NBC/Hulu/PA ImagesLuke Perry had one of the most iconic faces of the nineties, having risen to fame as bad boy Dylan McKay in classic teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, which aired from 1990 to 2000.
A teenage idol, Perry went on to have a starring role in high school series Riverdale, as Archie’s father, Fred.
Fans may not be aware however, that Perry also hosted an episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in 1993, just one year after playing Buffy’s love interest Oliver Pike in the original film version of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
The episode was a memorable one, with musical guest Mick Jagger impersonating Rolling Stones band mate Keith Richards, and an appearance from the late, great Phil Hartman’s Obi-Wan Kenobi, who humorously mistook Perry for Luke Skywalker.
Other highlights included a pre-Austin Powers Mike Myers impersonating Jagger, complete with rock star hip gyrations.
As reported by The Wrap, NBC paid tribute to Perry by airing the episode prior to a new SNL on Saturday March 9.
The episode was shown before a brand new SNL episode, hosted by the ever wonderful Idris Elba, was aired. The episode hosted by Perry was the 12th episode of Season 18, and originally aired on February 6, 1993.
Luke Perry SNL monologue from 1992 – Featuring Phil Hartman pic.twitter.com/wLDV5S2wnh
— SNL Snippets (@SNLSnippets) March 4, 2019
NBC to re-air Luke Perry's Feb. 6, 1993 hosting gig with musical guest Mick Jagger in NBC's Vintage Saturday Night Live 10 p.m. timeslot. #SNL https://t.co/qMkN5F8GQr
— Dan R. (@dsrbroadway) March 8, 2019
Thank you @nbcsnl for airing the episode #LukePerry hosted in 1993
#RIPLukePerry #SNL #SaturdayNightLive What an awesome way to pay tribute!!! pic.twitter.com/dvX04hadgX
— Caprice
(@MsHollywood081) March 10, 2019
Many fans have expressed emotion at seeing the actor being such an excellent SNL host, showing sparkling wit and star quality at such a young age.
Many have thanked NBC for the ‘amazing’ tribute, which showcased Perry’s talents as an entertainer as well as his warmth as a human being.
One person tweeted:
Amazing tribute from @nbcsnl to Luke Perry. Thanks for airing it!
It was so sad to see Chris Farley, Luke Perry and Phil Hartman gone too soon!
Another said:
The SNL episode NBC just played with #LukePerry as host in his memory was amazing!! Look at all of the great stars in only one skit!
The SNL episode NBC just played with #LukePerry as host in his memory was amazing!! Look at all of the great stars in only one skit!#RIPLukePerry #RIPChrisFarley#RIPPhilHartman pic.twitter.com/3XtrxKjY95
— CourtneyElizabeth (@CourtneyEliz920) March 10, 2019
It feels so sad to watch the vintage SNL and see so many people who have now passed on. #LukePerry #SNL
— Karen Pilarski (@KarenPilarski) March 10, 2019
This #LukePerry @nbcsnl is great to show another side of the late actor but also takes us back to such a talented SNL Cast (Hartman, Sandler, Spade, Farley, Meadows).
— Matt Lowy (@lowymatt1211) March 10, 2019
Watching the February 1993 episode of SNL with @LukePerryIII hosting is just…man this is rough. Luke, Phil Hartman, Chris Farley… too many great individuals gone way too soon.
— AngPange (@InferiusMor) March 10, 2019
Perry was taken to hospital on February 28, after suffering a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. He passed away on the morning of Monday March 4 at the age of 52 at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank.
Perry is survived by his two children, Jack and Sophie.
Luke Perry's SNL episode is on. I wasn't even a fan and now I'm quite sad all over again
— danie_d (@danie_d) March 10, 2019
Thank you @nbcsnl for airing the episode #LukePerry hosted in 1993
— Caprice
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Luke Perry at this difficult time.
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.
If you have a story you want to tell send it to UNILAD via stories@unilad.co.uk
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