Beverly Hills 90210 star Luke Perry dies aged 52 surrounded by his family, fiancée and two children - just days after suffering a massive stroke
- Luke Perry was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday when he suffered a massive stroke, but passed away on Monday
- The actor, aged 52, is survived by his son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, from his marriage to ex-wife Rachel Minnie Sharp
- He is also survived by his fiance Wendy Madison Bauer, who was at his side when he passed away along with his children, siblings and mother
- Coy Luther Perry III moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting shortly after graduating from high school in Ohio
- He got his start with a 10-episode run on Another World before shooting to fame as the brooding loner Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills 90210 for 10 seasons
- Tributes are pouring in from Perry's friends and co-stars including Molly Ringwald, Ian Ziering and more. SCROLL DOWN TO READ
Luke Perry died on Monday, just five days after he was hospitalized following a massive stroke.
The Beverly Hills 90210 star had been rushed to a California hospital on Wednesday morning from his home in Sherman Oaks, and remained there until his death.
The actor, 52, is survived by his son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, from his marriage to ex-wife Rachel Minnie Sharp.
'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 the actor's publicist 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.'
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RIP: Luke Perry (above in July) was rushed to the hospital on Wednesday when he suffered a massive stroke, but passed away on Monday
Family unit: Coy Luther Perry III moved to Los Angeles to try his hand at acting shortly after graduating from high school in Ohio (above with son Jack, daughter Sophie and ex-wife Minnie in 2009)
Partner: He is survived by his fiance Wendy Madison Bauer (above in 2017) , who was at his side when he passed away along with his children, siblings and mother
Perry got his start with a 10 episode stint on the popular soap Another World, but shot to fame in the early 1990s thanks to his role on 90210.
That show ran for 10 seasons beginning in 1990 and still lives on in reruns, with Perry filming 199 episodes.
He played the show's leading man, the handsome loner Dylan McKay, alongside co-stars Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley and Tori Spelling.
At the same time, he also appeared in a number of films, including the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fifth Element and Scorchers.
He was also an accomplished voice actor, filming episodes for animated series including Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, Johnny Bravo, The Incredible Hulk and more.
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In the wake of 90210 he appeared on a number of TV shows, including Oz, Windfall and John From Cincinnati, but none that reached the heights of 90210.
He had starred on the CW series Riverdale up until his death, and had recently filmed a role in Quentin Tarantino's latest film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood alongside Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie.
'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,' said the producers of the show in a statement.
'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,'
In addition to his acting career, Perry had been an advocate for colon cancer testing after discovering he had precancerous growths during a 2015 colonoscopy.
Then and now: Perry filmed 199 episodes of 90210 (left) and was one of the stars of the CW series Riverdale (right with Lili Reinhart) when he passed away
90210: He got his start with a 10-episode run on Another World before shooting to fame as the brooding loner Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills 90210 for 10 seasons
Slay: Perry played Pike (above with Kristy Swanson) in the original Buffy film in between the first and second season of 90210 (right with Shannen Doherty)
Coy Luther Perry III was born in 1966 to Ann, a homemaker, and Coy Jr, a steel worker, in Ohio.
He was raised in Fredericktown, where his one big role was as the high school mascot.
Perry's desire to act ultimately led him to Los Angeles after high school, and he worked various construction and carpentry jobs in the five years it took him to land work.
His role on 90210 was almost not to be, with Perry initially auditioning for the role of Steve Sanders, which would be played by Ian Ziering.
He lost that role, but producers felt he would be perfect for McKay, the unchaperoned bad boy whose romantic entanglements drive much of the plot during the show's first two seasons.
While his other cast mates were the subject of much tabloid fodder, Perry managed to avoid that side of the business and in 1993 married Rachel Minnie Sharp.
The pair were together for 10 years before they split, and remained close until the actor's death.
Once 90210 had wrapped, Perry tried his hand at stage acting, appearing in a Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2001 as Brad.
Three years later he was on the West End opposite Allyson Hannigan in When Harry Met Sally.
