Stars mourn the loss of Luke Perry
Celebrity tributes have flooded in following the news that Riverdale and Beverley Hills, 90210 star Luke Perry has passed away.
The actor, who was 52, rose to fame as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210.
He found a whole new generation of fans on The CW’s Riverdale.
Perry died of a stroke on Monday.
A statement released by Perry's publicist read, "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."
The statement confirmed further details including that the actor was engaged to Wendy Madison Bauer, 44. Perry's ex wife is Rachel Minnie Sharp who he was married to from 1993 to 2003 and has two children Jack and Sophie Perry.
Perry played Dylan McKay in Beverly hills, 90210 starring alongside Shannen Doherty, Ian Ziering, Jennie Garth, Tori Spelling and Brian Austin Green.
Ian Ziering was the first 90210 star to pay tribute, tweeting, “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.”
Jennie Garth released an exclusive statement to PEOPLE: “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”
Molly Ringwald, who appeared as Perry’s ex-wife on Riverdale, tweeted that she was devastated by the actor’s death.
“My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry,” she wrote. “Sending all my love to your family.❤️ #LukePerry”
Robin Givens, another Riverdale costar, told PEOPLE: “I am crushed and so sad to hear about his passing. He was the kindest and gentlest soul the world will ever know. I will remember fondly all our late night conversations and dinners. He cared so much about so many people and was beloved by all who knew him. He was a true friend. Such a big loss.”
Christine Elise McCarthy, who played Emily Valentine on Beverly Hills, 90210, remembered her late costar with a sweet photo from their days on set.
“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,” she wrote. “He will be mourned and missed by everyone who know him and the millions who love him. RIP, dearie Luke. Your time here was far too short. 💔💔💔”
Actor Jon Cryer, meanwhile, said he was “stunned” by the loss.
“Such a lovely guy. With a wonderful sense of humor about fame and the pitfalls of Showbiz,” Cryer wrote. “This is just awful.”
He continued, “Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob. Much respect.”
Joss Whedon shared a charming anecdote about the first time he met Perry ahead of 1992’s Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
“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 wrote on Twitter. “He shouldn’t be gone.”
Seth Green appeared in the film alongside Perry, and paid tribute on social media.
“Crushed. Luke Perry was truly a great guy,” he wrote. “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.”
Carson Daly also appeared stunned by the news, writing on Twitter, “IN SHOCK. DEAR GOD…”
Writers for Riverdale, on which Perry had starred since 2017, remembered the actor as a “joyful and vibrant soul.”
“You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever,” they wrote on Twitter. “Rest in love and peace, friend.”
