It’s one of the most famous sitcoms in TV history, but behind the canned laughter, one of the stars of Friends was having a very difficult time indeed.

Almost a decade after the hit show ended in 2004, actor Matthew Perry has opened up about the addictions he battled while playing Chandler Bing.

Speaking to ABC News earlier this week, the star admitted that he struggled with depression, alcohol and prescription drug abuse throughout his time on the show.

"Mostly it was drinking, you know, and opiates," he told ABC, adding; "I think I was pretty good at hiding it but, you know, eventually people were aware."

Perry, who saw his fledgling comedy series Go On cancelled earlier this year, had his addiction battles and weight fluctuations widely reported in the media at the time.

Since his recovery, the 43-year-old has made it his mission to help other addicts recover. He paired up with addiction specialist Earl Hightower, and transformed his former home in Malibu into a sober living home for men called the Perry House.

Earlier this month, both Perry and Hightower were honoured with the Champion of Recovery award from President Obama’s Office of National Drug Control Policy.