Matthew Perry, famously known for his role as Chandler Bing on the hit TV show "Friends," made his debut as a host on Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1997. This flashback article takes us behind the scenes of Perry's memorable hosting gig.

Perry's episode was highly anticipated due to his widespread popularity from "Friends." His fellow cast members from the show, including Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, and Lisa Kudrow, made special appearances to support him. The excitement was palpable as Perry prepared to take the SNL stage.

The article delves into the nerves and pressure Perry felt leading up to his hosting duties.

He reveals that he had attended SNL tapings before, but now he was on the other side of the stage, standing under the famous "Saturday Night Live" sign. The pressure to live up to the legacy of previous hosts like Tom Hanks and Steve Martin was weighing heavily on him.

However, Perry had an advantage — his comedic background. Growing up, he acted in plays and had a knack for making people laugh. This experience gave him the confidence to take on the SNL challenge. Despite his nerves, Perry was determined to deliver a memorable performance.

The article also highlights a funny incident that occurred during Perry's monologue rehearsal. While practicing his opening lines, he accidentally tripped and fell flat on his face. Although initially embarrassed, Perry quickly brushed it off and decided to incorporate the mishap into his actual monologue, eliciting laughter from the SNL team.

The behind-the-scenes account also discusses Perry's collaboration with the SNL writers. He actively participated in the creative process, sharing his ideas and suggestions to make the sketches funnier. Perry's commitment to the role was evident as he devoted long hours working on the sketches, ensuring they would connect with the audience.

During his SNL episode, Perry showcased his versatility, appearing in several memorable sketches. He played characters like a clueless sports reporter and an awkward high school teacher. Perry's comedic timing and improvisational skills were on full display throughout the show, delighting the live audience and viewers at home.

Overall, Perry's SNL debut was a success. The article concludes by mentioning that Perry's talent, combined with his dedication and collaboration with the SNL team, made his hosting gig a memorable one. It showcased his comedic skills beyond his iconic character on "Friends" and solidified his status as a versatile actor and comedian.

In summary, this article takes readers behind the scenes of Matthew Perry's SNL hosting gig in 1997. It highlights his nerves and pressure leading up to the episode, his comedic background, a mishap during the rehearsal, and his collaboration with the SNL team. The article concludes by emphasizing the success of Perry's hosting gig and how it showcased his comedic talent and versatility.