Riverdale and 90210 Costars Pay Tribute to Luke Perry

(Photo by Marc Hom/The CW)

Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale star Luke Perry has died at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke, his representatives confirmed to Rotten Tomatoes. The actor was surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his passing.

“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 Code, and other close family and friends,” his representatives wrote in a statement. “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 CW and Warner Bros., the network and studio behind Riverdale, also released a statement confirming the news.

“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.”

(Photo by Christopher Fragapane/The CW)

The actor, who rose to superstardom in the ’90s thanks to his role as the ultra-cool Dylan McKay on teen soap Beverly Hills, 90210, starred in films including Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fifth Element, and will appear in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. In addition to 90210 and Riverdale, in which he plays the loving single dad to Archie Comics hero Archie Andrews (KJ Apa), other memorable TV roles include HBO prison drama Oz, the short-lived John from Cincinnati, and a series of Hallmark Westerns, Goodnight for Justice, which he also produced.

Many of Perry’s friends and former costars took to social media to pay tribute to the actor with emotional messages and photos.

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It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this… My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared… Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon… and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today… If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well… the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long… you burned oh, so brightly Luke… Goodnight Sweet Prince.

A post shared by jason_priestley (@jason_priestley) on Mar 7, 2019 at 12:12am PST

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Yesterday morning I got a phone call that devastated me. I’m struggling with this loss and am having a hard time with my thoughts. But, my heart goes out to his family and friends who were blessed by his light in their (and mine) lives. Processing this is impossible right now.

A post shared by ShannenDoherty (@theshando) on Mar 5, 2019 at 8:45am PST

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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 to you, he deserves it.

A post shared by Ian Ziering (@ianziering) on Mar 4, 2019 at 10:31am PST

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

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he took care of us all. an authentic man who took pleasure in offering us his guidance and wisdom. his presence was healing; he had the ability to make you feel comfortable and at ease within seconds of seeing him. i will never forget the collective shock and distress we experienced when the news broke on set. we lost a dear friend. my heart hurts for his family and anybody who had the pleasure of knowing him. rest in peace, luke. although you’re no longer around to wrap me in the warmth of your hug, i can still remember what it felt like. whenever i think of you, i will remember that feeling.

A post shared by camila mendes (@camimendes) on Mar 7, 2019 at 9:34am PST

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

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

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Luke, I am so lucky to have known you & gotten so close to you these last 3 years. You were such a light in our lives; the most genuine & kind soul I will ever know. From day one of this show you were the most amazing mentor to me. Thank you for teaching me not only about this industry, but also about kindness and being a family and how to foster and nurture those important relationships… you were the absolute best at that. I love you Luke, you and those sweet forehead kisses will forever be missed. ?

A post shared by Madelaine Petsch (@madelame) on Mar 5, 2019 at 2:21pm PST

(Photo by Katie Yu/The CW)

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So heartbroken about Luke. He was a father, brother, friend, and mentor. Each night before he had to shoot a scene, he’d call me and we’d talk about…everything. I will miss those calls. And my heart goes out to all his family and friends. ?

A post shared by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (@writerras) on Mar 4, 2019 at 11:30am PST

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

If there is a kinder, more humane, more humble actor or coworker in the world I have yet to know them and probably never will. We were so blessed to work with Luke and will carry in our hearts his example forever. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/WbLm6ljGV4

— Love, Greg (@GBerlanti) March 4, 2019

I loved Luke Perry. Truly the nicest, most humble actor I’ve ever worked with. He loved & respected everyone equally, both on set and off. HE REALLY WAS THAT NICE. A true gentleman, a blue collar actor who loved people & storytelling a ton but he loved his kids more than anything

— Sarah Schechter (@SarahSoWitty) March 4, 2019

I’m totally heartbroken. Luke took me under his wing the day I was cast and made me feel like I belonged. He was the most generous, wise soul with unmatched kindness. He treated everyone with love and joy. We had so much fun. Praying for his family.

— Casey Cott (@CaseyCott) March 5, 2019

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I don’t have any words now. Maybe I will later. ?

A post shared by Marisol Nichols (@marisolnichols) on Mar 4, 2019 at 12:03pm PST

(Photo by Aaron Spelling Prod./Courtesy Everett Collection)

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

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 – Irreplaceable beautiful and kind human being, incredible friend, generous actor and adoring father to Jack and Sophie and loving partner to Madison we are all heartbroken. You are the love and you are the light. pic.twitter.com/X3ycTvmXsb

— Patricia Arquette (@PattyArquette) March 4, 2019

Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) March 4, 2019

Had the pleasure of working with Luke Perry several times and absolutely loved him. A sweet, sweet good midwestern kind hearted man. So sad.

— dean norris (@deanjnorris) March 4, 2019

Rest Luke — the way you always treated me (and anyone I ever introduced you to, no matter how much they screamed and squealed with joy and excitement) — in peace. #RIPLukePerry

Cherish every moment. ?? pic.twitter.com/Cgd9qeVKRX

— Donnie Wahlberg (@DonnieWahlberg) March 4, 2019

I am so shocked, devastated for his kids and friends and family. I’m just in disbelief ….
You will be missed Luke! Sending love to all pic.twitter.com/ycmpvD8zIT

— Kristin Davis (@KristinDavis) March 4, 2019

Luke Perry. Old friend and always. I am heartbroken that you’re gone. You were one of the good ones. #RIPLukePerry

— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) March 4, 2019