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The world of entertainment is in mourning as news of Matthew Perry’s sudden and tragic death at the age of 54 continues to reverberate. The beloved actor, best known for his iconic role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV series ‘Friends,’ left an indelible mark on the industry. In a touching tribute, Saturday Night Live (SNL) paid homage to Perry, who had hosted the show on October 4, 1997.
Matthew Perry’s untimely passing occurred due to an apparent drowning at his home on Saturday, leaving fans and the entertainment community stunned by the loss. In the wake of the heartbreaking news, SNL, a long-running NBC sketch show, remembered Perry by displaying his name alongside a black and white portrait during their broadcast.
Nate Bargatze hosted the SNL episode that followed Perry’s tribute, with the Foo Fighters as the musical guests. Perry’s 1997 episode had become a memorable moment in SNL history, showcasing his comedic talents during the height of ‘Friends’ fame and following his leading role opposite Salma Hayek in ‘Fools Rush In.’
One notable skit from Perry’s SNL episode featured a Friends parody, where Perry took on the role of Joey, originally portrayed by Matt LeBlanc. SNL cast member Colin Quinn played Chandler, with Perry’s Joey humorously critiquing Quinn’s portrayal. The sketch was a fan favorite, and Perry’s performance was a testament to his comedic prowess.
Matthew Perry, who was born in Williamstown, Massachusetts, and raised in Ottawa, Canada, moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue his acting career. Before his iconic role as Chandler Bing in ‘Friends,’ Perry had gained recognition for his appearances in TV shows such as ‘Boys Will Be Boys,’ ‘Growing Pains,’ and ‘Sydney.’
When ‘Friends’ debuted in 1994, Perry’s portrayal of Chandler quickly became an integral part of the show’s ensemble cast, which included his real-life friends Matt LeBlanc, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and David Schwimmer. His portrayal of the sarcastic but lovable Chandler endeared him to audiences and earned him an Emmy nomination in 2002.
As the world grieves the loss of this talented actor and comedian, Matthew Perry’s legacy will continue to live on through his timeless performances. SNL’s touching tribute serves as a reminder of the joy and laughter he brought to millions and cements his place in the annals of television history.