Beloved actor Luke Perry passed away suddenly at the young age of 52 this past week. Most recently, he was starring in Riverdale; however Perry first came to prominence thanks to Beverly Hills, 90210.
Perry suffered a massive stroke and passed a few days later.
A statement from Perry's publicist read...
"He 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,"
Tributes poured in from all over the entertainment industry, from friends and family alike. However, there was one person that those who grew up watching Luke Perry hoped to hear from.
On Wednesday, one of his closest friends, Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Jason Priestley, posted this heartbreaking memorial to Perry.
He starts with these beautiful words about his friend.
"It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared... Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon..."
Before ending with this personal note.
"and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today... If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well... the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince."
People were moved.
I had been waiting for and kind of dreading Jason Priestley's response to Luke Perry's death only because I knew he… https://t.co/nVzQAeyS7V— Spooky Ghostsulias (they/them) (@Spooky Ghostsulias (they/them)) 1551960802.0
@Jason_Priestley I'm so deeply sorry for your loss, Jason. The friendship between Brandon and Dylan was always one… https://t.co/bdUthvj5Ss— Lori LaBianca (@Lori LaBianca) 1551973050.0
@Jason_Priestley He was so so wonderful. 😭😭💔💔 I still have not accepted this. When I told him what a fan I was of 9… https://t.co/THBmy2qptu— cheerioo (@cheerioo) 1551959311.0
Many expressed how much the friendship between Priestley and Perry's 90210 characters Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay.
@Jason_Priestley 😘 Dylan & Brandon 💓 i miss Luke so damn much..its hurts!!#LukePerry #BeverlyHills90210… https://t.co/WQrHp8g3Mm— 💗Patty💗 (@💗Patty💗) 1551949839.0
@Jason_Priestley You where either #teamdylan or #teambrandon growing up. I like to think I was both. Luke will be m… https://t.co/kZL7KNKfE8— Witch (@Witch) 1551950295.0
Our hearts are with Luke Perry's family.
Fans of Beverly Hills 90210 are still in shock over the sudden passing of Luke Perry, who played misunderstood bad boy Dylan McKay.
He was also the subject of a slew of teenage crushes in the 90s.
The actor, whose last role was on the CW's Riverdale, died while under care at Saint Joseph Medical Center Burbank early Monday morning on March 4. He was 52.
While his family is mourning the loss of a loving father, fans and co-workers in the entertainment industry have been sharing their condolences on social media.
Shannen Doherty, who played Dylan's sweetheart, Brenda Walsh, is especially devastated over the news.
The 47-year-old actress shared her grief on Instagram with a recent photo of the two of them along with photos of their time together during 90210.
The beloved teen drama created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling ran from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000. (Perry appeared in the show since the first season but took a three-year hiatus in 1998 and finished the series with the rest of the cast in 2000.)
You can scroll through the photos in the post below by clicking on the arrows appearing in the image. This brief walk down memory lane will be very nostalgic for those who grew up watching 90210.
You've been warned. (Sniffs)
Since 90210 wrapped in 2000, the two co-stars drifted apart, but reconnected after Doherty's cancer diagnosis went public in 2015.
The Charmed actress is currently in remission and last saw Perry for lunch a few weeks ago at a restaurant that allowed his dog "Penny." She described her unforgettable visit with him.
Doherty told PEOPLE:
"A couple of weeks ago in February, Luke and I met up for lunch. He chose the restaurant based on who would allow his dog,"
"I walked in and there he was, smiling, with his dog Penny and her bed under the booth, happy as can be. I will never forget — and will miss — Luke looking at me with that smile of his saying … 'Shan.'"
She reflected fondly on her late friend as someone "with a heart of gold."
"I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend. I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind."
"Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love."
"Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained in tact."
Fox announced a six-part mini series reboot of Beverly Hills 90210 with original cast members returning to play heightened versions of themselves; however, Perry and Doherty did not sign on for the project.
Instead, Doherty had ambitions of teaming with her onscreen sweetheart in another capacity for the show's fans.
"There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on '90210' and of course life in general. Luke and I were working on show ideas for us."
"We wanted to work with each other again and create something special and meaningful for our fans at this stage in our lives."
"I will miss him everyday. Every minute. Every second."
