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Matthew Perry died at the age of 54 on Saturday of an apparent drowning. Just hours after the news broke, “Saturday Night Live” paid tribute to the beloved “Friends” actor during their latest episode in Season 49.

Comedian Nate Bargatze hosted this weekend’s “SNL” with musical guest the Foo Fighters.

During the NBC sketch series, a black and white photo of the actor and his name appeared on the screen.

At the height of “Friends” in the mid-1990s, Perry hosted “SNL” for an October 4, 1997 episode. The musical guest at the time was Oasis.

Perry’s memorable episode included a “Friends” parody in which he actually played the role of Joey (originated by good friend Matt LeBlanc) while Colin Quinn played Perry’s own character of Chandler Bing.


  “Saturday Night Live’s” tribute to Perry. Courtesy of NBC “Saturday Night Live’s” tribute to Perry. Courtesy of NBC

  Matthew Perry at a red carpet event. FilmMagic Matthew Perry at a red carpet event. FilmMagic

Perry played Chandler Bing on the comedy for 10 years from 1994 to 2004 alongside co-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, David Schwimmer and LeBlanc.


  Matthew Perry. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection Matthew Perry. ©Warner Bros/Courtesy Everett Collection

As The Post previously reported, the “17 Again” actor was reportedly found dead in the jacuzzi of his home in the ritzy Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles just after 4 p.m. on Saturday.


  Comedian Nate Bargatze. NBC Comedian Nate Bargatze. NBC

  Comedian Nate Bargatze during a skit on Saturday’s episode. NBC Comedian Nate Bargatze during a skit on Saturday’s episode. NBC

  The NBC sketch comedy is in its 49th season. NBC The NBC sketch comedy is in its 49th season. NBC

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that first responders received a call about a cardiac arrest. It’s currently unclear who phoned 911.


  Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. NBC Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters. NBC


  The cast and crew of “Saturday Night Live” — including Christopher Walken, who made a cameo. NBC The cast and crew of “Saturday Night Live” — including Christopher Walken, who made a cameo. NBC

The sources said no drugs were found at the scene and no foul play is suspected.

Perry’s parents Suzanne Perry and John Bennett Perry (who divorced in 1970), appeared extremely distraught outside their son’s home after the news broke late Saturday night. Suzanne was also joined by her husband, Dateline’s Keith Morrison.

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