After the news of his “massive stroke” last week, this news was always a probability. But that doesn’t make it any easier to type. According to Variety, actor Luke Perry has passed away. He was just 52 years old.
Perry was an icon of the ’90s, perhaps best known for his role as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210, a role he played off and on from 1990 to 2000. He also appeared in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, American Strays, and The Fifth Element. Recently, he found renewed fame on The CW’s Riverdale, a noir reboot of the classic Archie comics, where he portrayed Fred Andrews, Archie’s father.
His publicist confirmed to BuzzFeed News that the actor died surrounded by his family: children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, along with his parents, brother and sister, and other close family and friends.
Luke Perry’s publicist has confirmed to @BuzzFeedNews that he has died. pic.twitter.com/68XSkn9XiZ
— Kate Aurthur (@KateAurthur) March 4, 2019
The actor was in the middle of filming the third season of Riverdale. His cast and co-workers have yet to comment, but following the news of his stroke last week, many flocked to Twitter to share messages of sympathy. It’s unclear how his passing will affect the remainder of the season, but knowing how integral he was to the series, we imagine it will take some heavy shifting to adjust the storyline going forward.
Love you Luke ? pic.twitter.com/M9DVXhEJTP
— Mädchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 1, 2019
In addition to Riverdale, Perry also has a role in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. He already filmed his scenes for that project, which means we have more Luke Perry content to look forward to.
This is a sad, surreal day for fans of Perry, who by all accounts was an extremely kind and generous man to his co-workers and fans. Stories are pouring in on social media about this tremendous loss, but to also remind us what a gift he was to the world.
The last time I saw Luke Perry he asked me if I wanted to smooch his brand-new puppy Daisy. I did and I did and I’ll always remember him that way.
— Joanna Robinson (@jowrotethis) March 4, 2019
Absolutely fucking heartbreaking. The kindest, gentlest soul I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. That meeting happened two years ago at the GLAAD Awards, which he was attending to honor his late best friend, Alexis Arquette. May they find each other now ? https://t.co/gtKeRmp2jd
— Kristin Russo (@kristinnoeline) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was a prince. When I met him, this #90210 kid was totally overwhelmed. And he was so cool and warm, and when I asked for a selfie he proposed a prom pic pose. It’s hard to explain how much that meant. It was like a girlhood fantasy come true. https://t.co/KK8Cw79Ukf
— Kristy Puchko (@KristyPuchko) March 4, 2019
Rest in peace, Luke Perry. We were so lucky to have you.
Images: The CW