Friends and former co-stars of “Riverdale” star Luke Perry reacted to news of his death on Monday, remembering the actor’s professionalism and “joyful and vibrant soul.”
“I will forever bask in the loving memories we’ve shared over the last thirty years,” wrote Perry’s former “90210” co-star Ian Ziering. “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.”
“Funny, committed, and always gracious,” remembered director Joss Whedon, who wrote the original “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” movie, which Perry starred in 1992. “He shouldn’t be gone.”
Perry was hospitalized last week after suffering a “massive stroke,” ultimately dying on Monday in the company of family and friends, his publicist said in a statement.
The actor rose to fame playing the brooding Dylan McKay on the ’90s teen drama “Beverly Hills, 90210.” He most recently starred in The CW’s Archie Comics adaptation “Riverdale” as Fred Andrews, the loving father to the central character played by KJ Apa.
“We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry,” the “Riverdale” producers said in a joint statement. “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.”
See more reactions Perry’s death below.
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
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
https://twitter.com/CaseyCott/status/1102721233597063169
https://www.instagram.com/p/BumrKkmHzz9/
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
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
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
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
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
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
L.P.
you
made every
situation better,
my man.your
elegance
your wit
your charm
and
your giant heart,
inspired and
enchanted so many
of us,
on countless
occasions,
with brilliant aplomb.R.I.P good sir.
i am
truly honored
to have known you
all of these years.©️
❤️
— Charlie Sheen (@charliesheen) March 4, 2019
https://www.instagram.com/p/BumH80OgNBU/
I can’t believe it. No words. Sending you and your family all the love I got! You were so kind and generous. You taught me a lot. #LukePerry
— AUSTIN NICHOLS (@AustinNichols) March 4, 2019
I’m heartbroken to hear Luke Perry passed away. Sending love to his family and friends. R.I.P.
— alyson hannigan (@alydenisof) 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
When I was lucky enough to work with Luke Perry I told him about the pillow of his face I used to sleep with and he yelled "You are such a weirdo!" at me and it was the best. Sending love to his friends and family.
— Leslie Grossman (@MissLeslieG) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was a character actor in the body of a heartthrob.
Much respect. #RIPLukePerry https://t.co/rqNxPgUoAN
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) March 4, 2019
This is so so sad. Luke Perry has died at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy, his ex-wife, and his family and friends. Thinking of them all today.? #LukePerry pic.twitter.com/1vbzN6Xvst
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was a great actor and truly one of a kind. 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.
— Ryan Seacrest (@RyanSeacrest) March 4, 2019
Heartbroken over Luke Perry. Never met him but the 90210 kids graduated from high school when I did and went to college when I did. He felt like somebody I went to school with. That’s what storytelling does … it makes you feel connected. Rest in power, Dylan. ? #RIPLukePerry
— ♥ Gloria Calderón Kellett ♥ (@everythingloria) March 4, 2019
I met Luke Perry once during the '08 Writers Strike. The whole thing was deeply surreal. He got infuriated by someone talking shit to the writers and so he beat the guy's car with a picket sign. It was so fucking cool and again reminded me that his was not an attainable cool.
— David Iserson (@davidiserson) March 4, 2019
Crushed. Luke Perry was truly a great guy. Warm, kind, generous and hard working. We met very young, I witnessed the grace with which he became a pop icon & parent. He’s been an awesome example of how to stay decent in a swirl of crazy. Love to his family❤️ https://t.co/bGlTX8mNbB
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) March 4, 2019