Hollywood Mourns the Death of '90210' and 'Riverdale' Star Luke Perry

Nicole Saunders

From Harper's BAZAAR

  • 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.

Photo credit: Art Streiber
Photo credit: Art Streiber

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.

Photo credit: Ron Davis - Getty Images
Photo credit: Ron Davis - Getty Images

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.

Photo credit: Art Streiber
Photo credit: Art Streiber

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.

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.

 

 

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:

 

 

Robin Givens, who stars as Mayor Sierra McCoy on Riverdale tweeted and Instagrammed:

 

View this post on Instagram

My heart is broken ....There are so many special moments in life that we all take for granted ...like @madchenamick pulling out her phone and taking this sweet and silly ‘selfie’ of us all. We assume that the #laughter will last or that they’ll be another time to tell someone just how important they are to you ....#lukeperry was of the most kind and gentle souls this world has ever been given .... a true gift and I’m deeply grateful and will forever cherish the time we shared .....the friendship , the talks about our kids and politics and directing and tennis and wrestling. I love you Luke and you will always hold a special place in my heart. I miss you already 😢🙏❤️#riverdalefamily #riverdalestrong

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:

View this post on Instagram

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. You embraced me on that set and eased any discomfort. You always made me feel included when I did not. You are a stand up man and for that I am so grateful. Thank you for being a ray of light for me and so many ❤️

A post shared by ASHA (@ashabrom) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:32am PST

Rob Raco, stars as Joaquin DeSantos on Riverdale, wrote:

View this post on Instagram

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:

 

View this post on Instagram

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. God please give him a seat close to to you, he deserves it.

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.

View this post on Instagram

With the heaviest of hearts, I am stunned and devastated to tell you that Luke passed away. I am still in shock and I have no words beyond saying he was a truly kind gentleman. He will be mourned and missed by everyone who knew him and the millions who love him. RIP, dearie Luke. Your time here was far too short. 💔💔💔

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.

Emma Caulfield played Susan Keats on Beverly Hills, 90210.

Roberto Aguirre Sacasa is the creator of Riverdale.

Molly Ringwald, who stars as Mary Andrews on Riverdale posted:

 

View this post on Instagram

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.

Kristy Swanson played Buffy Summers on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

 

View this post on Instagram

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...

A post shared by Kristy Swanson (@kristyswansonxo) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:54am PST

 

Felicia Day played Violet on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Seth Green played Oz on Buffy The Vampire Slayer.

Leslie Grossman played Lauren on What I Like About You, opposite of Perry's character Todd.

 

Other fellow actors also shared kind words about Perry on Twitter and Instagram.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

My heart hurts 💔 One of my first jobs was a guest appearance on 90210. My scenes were with Luke. I had a crush on him for so long and getting to work with him was a dream come true. I just remember him being a super humble and really nice guy.

A post shared by Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:20am PST

View this post on Instagram

My entire high school experience was shaped by Brenda and Dylan. Now I have to hold my dear friend @theshando hand, while she mourns the loss of #lukeperry This is not how it’s supposed to happen. I hope his family knows many lives he touched. “I chose. I chose you. I want you. I’ve always wanted you” - my favorite quote

A post shared by Sarah Michelle (@sarahmgellar) on Mar 4, 2019 at 12:09pm PST

 

View this post on Instagram

Luke Perry. One of the kindest men I had ever met. I did not have the pleasure of really knowing him but we all wanted to. My heart feels so much breaking for his family and friends. 💔 I am sorry. Rest In Peace #lukeperry

A post shared by Selma Blair (@selmablair) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:29am PST

View this post on Instagram

One of the most genuine and sincere people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing in Hollywood. #RIPLuke ....I will miss you.

A post shared by Jensen Ackles (@jensenackles) on Mar 4, 2019 at 4:37pm PST

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