Luke Perry, who gained instant heartthrob status as wealthy rebel Dylan McKay on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died Monday after suffering a massive stroke, his publicist said. He was 52.
Perry was surrounded by family and friends when he died, publicist Arnold Robinson said. The actor had been hospitalized since last Wednesday, after a 911 call summoned medical help to his home in the Sherman Oaks section of Los Angeles.
“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. At Perry’s bedside were his children, Jake and Sophie; fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer and his former wife, Minnie Sharp.
Perry had played construction company owner Fred Andrews, father of main character Archie Andrews, for three seasons on “Riverdale,” the CW series that gives a dark take on “Archie” comics. A fourth season has been slated.
Born and raised in rural Fredericktown, Ohio, Perry gained fame on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” which ran from 1990 to 2000.
“90210” co-star Ian Ziering paid tribute to his co-star on Twitter , where six of the worldwide top trending topics Monday morning were Perry-related. “I will forever bask in the loving memories we’ve shared over the last thirty years,” Ziering said. “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.”
Perry has had roles in a handful of films, including “The Fifth Element,” ″8 Seconds” and “American Strays.” He appeared in HBO’s prison drama “Oz” and voiced cartoons like “The Incredible Hulk” and “Mortal Kombat.” In recent years he starred in the series “Ties That Bind” and “Body of Proof.”
The same day he was hospitalized, Fox TV announced that it would be running a six-episode return of “90210” that features most of the original cast, but Perry was not among those announced.
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
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
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
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
Luke Perry. 💔 pic.twitter.com/rRHjkOnXmW
— Olivia Munn (@oliviamunn) 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
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
From Dylan McKay on #BeverlyHills90210 to Fred Andrews on #Riverdale, #LukePerry will always have a place in our screens and hearts. RIP Luke 💙 https://t.co/3XFWm2LYmC pic.twitter.com/uNEVOZl1z3
— IMDb (@IMDb) March 4, 2019
RIP my friend. Too soon. #LukePerry
— Jim Beaver (@jumblejim) March 4, 2019
I didn’t know him well, but on occasion had the opportunity to spend some time with #LukePerry @ CW events. He was kind & soft spoken. I felt his appreciation for fans & for being a working actor.
This left me w/ much respect & admiration.Much love & prayers to his family. 🙏🏼
— Brandon Routh (@BrandonJRouth) 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. #LukePerry pic.twitter.com/APyai6nVlC
— David Hasselhoff (@DavidHasselhoff) March 4, 2019
My prayers are with the family, friends and fans who loved #LukePerry I feel genuine sadness knowing he has left us at such a young age.
RIP Luke Perry pic.twitter.com/OV2UqJtLum— Luke Goss (@LukeGoss) March 4, 2019
#LukePerry… a fine actor and gentlemen.
Always loved his misunderstood, outsider James Dean angst.
One of the good guys.
Gone way too soon. 💔 pic.twitter.com/BnW4xaxUQO— Billy Baldwin (@BillyBaldwin) March 4, 2019
My deepest condolences go out to the family & friends of #LukePerry due to his passing. He was a great guy & having been through a similar stroke/brain hemorrhage myself, my heart & soul go out to his family/friends.
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) March 4, 2019
Goodness, what sad news. Sending my love and strength to #LukePerry ‘s family.
— Kellie Martin (@Kellie_Martin) March 4, 2019