'Lonely in his soul': Matthew Perry's family open up about their grief on first anniversary of his death

One year ago, Friends star Matthew Perry's death shocked the world.

The actor, known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit sitcom, died at the age of 54 on October 28, with an autopsy revealing he died from the acute effects of ketamine.

And now his family, including his mother Suzanne Morrison, stepfather Keith Morrison and his sisters, have opened up about their grief following his death in a candid interview with TODAY's Savannah Guthrie.

Watch the video above

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Matthew Perry's family has opened up about their grief in their TV interview on the first anniversary of his death. (Today)

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Talking about his "light up the room personality," Keith said, "He was born with it in spades."

"But it must be said I think that he was also very lonely in his soul," his mother Suzanne admitted.

"This exterior people know about hid an insecure and often very sad guy," Keith added.

The late actor pictured with his mother Suzanne in 2001. (WireImage)

His family have launched the The Matthew Perry Foundation of Canada to help others.

Talking about addiction, which Perry was open about, Suzanne got emotional as she admitted: "If it doesn't stop, we're going to lose so many million people."

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"I have found a huge amount of meaning in thinking about the fact that this isn't our tragedy, it happens to people every day," his sister added.

Friends co-star Jennifer Aniston has also remembered Perry on the first anniversary of his death, sharing a throwback picture of the pair together and writing: "1 year ❤️‍🩹🕊️ @matthewperryfoundation."

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It comes after Keith told Hello! that Perry, his late stepson, "would like to be remembered for doing something to help people suffering from addiction". 

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction contact the Alcohol Drug Information Service on 1800 250 015 or Narcotics Anonymous Australia on 1300 652 820.

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