Luke Perry dies at 52

The Hollywood Reporter

The former Beverly Hill, 90210 star, who was currently an actor on The CW's Riverdale, died five days after suffering a massive stroke. "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 Coder, and other close family and friends," said his publicist, Arnold Robinson. "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." Perry's hospitalization last Wednesday morning coincided with Fox's announcement that it was reviving Beverly Hills, 90210 as a summer series featuring the cast -- excluding Perry -- playing heightened versions of themselves. In a January 2017 interview, Perry was asked what it was like to go from teen heartthrob Dylan McKay to K.J. Apa's dad on Riverdale. "Well, here's the deal I made with K.J. I'll play the dad, and I'll let you have the cool hair for the first five or six weeks, then I'm going to start bringing it," he told The Hollywood Reporter. "I like playing the dad because I like being a dad, and I think it's a great character in the milieu of this show that I'm the grounded one, and I'm the guy who really cares about K.J., who cares about doing a good job and being a good construction worker. I love that." Molly Ringwald, who plays Perry's wife on Riverdale, tweeted: "My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family." Perry's former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Ian Ziering wrote on Instagram: "I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years," while 90210 vet Christine Elise wrote: " I am still in shock and I have no words beyond saying he was a truly kind gentleman."

ALSO:

• Celebrities pay tribute to Luke Perry: Joss Whedon recalls working with him on the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie
• Riverdale's writers' room tweets that Perry was a "joyful and vibrant soul"
• Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa paid tribute to Perry on his personal Twitter account: "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."
• The CW, Riverdale's Aguirre-Sacasa and Greg Berlanti release a joint statement: "Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all."
• Perry's Riverdale co-stars pay tribute: "one of the kindest most gentle souls this world has ever known," tweeted Robin Givens
• Riverdale has shut down production for today following Perry's death
• Fox releases a statement on Perry's death: “Luke will always be part of the FOX family. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this extremely difficult time. He will be deeply missed."
• Former Beverly Hills, 90210 star Gabrielle Carteris said of Perry: “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe,”
• Malcolm-Jamal Warner, Perry's co-star on Showtime's 2002-04 series Jeremiah, tweeted: "I don't care if it sounds cliche, but why does God take the good ones too soon? My heart hurts. Luke was the stupidest (in the best way), craziest, & most lovable men who walked this earth. I miss you already, my friend. Keep heaven laughing. I ❤ u, brother!"
• In 2000, Perry recalled saying goodbye to Beverly Hills, 90210
• Watch Luke Perry's The Simpsons cameo as Krusty the Clown's "worthless half-brother"
• Watch Perry introduce Howard Stern as Fartman in the memorable 1992 MTV VMAs moment
• Check out Luke Perry's life in photos