Gen X-ers will always remember Brenda and Dylan as the quintessential TV couple from the 90s. Fans grieved right along with Doherty and sent her some much needed love and sympathies.
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@DohertyShannen Sorry to hear about Luke passing away Shannen hang in there I know u will get though this u are so… https://t.co/X3mktys2FJ— Kellie Griffin (@Kellie Griffin) 1551808102
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Dylan and Brenda forever 💔 #LukePerry #RIP https://t.co/NbWaqI25FI— Christine Estera (@Christine Estera) 1551731452
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@thesando/Instagram
Dylan and Brenda were my OTP. #RIPLukePerry https://t.co/bfav969z03— Queen of the Tube #BB22 #BBLF (@Queen of the Tube #BB22 #BBLF) 1551731240
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A day before Perry's death, Entertainment Tonight spoke to Doherty on the red carpet at the Animal Hope & Wellness Foundation's Compassion Gala.
When asked to share any well wishes for Perry and his family while he was under care, she remained hopeful for his recovery while trying to maintain her composure.
"I can't talk about it because I'll literally start crying," she said.
"I love him and he knows I love him, and I'm in contact. It's Luke and he's my 'Dylan'"
"Everybody just keep positive, wonderful thoughts. That's all I'm gonna say."
You can watch the YouTube clip of her ET interview below.
Shannen Doherty Emotionally Sends Well Wishes to Luke Perry (Exclusive)www.youtube.com
Doherty fondly remembers how much Perry loved his son Jack, 22, and daughter Sophie, 19, both of whom he had with his ex-wife Minnie Sharp.
She said:
"Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of them often."
"They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment."
Our hearts go out to Perry's family and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace, Luke. You will be missed.
Fans Are Honoring The Epic Coolness That Was Dylan McKay Following Luke Perry's Death At 52
On Wednesday, actor Luke Perry was taken to the hospital after suffering a massive stroke in his home in Sherman Oaks, California.
Sadly, he died on Monday at the age of 52 at St. Joseph's Hospital in Burbank.
Perry's rep told TMZ the actor was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry and sister Amy Coder, along with other close friends and members of the family.
Perry recently played Archie Andrews' father, Fred Andrews, in the CW's popular mystery drama Riverdale, loosely based on the Archie comics, .
Fans, however, will always remember Perry as the rebellious heartthrob Dylan McKay from the 1990s teen drama series Beverly Hills 90210, which aired from October 4, 1990 to May 17, 2000.
In honor of his legacy, fans paid tribute by revisiting the iconic 90210 idol whose likeness wallpapered many a teen's bedroom nearly three decades ago.
Dylan McKay was the epitome of cool, and so was the man behind those Ray-Bans.
RIP Luke Perry, who defined early 90s cool, a deeply underrated actor whose Dylan McKay unfairly overshadowed all f… https://t.co/l55IARzI5d— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Otto Von Biz Markie) 1551722227.0
@desusnice https://t.co/aU0dFF53kw— Bonita Applebelly (@Bonita Applebelly) 1551722503.0
With all due respect, Paul Newman in 1967's Cool Hand Luke was coolness personified, but, for now, Paul Who-man?
DYLAN MCKAY AT A POOL TABLE MAKES PAUL NEWMAN LOOK LIKE PAUL BLART https://t.co/eTI5c08frD— Sam (@Sam) 1551725855.0
@Passionweiss Seriously, He was "That Dude" on 90210. "Cool hand Luke" is what we called him back then. We knew he'… https://t.co/yknNVM4p28— MaidentheUSA (@MaidentheUSA) 1551725739.0
Ugh this Luke Perry news is such a huge bummer. RIP Dylan McKay, a first ballot Hall of Famer for Coolest TV Charac… https://t.co/AzXEBOX4uO— Mark Graham (@Mark Graham) 1551722105.0
"I'm going to be linked with him until I die, but that's actually just fine. I created Dylan McKay. He's mine" – Lu… https://t.co/WeqFyjETDx— Hollywood Reporter (@Hollywood Reporter) 1551722559.0
@THR This is heartbreaking. 💔 I had fond memories of watching him as "Dylan McKay" on 90210 growing up. And one of… https://t.co/GFjBebjbCT— Michelle Tidon (@Michelle Tidon) 1551723388.0
Dylan McKay made brooding sexy, and few other actors could pull that off so effortlessly.
