Suzanne Perry is a figure whose own story is as interesting as her famous son’s. She is best known as the mother of Matthew Perry, the actor celebrated for his role as Chandler Bing in the TV show Friends. But Suzanne’s life goes much deeper she was a journalist, a model or beauty-queen figure, a press secretary for Pierre Trudeau in Canada, and the wife of Keith Morrison, a well-known news correspondent. In this article, we explore Suzanne Perry’s age, background, career, family, and everything you should know.
Quick Bio Table of Suzanne Marie Morrison
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Suzanne Marie Morrison (née Langford) |
| Known As | Suzanne Perry |
| Date of Birth | 1948 |
| Age (as of 2025) | Approximately 77 years |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Occupation | Journalist, Former Press Secretary |
| Famous For | Mother of Matthew Perry (Friends star) |
| Political Role | Press Secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau |
| Beauty Title | Miss Canadian University Snow Queen 1966 |
| Spouse | Keith Morrison (m. 1981), previously John Bennett Perry |
| Children | Matthew, Caitlin, Emily, Will, Madeline |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | $10–11 Million (unverified) |
| Notable Connection | Linked to both Canadian politics and Hollywood |
Early Life and Career
Suzanne Perry was born in 1948 and is Canadian by nationality. Before she became known for her family ties, Suzanne built a career in journalism and media. At one point, she served as press secretary to Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, one of the most recognized figures in the country’s history.
Many profiles also mention that Suzanne had a beauty-queen or “Snow Queen” title during her younger years. She was often described as having been crowned “Miss Canadian University Snow Queen (1966)”, which highlights her early public presence and elegance long before her connection to Hollywood fame.

Family and Marriages
Suzanne’s personal life has several dimensions. She first married actor John Bennett Perry in 1968 in Ottawa, and they divorced in 1970. Their son, Matthew Perry, was born in 1969 and would later become one of television’s most beloved stars.
In 1981, Suzanne married journalist Keith Morrison, best known for his work as a correspondent on Dateline NBC. Together, Suzanne and Keith had four children: Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline. The family blended media, politics, and entertainment, giving Suzanne’s biography a rare mix of professional and personal depth.
Relationship with Matthew Perry
Because Suzanne Perry is most widely known as Matthew Perry’s mother, it’s worth understanding how their relationship influenced both of their lives. When Suzanne and John divorced, Matthew was still very young. He spent time in Canada with his mother in Ottawa before later moving to the United States to live with his father.
Suzanne worked demanding jobs, including her time as press secretary for Prime Minister Trudeau. Matthew grew up with admiration for her but also experienced a sense of emotional distance due to her professional responsibilities. In interviews and his memoir, Matthew mentioned his deep desire for her attention and pride, showing the complex yet loving bond between mother and son.
Age and Personal Details
As of today, Suzanne Perry is believed to have been born in 1948, making her in her late seventies. While the exact date of her birth isn’t widely publicized, this year of birth appears in trusted biographies and media sources.
Suzanne has chosen to maintain a private life in recent years. She rarely appears in public events and keeps a low profile, especially after the tragic loss of her son in 2023.
Career Highlights and Beauty Queen Title
While Suzanne did not rise to global fame on her own, her career included notable achievements:
- Journalistic Work: Suzanne worked as a journalist and TV anchor in Canada.
- Political Role: She served as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, a position that placed her at the heart of Canadian politics and media.
- Beauty Queen Title: In her youth, Suzanne was crowned Miss Canadian University Snow Queen in 1966. Some online sources mistakenly call her “Miss Canada,” but credible reports confirm the Snow Queen title.
Her experiences in journalism and public relations show how she mastered communication and presentation skills that clearly influenced the household in which Matthew grew up.

Legacy, Current Life, and Net Worth
After Matthew Perry’s passing in 2023, Suzanne Perry and her family became part of efforts to honor his legacy. Alongside her husband Keith Morrison, she supported the creation of the Matthew Perry Foundation, which focuses on helping individuals struggling with addiction.
As for her financial background, various online sources estimate Suzanne Perry’s net worth to be around $10–11 million, although no verified public documents confirm this figure. Given her career achievements and connections, it’s reasonable to assume she has enjoyed a comfortable life.
Today, Suzanne prefers privacy. She lives quietly with Keith Morrison and her family, occasionally appearing in public for meaningful causes or tributes related to her late son.
The Woman Behind the Name
When you hear the name Suzanne Perry, you’re not just hearing “Matthew Perry’s mother.” You’re learning about a woman of substance:
- A Canadian journalist and communicator
- A former press secretary for a prime minister
- A former beauty queen and media figure
- A mother and wife who supported both a Hollywood star and a journalist’s demanding career
Her life connects different worlds politics, media, and entertainment. Suzanne Perry’s story shows strength, resilience, and grace behind the scenes of fame.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Suzanne Perry?
She was born in 1948, making her approximately 77 to 78 years old.
Was Suzanne Perry “Miss Canada”?
No, she wasn’t. She held the title of Miss Canadian University Snow Queen in 1966, not Miss Canada.
What is Suzanne Perry’s connection to Pierre Trudeau?
She worked as press secretary to Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau during her political career in Ottawa.
Who are Suzanne Perry’s children?
She has five children in total Matthew Perry with her first husband, John Bennett Perry, and four more with her second husband, Keith Morrison: Caitlin, Emily, Will, and Madeline.
Does Suzanne Perry have a Wikipedia page?
She does not have a dedicated page, but detailed information appears on the Wikipedia pages of Matthew Perry and Keith Morrison.
What is Suzanne Perry’s net worth?
Unverified estimates suggest around $10–11 million, though there is no confirmed record of her finances.
Did Suzanne Perry know Pierre Trudeau personally?
Yes. She worked closely with him while serving as his press secretary in the Canadian government.
Final Thoughts
When people ask, “Who Is Suzanne Perry?”, the answer goes far beyond being the mother of a television icon. She has lived a multifaceted life filled with ambition, intelligence, and compassion. From a young woman crowned as a beauty queen, to a respected journalist, to a public servant and dedicated mother, Suzanne’s journey reflects a life of purpose and balance.
Her story teaches us that behind every celebrity, there are real people with their own histories, dreams, and legacies. Suzanne Perry’s life marked by service, family, and quiet strength remains a testament to how one woman can influence both politics and pop culture, while still being the loving mother behind one of the world’s favorite actors.
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