with a recent focus on true crime.
What was the impact of Matthew Perry's passing on Keith Morrison and his family?
-Matthew Perry, Keith Morrison's stepson, passed away in October 2023. This was an unimaginable loss for the family, particularly for Keith's wife, Susan, who was very close to Matthew. The family has started a foundation in his name to help organizations rescue people in difficult situations.
How did Keith Morrison perceive the public's reaction to his fame?
-Keith Morrison is humbled by the attention he receives from fans, who often stop him for selfies. He finds it quite nice that people are very nice to him, and he acknowledges that the attention he receives is warranted due to his significant contributions to journalism and storytelling.
What is the name of the podcast where Keith Morrison shares a personal side of his life?
-The podcast where Keith Morrison shares a personal side, including the story of his stepson Matthew Perry, is called 'So Making Space'.
What was Matthew Perry's struggle that was chronicled in his memoir?
-Matthew Perry's memoir chronicled his long battle with addiction, describing it as a disease that is very difficult to beat. He felt like he was making progress, but he was aware that one never truly beats addiction.
How did Keith Morrison describe the dynamic between him and Matthew Perry?
-Keith Morrison described his relationship with Matthew Perry as close, especially towards the end of Matthew's life. They texted each other constantly, and Keith was a supportive figure for Matthew, even though he did not try to replace his biological father.
What is the foundation started by Keith Morrison's family in Matthew Perry's name?
-The foundation started by Keith Morrison's family in Matthew Perry's name aims to help organizations rescue people in difficult situations and provide them with assistance.
What does Keith Morrison consider a gift in his career?
-Keith Morrison considers the trust that people place in him and his colleagues during interviews as a gift. He values the opportunity to amplify the voices of those who are no longer here to tell their own stories.
How does Keith Morrison feel about the public's trust in him and his work?
-Keith Morrison finds it remarkable that people trust him and his team in a room full of cameras and lights, knowing that what they say will be seen by millions. He views this trust as a deep and significant responsibility.

Outlines

00:00

🕵️‍♂️ Keith Morrison: A Dateline Mini History

This paragraph introduces Keith Morrison, a prominent figure in the media industry, particularly known for his work with 'Dateline'. It discusses his transition from a career at NBC and Canadian TV to joining the Friday news magazine in 1995. The summary highlights his extensive career covering a wide range of stories globally, from interviewing veterans and student protesters to high-profile entertainers. A significant focus is on his recent involvement with true crime stories and his personal life, including his long marriage and family life. The paragraph also touches on the tragic loss of his stepson, Matthew Perry, in October 2023, and the emotional impact this has had on the family. It concludes with a mention of a foundation started in Matthew's name to help rescue people in difficult situations.

05:00

💔 Amplifying Voices: Keith Morrison's Podcast and Personal Loss

This paragraph delves into Keith Morrison's role as a narrator and storyteller, particularly in the podcast format. It emphasizes the trust he has built with his audience and the emotional depth he achieves in his storytelling. The summary focuses on the personal aspect of Keith's life, as he opens up about the loss of his stepson, Matthew Perry, and the profound impact it has had on him and his family. The conversation also highlights the foundation started in Matthew's name, aiming to help people in distressing situations. The paragraph concludes by acknowledging the emotional vulnerability displayed by Keith in the podcast and the continued legacy of Matthew through this initiative.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Keith Morrison

Keith Morrison is a prominent figure in the media industry, known for his distinctive voice and extensive career in journalism. In the context of the video, he is the central character, with his work in 'Dateline' being highlighted. His experience and impact in storytelling through podcasts are emphasized, showcasing his role in bringing true crime stories to a wide audience.

💡SNL Parody

SNL, or Saturday Night Live, is a popular American late-night live television sketch comedy and variety show. The mention of SNL parody in the script refers to the show's tendency to satirize famous personalities and cultural phenomena. In this case, it implies that GQ, presumably a person or entity associated with the media industry, has been a subject of such comedic imitations, indicating their level of fame or cultural relevance.

💡True Crime

True crime is a genre of storytelling that focuses on non-fictional accounts of real-life criminal activities and investigations. In the video, true crime is highlighted as a central theme in Keith Morrison's work, particularly with his involvement in 'Dateline' and the creation of podcasts that delve into various criminal cases, capturing the audience's interest and providing a platform for amplifying the voices of those affected by crime.

