I don’t think I had a bigger crush in the 90’s than Luke Perry. I think I had about 5 posters of just him hanging in my bedroom. I was so saddened to hear that he passed this week. I only started watching Riverdale because he played Archie Andrew’s father, Fred. I was never a fan of the Archie comics and was not particularly interested in the story, however because Luke Perry was in it, I watched it. I think most women who lived during the 90’s feel the same way about Luke Perry.
His beloved character on 90201, Dylan McKay, was a bad boy loner who was also very emotionally vulnerable and women everywhere loved him. He played the character with such convincing likeness that fans still jokingly refer to him as “Dylan” even as his career moved on. Even though his good looks and acting credentials secured him as a Hollywood heartthrob, Perry was also known for his charitable acts and random acts of kindness. There was an outpouring of stories from people that have stepped forward to share stories about the late actor’s good deeds.
Perry passed away Monday morning from a stroke at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank. He was surrounded by loved ones when he died. He was rushed to the hospital last week after a call came from his house reporting that he had suffered from a stroke. He was responsive when medics first arrived but his conditioned started to deteriorate rapidly.
There has been a huge outpouring of sadness from writers and actors that have worked with Perry. People who loved and worked with him have taken to their social media accounts to express their profound sadness over his passing. His co-star, Lili Reinhart, from Riverdale tweeted:
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
Also, his co-stars from his 90201 days are sharing their grief about the loss of their friend and previous co-star.
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
Even writers from his previous shows are showing their sadness and support for the actor and his family. Aaron Harberts and Gretchen Berg, who penned the amazing episode that saw his return to 90201, spoke of the profound loss of such an amazing actor.
Amen. Luke was warm and generous and a complete original. We lost someone great today. ❤️ https://t.co/VJPlxRSNuu
— Gretchen J. Berg (@GretchenJBerg) March 5, 2019
Perry, outside his roles on 90210 and Riverdale, also had prominent roles on shows like Another World, Oz, Jeremiah,Windfall, John from Cincinnati, and Body of Proof. He also appeared in much loved movies like Buff the Vampire Slayer, 8 seconds, and just finished filming for Quentin Tarantino’s latest film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
