Beloved TV actor Luke Perry has died today following his hospitalization Wednesday morning after suffering a massive stroke. His reps confirmed his passing this morning.
Perry rose to fame in the early '90s as a regular cast member on the hit TV series, Beverly Hills, 90210. Since then, he's had a long and storied career in film and television. Perry was currently starring on the CW teen drama, Riverdale, as Archie's father Fred Andrews. According to TMZ, Perry had recently been shooting episodes for Riverdale on the Warner Brothers lot in Los Angeles.
On Wednesday, Fox announced that there would be a reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210. Perry's co-stars from the original (Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, and Ian Ziering) have all signed on to the reboot, and now, unfortunately, we know that Perry won't be joining them.
Perry's reps released the following statement this morning:
"Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke. 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." The news was first reported by Entertainment Weekly.Perry's '90210' castmate Shannen Doherty voiced her support of the actor last week on her Instagram page.
She posted a photo of their characters locked in an intimate embrace with the words "My friend. Holding you tight and giving you my strength. You got this."Love from Perry's friends continues to pour in.
Ian Ziering, aka Steve Sanders, shared some wonderful photos of the two of them throughout their careers.Starting with one when they were first cast on 90210 together.
He said, "No words can express what my heart feels hearing today's shocking news. Let us all say a prayer for his speedy recovery."He also added this more recent image of the two of them getting back together.
"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 you, he deserves it."Molly Ringwald sent this message as well.
My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry— Molly Ringwald (@Molly Ringwald)1551722916.0
Riverdale star Mädchen Amick is urging people to respect the privacy of Luke's family.
Please. I beg of you to show Luke’s beautiful family the respect and privacy that they deserve during this devastat… https://t.co/jwfw36MBFe— Mädchen Amick (@Mädchen Amick)1551728549.0
The official Riverdale writers' room Twitter also sent their love.
They're dedicating the current season to Luke in the wake of his death.The executive producers, Warner Bros, and the CW have also issued a statement.
"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."Luke Perry was truly amazing on set.
The moment Dylan McKay drove his black Porsche onto the West Beverly High lot, our lives changed forever. https://t.co/hquXWhvh41— E! News (@E! News)1551730246.0
We will continue to update this page with messages of support as they come in.
So heartbroken about Luke. He was a father, brother, friend, and mentor. Each night before he had to shoot a scene,… https://t.co/PjYV440en0— RobertoAguirreSacasa (@RobertoAguirreSacasa)1551727860.0
90210 actor, Gabrielle Carteris.
Dearest Luke- I am so heart broken and at a loss for words. You my friend were a mighty soul and have left your mar… https://t.co/7EwGZ0tQbQ— Gabrielle Carteris (@Gabrielle Carteris)1551734489.0
Director Joss Whedon
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 se… https://t.co/RRbxMaMtBF— Joss Whedon (@Joss Whedon)1551722926.0
Actor Charlie Sheen
Another young actor who was coming up around the same time as Perry.Actor Austin Nichols
I can’t believe it. No words. Sending you and your family all the love I got! You were so kind and generous. You taught me a lot. #LukePerry— AUSTIN NICHOLS (@AUSTIN NICHOLS)1551725602.0
How I Met Your Mother star, Alyson Hannigan
I’m heartbroken to hear Luke Perry passed away. Sending love to his family and friends. R.I.P.— alyson hannigan (@alyson hannigan)1551724658.0
Actor Patricia Arquette shared this great photo.
She shared this story with People. “Luke was the most incredible friend. He was an old school man. Stand-up and straight-shooting. He was integral and fair and good and strong. His joy was being a father to kids, Jack and Sophie, and he had found true joy and happiness with his great love, Madison. It’s a true loss to all of us who knew him and to those who didn’t. He was a great talent and was a strong and stalwart man, and they will never make another like him."Actor Leslie Grossman
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… https://t.co/nifCMo6DNt— Leslie Grossman (@Leslie Grossman)1551723475.0
Jon Cryer with this great compliment.
Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob. Much respect. #RIPLukePerry https://t.co/rqNxPgUoAN— Jon Cryer (@Jon Cryer)1551723016.0
Katie Couric shared her support.
This is so so sad. Luke Perry has died at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by his… https://t.co/mJRuXwLP6P— Katie Couric (@Katie Couric)1551723409.0
As did Ryan Seacrest
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… https://t.co/jrc4hiwijQ— Ryan Seacrest (@Ryan Seacrest)1551723691.0
One Day At A Time creator Gloria Calderón Kellett shares her connection.
Heartbroken over Luke Perry. Never met him but the 90210 kids graduated from high school when I did and went to col… https://t.co/2PoqmmW404— GORY-a Cower down KILLit (@GORY-a Cower down KILLit)1551724069.0
Writer David Iserson.
I met Luke Perry once during the '08 Writers Strike. The whole thing was deeply surreal. He got infuriated by someo… https://t.co/FGcXYQN1Xs— David Iserson (@David Iserson)1551724211.0
Actor Seth Green
Crushed. Luke Perry was truly a great guy. Warm, kind, generous and hard working. We met very young, I witnessed th… https://t.co/tF82IVhGzw— Seth Green (@Seth Green)1551723321.0