💡Podcasts

Podcasts are digital audio files made available for streaming or downloading on the Internet; they have become a popular medium for storytelling, news, and entertainment. In the context of the video, podcasts are a significant part of Keith Morrison's career, where he uses this format to tell compelling stories, particularly in the true crime genre. His podcasts have achieved significant success, with millions of downloads, indicating their popularity and impact.

💡Matthew Perry

Matthew Perry is a well-known actor, best recognized for his role as Chandler Bing on the popular television sitcom 'Friends'. In the video, he is mentioned as Keith Morrison's stepson, who passed away at a young age. His death is a significant event in the narrative, highlighting the personal loss experienced by Keith and his family, and the emotional depth that Keith brings to his professional work.

💡Addiction

Addiction refers to a compulsive, uncontrollable need for and use of a substance or behavior that negatively impacts a person's life. In the context of the video, addiction is a critical theme related to Matthew Perry's life, as he battled with substance abuse. His struggle and eventual passing due to the disease highlight the tragic consequences of addiction and the importance of awareness and support for those affected.

💡Foundation

A foundation, in the context of non-profit organizations, is typically a philanthropic entity established to support charitable causes or activities. In the video, the establishment of a foundation in Matthew Perry's name signifies the family's initiative to honor his memory and contribute positively to society by aiding those struggling with addiction. It reflects the desire to transform personal tragedy into a force for good.

💡Journalism

Journalism is the activity of gathering, assessing, creating, and presenting news and information. Keith Morrison's career in journalism spans over 50 years, during which he has covered a wide range of stories and interviewed various individuals, from veterans to entertainers. His work in journalism is characterized by a commitment to storytelling and a responsibility to the public, as seen in his transition to podcast storytelling.

💡Storytelling

Storytelling is the craft of telling stories to audiences, either through spoken words, writing, or digital media. In the video, storytelling is a key element of Keith Morrison's work, particularly in the context of his podcasts and his role in 'Dateline'. It highlights the power of narrative to engage audiences and convey complex and emotional issues, such as true crime stories.

💡Public Trust

Public trust refers to the confidence and faith that the public has in an individual, organization, or institution. In the context of the video, public trust is crucial for journalists like Keith Morrison, as it allows them to effectively communicate stories that have a profound impact on audiences. The mention of millions of people trusting Keith Morrison and his team signifies the high level of credibility and respect they have earned through their work.

💡Personal Loss

Personal loss refers to the emotional and psychological impact experienced when someone close to an individual passes away. In the video, personal loss is a significant theme, as it explores the deep pain and grief felt by Keith Morrison and his wife following the death of Matthew Perry. This theme adds a layer of emotional depth to the narrative, humanizing Keith Morrison beyond his professional achievements.

Highlights

Keith Morrison's rise to fame and the 'Keith Craze'.

GQ being regularly parodied on SNL.

The shocking discovery from the trunk of a car leading to the statement 'It was my boyfriend's body.'.

Keith Morrison's humble demeanor despite his fame and the positive interactions he has with fans.

The success of 'Dateline' with 11 number one original podcasts and 1.4 billion downloads.

Keith's passion for storytelling in the podcast medium.

Keith Morrison's extensive career, starting at the Friday News Magazine in 1995 and covering a wide range of stories globally.

The focus on true crime stories in recent years, such as 'Murder in the Hollywood Hills'.

Details about Keith's personal life, including his 43-year marriage and family of six children.

The tragic passing of Keith's stepson, Matthew Perry, and the impact on the family.

Matthew Perry's memoir and his long battle with addiction.

The establishment of a foundation in Matthew's name to help those in difficult situations.

Keith's ability to amplify voices of those no longer here to tell their own stories.

The trust that people place in Keith and 'Dateline' to share their deeply personal stories.

The emotional interview where Keith opens up about his family's loss and his own feelings.

The podcast 'So Making Space' where Keith shares a more personal side and discusses his late stepson.

The emotional depth and pain evident in Keith's heart as he discusses his family's struggles.

The admiration and love expressed by fans and colleagues for Keith Morrison.