ActorLuke Perry, who rose to fame as Dylan McKay onBeverly Hills, 90210but found a whole new generation of fans on The CW’sRiverdale,died of a strokeMonday at age 52,prompting an emotional outpouring of tributes from costars and fans alike.
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.”
Beverly Hills, 90210.Mikel Roberts/Sygma/Getty
Christine Elise McCarthy, who played Emily Valentine onBeverly Hills, 90210, remembered her late costar with a sweet photo from their days on set.
Actress Mädchen Amick, who stars as Alice Cooper onRiverdale, said in a statement, “I’m absolutely heartbroken of the news that we lost someone so incredibly special. Luke had become a dear friend. We laughed. We cried. We shared our showbiz war stories. We shared how proud we are as parents. I knew that he was always there for me no matter what. I’m so thankful for the time that we had together. He was an incredibly loving and generous man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family right now. I will love you forever Luke.”
FellowRiverdalestar Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper) also expressed her grief and disbelief over Perry’s death.
“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,” she tweeted. “I just can’t believe it.”
“Such a lovely guy. With a wonderful sense of humor about fame and the pitfalls of Showbiz,” Cryer wrote. “This is just awful.”
Hecontinued, “Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob. Much respect.”
Leonardo DiCaprio, who worked with Perry on the upcomingOnce Upon a Time in Hollywood, released a statement on Twitter.
“Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him,” said DiCaprio. “My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.”
Actress Soleil Moon Frye (Punky Brewster) shared a touching tribute on Instagram, where she posted a throwback photo of the pair.
Joss Whedon shared a charming anecdote about the first time he met Perry ahead of 1992’sBuffy 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 onTwitter. “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.”
Writers forRiverdale, 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 onTwitter. “Rest in love and peace, friend.”
Perry suffered a massive stroke Feb. 27, and a rep confirmed to PEOPLE that he was “under observation.”
Brianne Tracy
andAili Nahas
Aili Nahas
source: people.com
