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Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty, and More Share Touching Tributes to Luke Perry
Perry's friends and colleagues pay tribute to the late actor
Tributes to Luke Perry have been pouring into social media following the actor's death at the age of 52.
The actor passed away on Monday, March 4 after suffering a massive stroke, and his death has hit fans and his Hollywood co-stars alike very hard. Perry's colleagues from some of his most iconic roles have spoken up about the loss and how much Perry impacted their careers and personal lives.
On Thursday, Perry's Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star Jason Priestley shared two pictures of himself with Perry at different stages of their lives. "It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared... Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today," Priestley wrote. "If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well... the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince."
Others who've memorialized the late TV heartthrob include Ian Ziering, Riverdaleco-star Molly Ringwald, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Joss Whedon, who directed him in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer theatrical film. In a statement to People, Jennie Garth said, "My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss."
Looking Back at Luke Perry's Most Memorable Roles
Shannen Doherty also opened up to People about the loss of her former co-star and friend. "I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend. I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind," she said in a statement. The actress revealed that the two reconnected in 2015 amid Doherty's cancer diagnosis.
"Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love," Doherty said. "Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained intact...There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on 90210 and of course life in general... I will miss him everyday. Every minute. Every second."
Perry's rep confirmed his passing in a statement via Twitter thanking fans for their support.
"The family appreciates the pouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning," the statement read. "No further details will be released at this time."
Perry was best known for his role as the lovable bad boy Dylan McKay in the '90s teen soap 90210 and as Archie's dad Fred Andrews on the CW drama Riverdale. The actor had also recently completed filming on the upcoming Quentin Tarantino flick Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
In a statement obtained by TV Guide, The CW said, "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. 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."
I abruptly woke at 4:30am thinking about you Luke & I couldn't go back to sleep, then 5 hours later I hear you are gone. The tears won't stop & they never ever will. You were that guy, that forever friend, we always had each others back & I will always remember you this way... pic.twitter.com/7DtSvYdIGe
— Kristy Swanson (@KristySwansonXO) 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
RIP Luke Perry. 💔 pic.twitter.com/g6rR5lqLUG
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) 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
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
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
As a young girl from Hamilton Ontario coming onto the biggest show in the world mid stream, Luke welcomed me from day one. My heart breaks. ❤️ #lukeperry #90210 pic.twitter.com/8QA4SEipqB
— kathleen robertson (@kathleenrobert7) March 4, 2019
My first day on 90210 Luke brought me under his wings & made me feel welcome. His first words to me were "so how are the bitches treating you ?" It made me laugh & I felt like I had an ally in my corner. You set a tone and made sure I could thrive. It was my first real gig and..
— emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
2/2 and your kindness was rarely matched. God bless you Luke. You're with the rest of the angels. #RIPLukePerry you will be missed.
— emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
One last thing about Luke, in a time where the #metoo movement has cast a deserved light on the bad men who have mistreated women in Hollywood and elsewhere, let it be remembered that Luke was a real man- kind, supportive, open hearted vulnerable, strong, and fair. #RIPLukePerry
— emma caulfield ford (@emmacaulfield) March 4, 2019
I am so saddened to learn of Luke Perry's passing. From all accounts the sweetest of men. A great loss. As a stroke survivor, I feel urged to say- get educated. Learn how to recognize a stroke. It can happen to anyone regardless of age. All my love to Luke's family and friends.
— Rob Benedict (@RobBenedict) March 4, 2019
Heartbroken. This can't be real. Luke is one of the most kind, down to earth and hard-working men in this business. Gutted for his family, and friends. He was so young. Damnit. Praying.
— justin baldoni (@justinbaldoni) March 4, 2019
Saddened by the death of #LukePerry. He was kind, generous, and very humble. Rare qualities for someone as enigmatic, talented, and successful as Luke. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Chad Lowe (@ichadlowe) 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
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
#LukePerry was the first celebrity brave enough to play himself in #FamilyGuy, before we debuted and were a hit. He was hilarious and seemed to love poking fun at his public persona. RIP to a real gentleman.
— David Zuckerman (@David_Zuckerman) March 4, 2019
Luke Perry was one of the nicest, most genuine, loveliest people I have met working in this town. He was kind and vibrant and full of stories that he loved to share. He was a beautiful being and this is a sad, sad day.
— Julie Plec (@julieplec) March 4, 2019
Luke did an awesome guest spot on Raising Hope. I spent a week with him dressed as a tree. He was kind, truly funny, patient, and humble. We were so lucky to have him. pic.twitter.com/4YbWxfHhgk
— Shannon Woodward (@shannonwoodward) March 4, 2019
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
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
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.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
I'm thinking of his family. His children.
I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.
(Disclosure: TV Guide is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of CBS Corporation.)