Celebrities Share Their Memories of Luke Perry Following His Death
Luke Perry's current and former cast-mates, as well as many other celebrities, are mourning the actor after his tragic death at 52 years old.
Perry, known for his roles as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 and Fred Andrews on Riverdale, died Monday morning of a massive stroke, his rep confirmed in a statement to ET. Perry was first hospitalized for a stroke last Wednesday.
"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 statement said. "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."
According to Variety, Riverdale shut down production for the day. The outlet also published a statement from executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and Jon Goldwater, along with Warner Bros. Television and the CW:
"We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the ‘Riverdale,’ Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. A father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family during this most difficult time."
Meanwhile, plenty of stars are turning to social media to share their fondest memories of Perry, and how deeply they will miss him and his "unmatched kindness," as Riverdale star Casey Cott (who plays Kevin Keller) put it.
Here is how celebrities are reacting to Perry's death:
I’m finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us.
I’m thinking of his family. His children.
I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.- Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
I’m totally heartbroken. Luke took me under his wing the day I was cast and made me feel like I belonged. He was the most generous, wise soul with unmatched kindness. He treated everyone with love and joy. We had so much fun. Praying for his family.
- Casey Cott (@CaseyCott) March 5, 2019
You taught me so much in so little. Rest easy, friend.
A post shared by Rob Raco (@robraco) on Mar 4, 2019 at 1:19pm PST
Dearest Luke- I am so heart broken and at a loss for words. You my friend were a mighty soul and have left your mark. My love and prayers to the family and all who loved you. RIP
- Gabrielle Carteris (@TheGabrielle_C) March 4, 2019
I don’t have any words now. Maybe I will later. ??
A post shared by Marisol Nichols (@marisolnichols) on Mar 4, 2019 at 12:03pm PST
A post shared by Ian Ziering (@ianziering) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:31am PST
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
I abruptly woke at 4:30am thinking about you Luke & I couldn’t go back to sleep, then 5 hours later I hear you are gone. The tears won’t stop & they never ever will. You were that guy, that forever friend, we always had each others back & I will always remember you this way... pic.twitter.com/7DtSvYdIGe
- Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) March 4, 2019
A post shared by Colin Hanks (@colinhanks) on Mar 4, 2019 at 6:34pm PST
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
I worked with him just once, on an episode of #PoundPuppies where our cartoon characters fell I love. We didn’t record together but it is still a career highlight for me. My Cookie loved Luke’s coyote character for REAL real. pic.twitter.com/C6dR4sTR3c
- yvette nicole brown (@YNB) March 4, 2019
Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. RIP #LukePerry https://t.co/hVnP3yGUJy
- Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 4, 2019
I remember when Dylan McKay was the coolest guy on television. #RIPLukePerry
- andy lassner (@andylassner) March 4, 2019
This is a gut punch, 90210 is absolutely one of those things that defined whatever came between Gen X and Millennials (like me). https://t.co/az9kmYyPZw
- Nathaniel Friedman (@freedarko) March 4, 2019
IN SHOCK. DEAR GOD... Luke Perry, ‘90210’ and ‘Riverdale’ Star, Dies at 52 https://t.co/4yEQvqUd72 via @variety
- Carson Daly (@CarsonDaly) March 4, 2019
RIP Luke Perry. ?? pic.twitter.com/g6rR5lqLUG
- Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry - Irreplaceable beautiful and kind human being, incredible friend, generous actor and adoring father to Jack and Sophie and loving partner to Madison we are all heartbroken. You are the love and you are the light. pic.twitter.com/X3ycTvmXsb
- Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 4, 2019
A post shared by Christine Elise McCarthy (@christineelisemccarthy) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:00am PST
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
Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob.
Much respect. #RIPLukePerry https://t.co/rqNxPgUoAN- Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) March 4, 2019
Please keep saying your prayers for my boy Luke. He is such a good & loving man, just the kindest soul. I love you sweetheart you are gonna get through this, we all keep saying our prayers for you & your doctors ???????? #LukePerry @LukePerryIII ??????
- Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) March 2, 2019
?????? https://t.co/fJM3pPBYdm
- John Stamos (@JohnStamos) 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
A post shared by Busy Philipps (@busyphilipps) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:00am PST
I am so shocked, devastated for his kids and friends and family. I’m just in disbelief ....
You will be missed Luke! Sending love to all pic.twitter.com/ycmpvD8zIT- Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) March 4, 2019
Rest Luke - the way you always treated me (and anyone I ever introduced you to, no matter how much they screamed and squealed with joy and excitement) - in peace. #RIPLukePerry
Cherish every moment. ???? pic.twitter.com/Cgd9qeVKRX- Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) March 4, 2019
This is so so sad. Luke Perry has died at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy, his ex-wife, and his family and friends. Thinking of them all today.?? #LukePerry pic.twitter.com/1vbzN6Xvst
- Katie Couric (@katiecouric) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was an absolute sweetheart.
- Andy Richter (@AndyRichter) March 4, 2019
Please. I beg of you to show Luke’s beautiful family the respect and privacy that they deserve during this devastating time. Sending love to them.
- M?dchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 4, 2019
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