Luke Perry has sadly passed away at the age of 52. The news took everyone by surprise, as Perry was much beloved by family, friends and fans around the world. Even if you never watched Beverly Hills, 90210 or Riverdale, there was something inherently likable about the actor. And after the news of his death was announced, many from the entertainment world paid their respects.
Luke Perry initially found success playing Dylan McKay on the Fox teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. The show ran for 10 seasons, and Perry was featured in 200 of those episodes. He was still quite popular on the small screen at the time of his passing, playing Archie's father Fred Andrews in The CW's hit Riverdale. He had less of an impact on the big screen, but still turned in memorable performances in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie, the rodeo drama 8 Seconds, and his last on screen role will be in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which will hit theaters this summer.
Luke Perry's acting career spanned decades, and there were never any lurid behind-the-scenes stories. His co-stars truly loved working with the man, and he means so much to several different generations of TV viewers. The actor passed after suffering a massive stroke. He was hospitalized and went into a medical induced coma. He never recovered. 90201 co-star Ian Ziering had this to say.
"Dearest Luke, 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."
Gabrielle Carteris, who also starred on the hit series in the 90s with Perry, offered a statement to CNN, saying, "I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark -- never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe."
Leonardo DiCaprio, who just worked with Perry on the set of Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, had this to say about his co-stars untimely passing.
"Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones."
Joss Whedon, who brought Perry to the big screen for his first major starring role in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, before the hit franchise became a cult classic TV series, had this to say about his leading man.
"The first time I met Luke Perry we talked about what kind of movie we wanted "Buffy" to be. I asked if he'd ever seen "Near Dark" and he gave me a look of HOW DARE YOU SIR and I knew we'd get along. Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn't be gone."
Production on Riverdale was temporarily halted in wake of Luke Perry's death, as the creative team figure out how to handle the situation. This past week, a 90210 revival was announced with the original cast. Perry was not set to return because of his CW work schedule, but it was expected that he'd be making at least one cameo appearance. You can check out a number of other tributes from Perry's friends and family in Hollywood. RIP.
Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) March 4, 2019
The first time I met Luke Perry we talked about what kind of movie we wanted “Buffy” to be. I asked if he’d ever seen “Near Dark” and he gave me a look of HOW DARE YOU SIR and I knew we’d get along. Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn’t be gone.
— Joss Whedon (@joss) March 4, 2019
Woke up this morning a ball of tears. Luke Perry was the kindest, warmest, most loving human being. He always went out of his way to make me feel safe, heard and seen in his presence. I love you so much Luke. Thank you for being a ray of light for me and so many ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xv2lsUCSpS
— ASHA (@ashabrom) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was humble and kind every time we crossed paths. I’m so sorry to hear of his passing.
— scott foley (@scottkfoley) March 4, 2019
Oh God. I’m heart sick. I love you Luke. You were an angel and a friend to me. Loss for words. #LukePerry
— emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
I'm so sad about Luke Perry he was such a kind person. Enthusiastic and encouraging to everyone around him. <3 #RIP
— Felicia Day (@feliciaday) March 4, 2019
Dear Liuke ..love love and my heart is so sad I’m sending love to your family and Alexis is waiting for you ,you will laugh and dance God bless you ????????????????????????????
— Rosanna Arquette????✌???? (@RoArquette) March 4, 2019
Condolences to the family of Luke Perry. ????
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 4, 2019
L.P.
— Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) March 4, 2019
you
made every
situation better,
my man.
your
elegance
your wit
your charm
and
your giant heart,
inspired and
enchanted so many
of us,
on countless
occasions,
with brilliant aplomb.
R.I.P good sir.
i am
truly honored
to have known you
all of these years.
©️
❤️
Rare to have friends who innately have the heart of giving, Luke was one of those people. Prayers up to family & Luke will smile in heaven when he reads this bcuz he has done ultimate “cowboy up” to his final resting place in the glory of Heaven ???? ❤️love U bro ???????? @PBR#8secondspic.twitter.com/1j8jtRKCf3
— Stephen Baldwin (@StephenBaldwin7) March 4, 2019
I can’t believe it. No words. Sending you and your family all the love I got! You were so kind and generous. You taught me a lot. #LukePerry
— AUSTIN NICHOLS (@AustinNichols) March 4, 2019
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
???????????? https://t.co/fJM3pPBYdm
— 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