Katy Perry and Jessica Chastain show support for Chelsea Handler online

Katy Perry and Jessica Chastain have reached out to Chelsea Handler on social media after the comedienne shared a touching tribute to her late brother.

Chelsea was just nine years old when she lost her older brother Chet in a hiking accident in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and she took to Instagram on Tuesday (11Jul17) to mark the sad anniversary by sharing a pair of photos of her tragic sibling.

"33 years ago this month my brother Chet died," read the caption. "He was 22, and the oldest of 6 kids. We were never 6 again. Only 5. The number was never the right number again."

The This Means War actress, now 42, confessed the tragedy made her live her life more openly - and she encouraged her fans to do the same.

She continued, "Because of that day, I learned how to live and love and laugh and to: Show up Stand up Love up Argue Fight Make up Show up again. Go to bat for people. Tell them you love them. Defend your friends. Stand up for yourself. Give away the things you have in excess. Give away the things you love the most. This is the only chance we get. Make it count. Live a little."

Chelsea's moving tribute prompted an outpouring of supportive messages from her followers, including a few famous friends.

"So beautiful," commented pop star Katy, while actress Sarah Paulson wrote, "Chelsea Handler, important and so moving."

And Jessica, whose sister Juliet committed suicide in 2003, was also touched by the emotional post.

"This is such a beautiful tribute to him," she shared. "My sister taught me the same things."