R.I.P., Matthew Perry: SNL Airs Tribute to Friends Star

Matt Webb Mitovich
·1 min read
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NBC’s Saturday Night Live this weekend night paid tribute to Matthew Perry, just hours after news broke of the Friends star’s death at age 54.

Perry had hosted the long-running sketch comedy program a little over 26 years ago, in October 1997. Perry starred in sketches that included a “Sarcasm 101” course and a sadly so-so Friends spoof (in which he actually played… Joey; watch video below).

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Ahead of this weekend’s curtain call, SNL flashed on-screen a black-and-white still of Perry, accompanied by silence:

According to TMZ, Perry was found unresponsive at his Los Angeles home on Saturday morning. A cause of death has not been confirmed.

In addition to his  role as Chandler on Friends, which ran from 1994 to 2004 and led him to his first Emmy Award nomination, Perry’s TV credits included (but were far from limited to!) NBC’s The West Wing and Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, CBS’ Odd Couple reboot and the short-lived sitcoms Mr. Sunshine (on ABC) and Go On (NBC).

GO ON, l-r: Matthew Perry, Laura Benanti in 'The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over' (Season 1, Episode 11, aired December 4, 2012)
GO ON, l-r: Matthew Perry, Laura Benanti in 'The World Ain't Over 'Til It's Over' (Season 1, Episode 11, aired December 4, 2012)

Matthew Perry’s Biggest TV Roles

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Warner Bros. Television, the studio behind Friends, issued a statement late Saturday: “We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend Matthew Perry. Matthew was an incredibly gifted actor and an indelible part of the Warner Bros. Television Group family. The impact of his comedic genius was felt around the world, and his legacy will live on in the hearts of so many. This is a heartbreaking day, and we send our love to his family, his loved ones, and all of his devoted fans.”

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