Luke Perry, star of Beverly Hills, 90210 and Riverdale, has passed away at the age of 52, TMZ confirms.
The actor suffered from what TMZ calls a “massive stroke” last Wednesday, February 27, from which he sadly never recovered. He was reportedly surrounded by loved ones at the time of his passing, including his children, Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, and sister Amy Coder.
Born on October 11, 1966 in Mansfield, Ohio, Perry got his start in entertainment on the soap operas Loving and Another World before becoming a household name in 1990 as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210. He most recently starred on the hit CW show Riverdale as Archie Andrews’ (KJ Apa) father.
“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,” a rep for Perry told People magazine.
Perry’s fans and co-stars are posting tributes to him on social media in light of this news. “Thinking of you, Luke,” Lili Reinhart posted on Instagram before Perry’s passing three days ago. “And praying for your safe recovery.”
“So saddened by Luke Perry’s passing and I spent only five minutes experiencing his remarkable kindness and generosity of spirit; I cannot imagine how hard this must be for people who truly knew him,” wrote writer and performer Natalie Walker.
“Luke Perry was my first real crush,” tweeted singer Ingrid Michaelson. “I wrote him fan letters. I had posters of him. He was IT. He was my teenage dream. His passing at the age of 52 is truly devastating. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.”
Even more social media tributes to Perry came from his fans: