Hollywood Mourns the Death of '90210' and 'Riverdale' Star Luke Perry
Actor Luke Perry, of 90210, Riverdale, The Fifth Element, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, passed away yesterday morning, his publicist confirms to the Associated Press.
Perry's costars and fellow Hollywood stars mourned his death and pay tribute to him on social media.
He is survived by his children, Jake and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, former wife, Minnie Sharp, and mother Ann Bennett, who were by his side when he passed.
Luke Perry died at 52 on Monday, March 4, his publicist confirmed to the Associated Press. The 90210 and Riverdale actor was hospitalized last Wednesday after he suffered from a major stroke.
Perry's publicist, Arnold Robinson, says that the actor's loved ones–including his children, Jake and Sophie, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer, former wife, Minnie Sharp, and mother Ann Bennett–were by his side when he passed.
“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,” Robinson said in a statement to AP.
Perry grew up in Central Ohio before he portrayed the ultimate bad boy and teen heartthrob Dylan McKay on the iconic teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210. McKay was the troubled loner with the perfectly chiseled jawline, and was one-third of the most legendary love triangles on TV during the '90s, when it aired.
For those of us who were in elementary school when 90210 ended, we may know Perry for his work as Fred Andrews, Archie’s dad on The CW's Riverdale. According to Deadline, when the heartbreaking news of Perry's passing was confirmed, the series halted production.
The show's executive producers (Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, and Jon Goldwater) issued a joint statement to the publication.
“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.”
The Riverdale Writer's Room Twitter account (@RiverdaleWriter) updated its bio to touchingly read, "Season 3 is dedicated to our lovely family member and friend, Luke Perry."
The account also tweeted, "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" which was retweeted and favorited tens of thousands of times.
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
Perry's final role will be in Once Upon a Time, Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film about Charles Manson, Entertainment Weeklyreports. The film stars Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio, and the latter paid tribute to Perry on Twitter.
"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," DiCaprio wrote.
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
Below, we'verounded up the most touching tributes from Perry's Riverdale and 90210 costars.
Lili Reinhardt, who stars as Betty Cooper on Riverdale tweeted:
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 just can’t believe it.
- Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
Robin Givens, who stars as Mayor Sierra McCoy on Riverdale tweeted and Instagrammed:
one of the kindest most gentle souls this world has ever known #riplukeperry
- Robin Givens (@Therocknrobn) March 4, 2019
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A post shared by Robin Givens (@robingivens) on Mar 4, 2019 at 3:49pm PST
Asha Bromfield, who stars as Melody Valentine on Riverdale, wrote:
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A post shared by ASHA (@ashabrom) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:32am PST
Rob Raco, stars as Joaquin DeSantos on Riverdale, wrote:
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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
Ian Ziering, who was Steve Sanders on Beverly Hills, 90210 posted:
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.
- Ian Ziering (@IanZiering) March 4, 2019
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A post shared by Ian Ziering (@ianziering) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:31am PST
Christine Elise McCarthy played Emily Valentine on Beverly Hills, 90210.
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A post shared by Christine Elise McCarthy (@christineelisemccarthy) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:00am PST
Kathleen Robert played Clare Arnold on Beverly Hills, 90210.
As a young girl from Hamilton Ontario coming onto the biggest show in the world mid stream, Luke welcomed me from day one. My heart breaks. ?? #lukeperry #90210 pic.twitter.com/8QA4SEipqB
- kathleen robertson (@kathleenrobert7) March 4, 2019
Emma Caulfield played Susan Keats on Beverly Hills, 90210.
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
2/2 and your kindness was rarely matched. God bless you Luke. You’re with the rest of the angels. #RIPLukePerry you will be missed.
- emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
One last thing about Luke, in a time where the #metoo movement has cast a deserved light on the bad men who have mistreated women in Hollywood and elsewhere, let it be remembered that Luke was a real man- kind, supportive, open hearted vulnerable, strong, and fair. #RIPLukePerry
- emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
Roberto Aguirre Sacasa is the creator of Riverdale.