There wasn't even any point in TRYING to be as brooding, cool and aspirationally fixable as Dylan McKay. Luke Perry… https://t.co/rzZt3Yty3C— Daniel Fienberg (@Daniel Fienberg) 1551722377.0
It is perfectly normal and OK to be crying at Dylan McKay GIFs right now.— Louis Peitzman (@Louis Peitzman) 1551722323.0
Dylan McKay, you’ll always and forever be our generation’s James Dean. RIP #LukePerry #90210— Pamela Adler (@Pamela Adler) 1551723073.0
Yall, I am so sad. Dylan Mckay was legit my first white boy crush 😢😢😢😢 #RIPLukePerry https://t.co/8OxALSUUH2— Ashley Dionne Warwick (@Ashley Dionne Warwick) 1551722746.0
I refuse to believe Dylan McKay is no longer with us. To me, he’s still hanging out at the Peach Pit after catching… https://t.co/Cs5e1RIGBp— Gennefer Gross (@Gennefer Gross) 1551722869.0
Perry's 90210 co-star Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea Zuckerman, was "absolutely heartbroken" and described her late friend as a "tremendous force" in an emotional statement.
"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."
Another 90210 alum, Ian Zeiring who played Steve Sanders, tweeted his heartfelt sendoff to a buddy who was gone too soon.
"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."
Dearest Luke, I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years. May your journey… https://t.co/BjxhlMuZ2N— Ian Ziering (@Ian Ziering) 1551723960.0
R.I.P., Luke Perry. You will be missed.
See you in the next one, Luke. https://t.co/ecyayLerw5— Mark Graham (@Mark Graham) 1551729147.0
Well Wishes Pour In For Luke Perry After He Is Reportedly Hospitalized Following Massive Stroke
Riverdale and Beverly Hills 90210 actor Luke Perry is under care after suffering a stroke on Wednesday, confirmed The Hollywood Reporter.
TMZ broke the news of paramedics arriving at what was presumably the actor's home in Sherman Oaks, California, around 9:40 a.m. responding to a "medical assistance" call.
The 52-year-old actor is currently known for his role on CW's hit show Riverdale as Archie's father Fred Andrews. But Perry remains best known for his breakout role as the rebellious heartthrob Dylan McKay from the popular '90s TV show Beverly Hills 90210.
Coincidentally, news of his medical emergency broke the day after Fox announced a reboot of 90210.
Original cast members–Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Jason Priestly, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling and Gabrielle Carteris–have signed on to be a part of the production.
Perry and Shannen Doherty are the only principal original cast members not signed on to the project.
Ziering, Perry's 90210 costar was the first to send his friend love and support on social media, posting a black and white photo of them from their time on the show together.
Ziering wrote:
"No words can express what my heart feels hearing today's shocking news. Let us all say a prayer for his speedy recovery."
Shannen Doherty, who played Perry's on and off again sweetheart Brenda Walsh on the show, also sent her love.
She wrote:
"My friend. Holding you tight and giving you my strength. You got this."
Fellow castmate Christine Elise McCarthy, who played recurring character Emily Valentine, reflected fondly on her friend as she wished him a speedy recovery.
She posted:
"Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery to my old friend, [Luke Perry]. ❤️🌈🙏🏻🍀"
"You went out of your way to be kind to me during my first #beverlyhills90210 episode. I mention it any time I am asked what it was like on that set."
Claims of Perry being in a coma are false, according to the actor's rep.
He is currently hospitalized and remains sedated.
Twitter saw an outpouring of emotions with many fans sending their love and support.
The impact Perry has on people, whether fellow actors or not, was evident.
Fox's new six-episode event series of Beverly Hills 90210 follows Rob Thomas's reboot from 2008 called 90210.
That was considered to be the fourth entry in the franchise that includes the original 90210, Melrose Place,Models Inc., rebooted 90210, and the 2009 version of Melrose Place.
The new series is a meta reunion that follows the original 90210 cast members all playing heightened versions of themselves, not their TV characters, clamoring for a Beverly Hills 90210 reboot.
We all wish Perry a safe and speedy recovery.