Luke Perry, best known for his role on Beverly Hills, 90210, has died. Perry suffered a massive stroke last week and was rushed to a nearby hospital in California. He remained there under observation after being put into a medically induced coma until his passing. Perry was 52. The actor's publicist had this to say in a statement.
"Luke Perry was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends. The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time."
Born in Ohio, Luke Perry moved out to Los Angeles after high school in order to pursue his dreams of becoming an actor. His first big break came during an arc on the soap opera Another World in 1988. Not much later, Perry would go on to earn the role that he would become best known for as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1990.
The series ran for 10 seasons in total, with Luke Perry appearing in nearly 200 episodes during his run. His stint on Beverly Hills, 90210 not only made him a household name, but a heartthrob as well. Some of his other TV credits include Oz, Windfall and Body of Proof. More recently, Perry had been appearing on The CW's hit Archie Comics adaptation Riverdale as Fred Andrews. The writer's room for the series, via their official Twitter account, had this to say after news of his passing broke.
"Luke Perry... you were a joyful and vibrant soul. You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in love and peace, friend."
Elsewhere, Luke Perry was an accomplished voice actor. Some of his early credits include Biker Mice From Mars and Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm, in which, he voiced Sub-Zero. Perry also worked on Marvel's The Incredible Hulk TV series in the 90s and voiced himself in The Simpsons episode Krusty Gets Kancelled. He also worked on the Disney series Pepper Ann.
On the big screen, Luke Perry appeared in movies such as Luc Besson's The Fifth Element and the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He had also filmed a role in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. It is set to be released this summer and will serve as his final movie role following his passing.
Fox had recently announced a 90210 revival series, which will bring back stars Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Gabrielle Carteris, Brian Austin Green, and Tori Spelling. The network had not announced Perry as a returning cast member. Perry is survived by his son Jack and daughter Sophie. We've collected various social media tributes to the late actor and included them below. RIP, Luke Perry. This news was previously reported by Variety.
Luke Perry... you were a joyful and vibrant soul. You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in love and peace, friend. #Riverdale
— Riverdale Writers Room (@RiverdaleWriter) March 4, 2019
Dearest Luke,
— Ian Ziering (@IanZiering) March 4, 2019
I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years. May your journey forward be enriched by the magnificent souls who have passed before you, just like you have done here, for those you leave behind.
My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) March 4, 2019
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Luke Perry ????#RIP Luke Perry.
— Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) March 4, 2019
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My condolences to Luke’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fylYeHeTX3
RIP incredible #LukePerry. Your spirit soul humor... just all of you. Amazing man. May your long walk home be in peace. And love. pic.twitter.com/xn0Zd4w0hy
— Rachel Talalay (@rtalalay) March 4, 2019
I’m stunned.
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) March 4, 2019
Such a lovely guy. With a wonderful sense of humor about fame and the pitfalls of Showbiz. This is just awful. #RIPLukePerryhttps://t.co/MtIviZC8uv
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— John Stamos (@JohnStamos) March 4, 2019
RIP Luke Perry????????
— David Boreanaz (@David_Boreanaz) March 4, 2019
The first person I remember watching on TV and thinking “that guy is cool” was Luke Perry. He made a kid from BK wanna go to Baja to surf for the weekend. My heart goes out to his loved ones. He will be missed.
— Jerry Ferrara (@jerryferrara) March 4, 2019
So shocking so young! RIP sweet Luke. My love goes out to your family and friends. “Luke Perry passes away just days after the Beverly Hills 90210 star was rushed to the hospital” pic.twitter.com/lkTlKbh8Fj
— Marlee Matlin (@MarleeMatlin) March 4, 2019
Crushed. Luke Perry was truly a great guy. Warm, kind, generous and hard working. We met very young, I witnessed the grace with which he became a pop icon & parent. He’s been an awesome example of how to stay decent in a swirl of crazy. Love to his family❤️ https://t.co/bGlTX8mNbB
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) March 4, 2019
52 - too young ???? #RIPLukePerrypic.twitter.com/tdTw76lAXV
— ROSIE (@Rosie) March 4, 2019
RIP Luke Perry. ???? pic.twitter.com/g6rR5lqLUG
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was a great actor and truly one of a kind. Watching him on 90210 was one of the reasons why I wanted to move to LA. Thinking of his family and friends on and off the set. Rest in peace.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) March 4, 2019
When I was lucky enough to work with Luke Perry I told him about the pillow of his face I used to sleep with and he yelled "You are such a weirdo!" at me and it was the best. Sending love to his friends and family.
— Leslie Grossman (@MissLeslieG) March 4, 2019
Stunned and very sad to hear about #LukePerry - RIP to a great Sideshow man. Great guest, great sport, great actor, and great guy. pic.twitter.com/LNmh8kpp9L
— David Silverman (@tubatron) March 4, 2019