He spent the next 15 years doing a variety of film and television work, and his career had started to flourish again in the last two years.
That was thanks in big part to Riverdale, which introduced Perry to a new generation of teens, as well as his role in Tarantino's hotly anticipated new film.
He was also set to return to the show that made him a star.
On the way up: 'Before I was cast I wasn't doing much of anything as far as acting goes I was auditioning for a lot of stuff and I was getting turned down a lot,' Perry said of her pre-90210 days (with ex-girlfriend Yasmine Bleeth on left and pal Charlie Sheen on right)
Fame: 'I’m not worried about being a big star. But it makes me nervous when people talk about it like it’s already happened,' said Perry in 1993 (above with hi children in 2002)
On the same day that Perry suffered a stroke, Fox announced that it would be reviving 90210 for a third time.
Perry spoke about how the show changed his life in a 1993 interview.
'Before I was cast I wasn't doing much of anything as far as acting goes I was auditioning for a lot of stuff and I was getting turned down a lot and in the daytime I was doing asphalt making parking lots and stuff,' said Perry.
'And the show has changed my life immeasurably. I mean, life is certainly never going to be the same.'
In a Rolling Stone interview around that same time, Perry stated that he had no concerns about his star crashing and burning in the wake of 90210.
'I know that a lot of people are casting a very cynical eye my way, in terms of what happens in the future,said Perry.
'I’m not worried about being a big star. But it makes me nervous when people talk about it like it’s already happened.'
In that same interview, Perry spoke about his struggles with fame.
'I had a girl in Denver, she just wasn’t breathing,' he said of one fan.
'She fainted right in front of me. And I was going, "Hey, hey, breathe, hey, hey."'
He then told the reporter:'I don’t like that. I mean, I could understand if I was [Elvis]. But I ain’t.'
Luke Perry's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Ian Ziering and 'heart broken' Riverdale wife Molly Ringwald lead celebrity tributes to tragic star
Luke Perry's many celebrity friends have paid tribute after the Beverly Hills, 90210 star died at the age of 52.
Perry suffered a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, on Wednesday, and was rushed to hospital, where he remained under observation until his death on Monday.
Ian Ziering, who starred opposite Luke for ten years on their iconic 90s high school show, wrote: '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.'
Likewise, Molly Ringwald, who played Luke's onscreen wife on the hit show Riverdale, wrote on Twitter: 'My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry'
Devastated: Luke Perry's Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Ian Ziering paid tribute
In their youth: The two worked together for ten years on Aaron Spelling's hit show
Molly and her co-stars on the hit show took a break from filming on Monday, with the set shutting down as news broke of their loss.
Executives on the show told TMZ: '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.'
Joss Whedon, who wrote the 1992 Buffy The Vampire Slayer film in which Luke starred, shared his memories of the first time the two met.
'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.'
Luke Perry's Riverdale co-star Molly Ringwald tweets 'my heart is broken' as celebrity friends pay tribute to Beverly Hills, 90210 star
Onscreen wife: Molly played Luke's other half on the hit show Riverdale
'Joyful and vibrant': The writers on Luke's show Riverdale paid tribute
Patricia Arquette, whose late sister was a close friend of the actor, shared a throwback picture of Alexis and Luke, back when Alexis was still known by her birth name of Robert. The two were friends for more than 30 years.
The actress shared a heartfelt tribute to Luke, who himself gave a tearful tribute to Alexis following her death in 2016.
Wrote Patricia: '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.'
Actor Donnie Wahlberg shared his memories of Luke, writing: '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'
Patricia Arquette shared a photo of Luke and her sister Alexis, known as Robert at the time; the two were close friends of 30 years, with Luke sharing a tearful tribute to Alexis after her death
Donnie Wahlberg wrote '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'
I, Robot star Peter Shinkoda, wrote: 'This is a travesty. Saw him a month ago healthy and vibrant in Vancouver. RIP #LukePerry. You were a f'n cool dude. #90210 #Riverdale'.
Ryan Seacrest credited Luke with inspiring his career in showbusiness.
