In sad news, last Tuesday Riverdale actor and father Luke Perry passed away. He was fifty-two. According to a statement released by his publicist, the actor and father of two suffered a massive stroke on February 28th in Sherman Oaks, California. He passed away “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.”
Image Via Rolling Stone
By his own admission, Perry received over 200 rejections before his breakout TV roles on soap operas like Another World and Loving, before only having an uncredited role in 1982’s Voyagers! Afterwards, he gained recognition as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 before showing up as Oliver Pike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and having a small role as Billy Masterson in The Fifth Element.
He was in the midst of a well-earned resurgence with his role on Riverdale as Fred Andrews, which brought him a whole new generation of fans, and is probably the role for which Bookstr readers would know him best.
With the news of his untimely death, many friends, co-stars, and colleagues have taken to social media to express their shock, grief, and their love for Luke Perry.
Here are some from the writers of Riverdale:
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
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Here are some from the cast of Riverdale:
I just can’t believe it.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
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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.— Ian Ziering (@IanZiering) March 4, 2019
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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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From the producers and writers:
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
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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
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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. ? pic.twitter.com/2GaFkV2mI7
— RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) March 4, 2019
A statement from Riverdale’s executive producers, Warner Bros., and The CW. pic.twitter.com/1YNhbaupHv
— Riverdale (@CW_Riverdale) March 4, 2019
Riverdale has since suspended production. Luke Perry’s last feature film role is in Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood as Wayne Maunder.
Featured Image Via NZHerald