Sam Mac's touching tribute to late friend

Sunrise weather reporter Sam ‘Sam Mac’ McMillan has shared a touching tribute to his late friend, Australian actor and comedian Richard Marsland.

Sam took to social media on Tuesday to post a lengthy message in memory of “wildly talented and generous” Rove star Richard, who died by suicide a decade ago when he was just 32.

“The pain of a mate taking his own life stays with you. It’s always there. [And] it certainly isn’t pretty,” the radio and TV personality wrote.

The 2019 Gold Logie nominee went on to reveal the motivation behind his post - which he shared alongside a close-up image of himself with tears in his eyes taken by photographer Glenn Marsden.

“My motivation in sharing this photo is to cut through the superficial smiles we see on social media. No one is that happy all the time. And that’s ok,” he said.

Sam revealed that he’d been asked by photographer Glenn - who also had a friend who died by suicide - to participate in his mental health awareness campaign Imperfectly Perfect.

Sam touched on how difficult it is for men to open up about their mental health and urged everyone to “check in on your mates.”

“Men in particular still struggle to share emotion, or ask for help if they’re having a shit time. It’s ok to be struggling,” he said.

“There’s incredible support both personally and professionally to get you through it. I’ve seen it happen and it works,” he added.

The Real Full Monty star admitted that many people may not be ready to talk about their mental health immediately, but to “dig for the second and third response.”

“Simply make sure they know they’re loved & supported, and keep checking in,” he said.

Along with Sam, the Imperfectly Perfect campaign also features intimate and often teary photos of other well-known Aussie celebrities such as Grant Denyer, Mel Greig and Manu Feildel.

“I want to thank Glenn for making this confronting experience as comfortable as two men crying in a tiny photography studio could be. But if we’re not willing to show that side of ourselves, why would anyone else? That’s the point,” Sam wrote.

The ex-Triple M presenter’s heartfelt post was met with praise online.

“Good on you mate,” wrote one of his fans.

“I wish everyone were more like you mate,” said another.

“Well done on raising awareness for such an important cause,” was another compliment.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline on 13 11 14, Mensline on 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.