So heartbroken about Luke. He was a father, brother, friend, and mentor. Each night before he had to shoot a scene, he’d call me and we’d talk about...everything. I will miss those calls. And my heart goes out to all his family and friends. ?? pic.twitter.com/2GaFkV2mI7
- RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) March 4, 2019
Molly Ringwald, who stars as Mary Andrews on Riverdale posted:
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
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Goodbye, my friend. ??I enjoyed dancing with you for a time...
A post shared by Molly Ringwald (@mollyringwald) on Mar 4, 2019 at 2:32pm PST
Joss Whedon is the writer of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Perry played Oliver Pike in the 1992 film.
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
Kristy Swanson played Buffy Summers on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
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A post shared by Kristy Swanson (@kristyswansonxo) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:54am PST
Felicia Day played Violet on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
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
Seth Green played Oz on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.
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
Leslie Grossman played Lauren on What I Like About You, opposite of Perry's character Todd.
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
Other fellow actors also shared kind words about Perry on Twitter and Instagram.
L.P.
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.
©?
??
- Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) March 4, 2019
RIP my friend. Too soon. #LukePerry
- Jim Beaver (@jumblejim) 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
Absolutely devastating news. Luke Perry~ you left us way too soon. Such a kind soul. My prayers are with his family and dear friends. ??
- Debra Messing (@DebraMessing) March 4, 2019
Met Luke Perry in Vancouver on the set of my first ep of The Flash. He was shooting @CW_Riverdale and stopped by to say hi. Dude was incredibly sweet and as friendly as he was charming. Sad loss of a good guy from Ohio. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans. #Dylanhttps://t.co/8IRQA0neU7
- KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) March 4, 2019
So heartbroken to hear about Luke Perry. He was a good friend - I really admired his work ethic and kindness to all. I recently saw Luke at a Comic Con, looked so great and we had a wonderful reunion. We will deeply miss him and my thoughts go out to his family. #LukePerrypic.twitter.com/APyai6nVlC
- David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) March 4, 2019
Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. RIP #LukePerryhttps://t.co/hVnP3yGUJy
- Josh Gad (@joshgad) March 4, 2019
From Buffy to 90210 to Riverdale, thanks for entertaining us with your humor and charm. RIP Luke Perry.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends and Riverdale co-workers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/07dUxihfLX
- New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) 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
RIP Luke Perry. In high school we all wanted to be as cool as you.
- Bryan Greenberg (@bryangreenberg) March 4, 2019
RIP Luke Perry. ?? pic.twitter.com/g6rR5lqLUG
- Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) March 4, 2019
I’m stunned.
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
- Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob.
Much respect. #RIPLukePerryhttps://t.co/rqNxPgUoAN
- Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) March 4, 2019
Condolences to the family of Luke Perry. ??
- William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) March 4, 2019
I don’t understand how he’s gone.
His soul always shined so bright. His smile. His talent. His kindness. He was always the coolest person in the room.
Rest with the angels, sweet Luke. I will never forget you. pic.twitter.com/17AzJD491m
- Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) March 4, 2019
I never met Luke Perry, but he touched the lives of many people I know, and even more that I don’t know. RIP.
- Brent Spiner (@BrentSpiner) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry dead at 52? Oh man, that's so wrong and so sad. Condolences to family, friends, and fans all over this round world. :-(
- Stephen King (@StephenKing) 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
Rest in love, Luke Perry. ???????? pic.twitter.com/5wpLcbYdUD
- Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) March 4, 2019
Heartbroken to hear of the passing of Luke Perry ??#RIP Luke Perry.
????????????????????????
My condolences to Luke’s family and friends. pic.twitter.com/fylYeHeTX3
- Maureen McCormick (@MoMcCormick7) 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
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
Luke Perry ??
- Janel Parrish (@JanelParrish) March 4, 2019
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