The man who was a first celebrity crush for thousands of girls has died, his publicist confirmed today.
Luke Perry, who played heartthrob Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 during its original run reportedly suffered a “massive stroke” last week, and never recovered.
BREAKING: Actor Luke Perry, star of 'Beverly Hills, 90210', has died after suffering a massive stroke, spokesperson tells @NBCNews. https://t.co/kdrUxk2XiK pic.twitter.com/W0eeSMUigy
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 4, 2019
According to a statement released Monday by Perry’s rep, Arnold Robinson: “Perry 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.”
Most recently, Perry had been starring as Fred Andrews on the CW series Riverdale. While 90210 is slated for an upcoming reboot featuring much of the original cast, Perry had reportedly not signed on for the project.
Reactions to the actor’s death started pouring in as news broke across social media:
Nooooo ???? What awful news. Part of my childhood just died; I loved Dylan McKay like every girl my age. Luke Perry was an underrated actor who seemed like a genuinely nice person. RIP. https://t.co/3i06lvCzUt
— Sarah Kendzior (@sarahkendzior) 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
This is absolutely gutting. https://t.co/yB9lw2f2UI
— Dana Schwartz (@DanaSchwartzzz) March 4, 2019
From Buffy to 90210 to Riverdale, thanks for entertaining us with your humor and charm. RIP Luke Perry.
Our hearts go out to his family, friends and Riverdale co-workers during this difficult time. pic.twitter.com/07dUxihfLX
— New York Comic Con (@NY_Comic_Con) March 4, 2019