'Luke Perry was a great actor and truly one of a kind,' he tweeted. 'Watching him on 90210 was one of the reasons why I wanted to move to LA. Thinking of his family and friends on and off the set. Rest in peace.'
Another fan was Olivia Munn, who described Luke as 'my 1st crush'.
Sharing an educational image, detailing the signs of a stroke, she wrote: 'Luke Perry was my 1st crush. Eh, more like obsession (I wore pins w his face on them to school) I used to dream of making it to LA just to meet him. I never got to, but I've always heard he was a really great person. Praying for his family & kids.... Rest in love.'
'Praying': Another fan was Olivia Munn, who described Luke as 'my 1st crush'
Helpful: The actress shared the signs of stroke, to educate her fans
Joss Whedon, who wrote the 1992 Buffy The Vampire Slayer film in which Luke starred, wrote: 'Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn't be gone.'
Ryan Seacrest paid tribute, saying Luke inspired him
Super fan: NSYNC's Joey Fatone shared an image of himself wearing a Beverly Hills, 90210 shirt and posing with Luke
NSYNC's Joey Fatone shared an image of himself wearing a Beverly Hills, 90210 shirt and posing with Luke.
'RIP Luke Perry,' he wrote. 'Prob one of the cooler photos I took when I was wearing my BH 90210 shirt ... you will be missed.'
Luke's friend Charlie Sheen wrote a thoughtful poem, writing: 'You made every situation better'.
Actress Selma Blair called Luke 'One of the kindest men I had ever met'.
Talk show Busy Philipps called the death heartbreaking, sharing a photo of the late actor.
Frozen actor Josh Gad was first to tweet after the sad news was revealed, expressing his shock.
'Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. RIP #LukePerry,' he wrote.
Poet: Charlie Sheen shared thoughtful words in tribute to his friend
Selma Blair called Luke 'One of the kindest men I had ever met'
'Beyond shocked': Party of Five star Scott Wolf called Luke 'such a good one'
Talk show Busy Philipps called the death heartbreaking, sharing a photo of the late actor
Actress Marlee Matlin shared an old photo, writing that the death was 'so shocking'
Shock: Michael Rosenbaum wrote: 'Are you kidding me? So Sad.'
Tributes: Hie fellow celebs were quick to share their sadness at the sudden death of the star
Emoji time: John Stamos shared broken heart icons
In a statement, his publicist said on Monday: '[Luke] 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.
'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 actor is survived by son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, from his marriage to Minnie.
It was announced on the same day Perry was hospitalized that Fox would be reviving 90210 with most of the original cast.
Horrified: Journalist Katie Couric said she was 'thinking of' Luke's family
'One of the coolest dudes': A teen icon, Perry inspired a generation
'This is a travesty': I, Robot star Peter Shinkoda wrote 'This is a travesty. Saw him a month ago healthy and vibrant in Vancouver. RIP #LukePerry. You were a f'n cool dude'
Tribute: Frozen actor Josh Gad was first to tweet after the sad news was revealed, expressing his shock
'Condolences' William Shatner shared his thoughts on the death
Well known: Alison Sweeney called the death 'tragic'
Perry got his start with a 10 episode stint on the popular series Another World, but shot to fame in the early 1990s thanks to his role on 90210.
That show ran for 10 seasons beginning in 1990 and still lives on in reruns, with Perry filming 199 episodes.
He played the show's leading man, the handsome loner Dylan McKay, alongside co-stars Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley and Tori Spelling.
At the same time, he also appeared in a number of films, including the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fifth Element and Scorchers.
He was also an accomplished voice actor, filming episodes for animated series including Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, Johnny Bravo, The Incredible Hulk and more.
In the wake of 90210 he appeared on a number of TV shows, including Oz, Windfall and John From Cincinatti, but none that reached the heights of 90210.
He had starred on the CW series Riverdale up until his death, and had recently filmed a role in Quentin Tarantino's latest film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood alongside Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie.
In addition to his acting career, Perry had been an advocate for colon cancer testing after discovering he had precancerous growths during a 2015 colonoscopy.
