Matthew Perry had very specific request about how he wanted to be remembered when he died

A year prior to his tragically premature death in October 2023, actor Matthew Perry made a touching admission about the way he hoped to be remembered by fans when he passes over.

The much-loved Friends star - famed for his leading role as the awkwardly lovable fan-favourite Chandler Bing - died aged just 54, having been found dead at his home in Los Angeles.

A post-mortem examination concluded that the actor - who tragically battled substance abuse throughout a huge proportion of his adult life - had died from the 'acute effects of ketamine', while also listing contributing factors that included 'drowning, coronary artery disease and the effects of buprenorphine'.

His death was also ruled as being accidental, although a criminal investigation into his death has been launched.

Tragically, the 17 Again actor spoke out about how he'd like to be remembered just a year before he died.

A clip of the conversational exchange with press - as part of the press tour for his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir - has remained viral on social media ever since the star's death.

Matthew shot to fame in the 90s. (Reisig & Taylor/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

When asked how he'd like to be remembered on the Q With Tom Power podcast, Perry said: "I would like to be remembered as somebody who lived well, loved well, was a seeker and his paramount thing is that he wants to help people.

"That's what I want."

Following news of his death, fans reacted to the touching clip with tributes to the late actor, with one writing: "You will always be remembered, Matthew. May you rest in peace."

"You lived well! You will be remembered the way you want to be remembered sir," said a second, while a third penned: "Grew up watching Friends and still do. 54 is no age. Take it easy Chandler Bing."

And a fourth put: "Grew up watching Friends, and this guy was impeccable. Goodbye Chandler Bing."

Matthew Perry tragically died last year. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

The news of his Matthew's gut-wrenching passing was first confirmed by a statement from NBC - the network which aired Friends.

The show saw him skyrocket to fame in the 90s as the witty and sarcastic Chandler, alongside fellow leading cast-mates David Schwimmer, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc and Lisa Kudrow.

"We are incredibly saddened by the too soon passing of Matthew Perry," NBC's statement read last year.

"He brought so much joy to hundreds of millions of people around the world with his pitch-perfect comedic timing and wry wit. His legacy will live on through countless generations."