Luke Perry, a brilliantly-talented character actor cloaked in the vessel of a heartthrob, has passed away aged 52.
The star of “Beverly Hills 90210” and “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” suffered a massive stroke last week. He never regained consciousness.
The actor got his break on Aaron Spelling’s teen soap “Beverly Hills 90210” in the early ’90s (playing Dylan McKay from 1990 to 1995, and again from 1998 to 2000) before transitioning into film, showing off his versatility in such films as “Buffy, the Vampire Slayer” (1992), “8 Seconds” (1994) and “Terminal Bliss” (1992).
In more recent years, the Ohio-born actor guest-starred on such series as “Will & Grace”, “Law and Order : Special Victims Unit” and “Spin City”. But it was his role as Fred Andrews, Archie’s dad, on The CW’s “Riverdale” that really pulled him back under the warm glow of the spotlight.
Perry is survived by two children, Jack (born June 15, 1997) and Sophie (born June 7, 2000), ex-wife Minnie Sharp, and fiancee Wendy Madison Bauer.
His last big screen appearance is in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”, released in the summer.
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
With the heaviest of hearts, I am devastated to@tell you we lost Luke. 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 know him and the millions who love him.
RIP, deari… https://t.co/OvqjOm2mqK pic.twitter.com/HktgGQinVy— Christine Elise (@celisemccarthy) March 4, 2019
My first day on 90210 Luke brought me under his wings & made me feel welcome. His first words to me were “so how are the bitches treating you ?” It made me laugh & I felt like I had an ally in my corner. You set a tone and made sure I could thrive. It was my first real gig and..
— 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
Rare to have friends who innately have the heart of giving, Luke was one of those people. Prayers up to family & Luke will smile in heaven when he reads this bcuz he has done ultimate “cowboy up” to his final resting place in the glory of Heaven ? ❤️love U bro ?? @PBR #8seconds pic.twitter.com/1j8jtRKCf3
— Stephen Baldwin (@StephenBaldwin7) 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
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
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
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
— Mädchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 4, 2019
Just devastated by the news of #LukePerry He will be a brother forever we grew up together and I will never forget his loving spirit, his incredible wit and charm that won all of us pic.twitter.com/lkKLx3e2kS
— David Arquette (@DavidArquette) March 4, 2019
I don't care if it sounds cliche, but why does God take the good ones too soon? My heart hurts. Luke was the stupidest (in the best way), craziest, & most lovable men who walked this earth. I miss you already, my friend. Keep heaven laughing. I ❤ u, brother! #RIPLukePerry
— Malcolm-Jamal Warner (@MalcolmJamalWar) March 4, 2019
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
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
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
We love you, brother.