Timothy Olyphant Recalls Bonding with Luke Perry on Final Film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
Timothy Olyphant knows just how lucky he is to have worked with Luke Perry in the actor’s final on-screen performance.
Olyphant opened up about working with Perry on the upcoming film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood before the actor’s tragic death in March, calling the star a “lovely guy.”
“What a lovely guy. Just a lovely guy,” he told Variety. I’m going to miss him at that premiere. I’m going to miss him. I’m going to miss him anyway.”
RELATED: The ‘Once Upon a Time in Hollywood’ Trailer Makes a Chilling Secret Reference to Charles Manson
Perry, who had completed all of his scenes in the upcoming film prior to his death, will portray real-life actor Wayne Maunder. Olyphant, meanwhile, stars as actor James Stacy.
“We just met on the film, but the two of us showed up, and we kept looking at each other like, ‘How’d we get in? I don’t know who let us in, but they let us in,’ ” Olyphant recalled of sharing several scenes with Perry. “There were so many moments where it just felt like the two of us would look at each other and we both had the same look on our face, which is, ‘Not bad. Here we are.’ “
Olyphant, 50, said they two bonded over a conversation about their families in between takes.
“I haven’t met anyone who’s ever said a bad thing about the guy, and that was my experience hanging out with him and working with him,” Olyphant said. “He was the best kind of actor. He was a craftsman. He was all about the work. No bull—-. He showed up early and did his work, and we spent most of our time talking about our families and just enjoying the job. Just a lovely guy.”
RELATED: Jason Priestley Speaks Out for the First Time Following Luke Perry’s Death: I Am ‘in So Much Pain’
Perry was hospitalized after suffering a stroke on Feb. 27 after paramedics were dispatched to his home in Sherman Oaks, California. A source told PEOPLE he never regained consciousness.
On March 4, Perry’s rep confirmed that the Beverly Hills, 90210 actor had died at age 52.
RELATED VIDEO: Luke Perry’s Daughter Claps Back at Internet Trolls Who Are Criticizing Her ‘Grieving Process’
“Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke,” read a statement from Perry’s rep. “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.”
According to a copy of his death certificate obtained by PEOPLE, Perry was buried in Dickson, Tennessee, one week after his death. The actor was a part-time resident of Tennessee and had owned a farm there since 1995.
Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio star in the movie, directed by Quentin Tarantino and opening July 26.
