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'Beverly Hills, 90210' Legend Luke Perry Dies After A Massive Stroke
File: Actor Luke Perry attends the 2018 PaleyFest screening of Riverdale at the Dolby Theater on March 25, 2018, in Hollywood. (Valerie Macon/AFP/Getty Images)
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Actor Luke Perry has died after suffering a massive stroke last week, according to NPR, citing his publicist. He was 52 years old.
He made an impact as one of the biggest stars of the '90s in primetime soap opera Beverly Hills, 90210, but was becoming known to a whole new generation of fans as Archie Andrews' dad on Riverdale.
Perry was hospitalized last week. He was surrounded by family and friends when he died, including his children, siblings, fiancée, and ex-wife, according to the AP.
File: Promotional studio portrait of actor Luke Perry from the TV series Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1994. (Fox Broadcasting/Getty Images)
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Beverly Hills, 90210 elevated him to the level of go-to heartthrob as bad boy Dylan McKay. Running the entirety of the '90s, the show helped to define the era. Perry left the show in 1995, but returned for the final seasons starting in 1998.
Beyond 90210, he appeared in 1990s films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fifth Element, and 8 Seconds. He was one of the biggest stars of the era, even playing himself on The Simpsons.
He continued to perform in less flashy roles throughout the 2000s, including as a recurring character on the critically acclaimed Oz.
Perry's been a central figure on the CW's Riverdale for three seasons as Fred Andrews, a show somehow even soapier than 90210 -- Perry said it was like 90210 on steroids. Based on the classic Archie comics but reimagined as a pulp noir, Andrews offered a guiding hand to his son while being caught up in many of his own dramas.
Season 1 ended (spoiler warning) with the character being shot, but he survived and served as the impetus for the second season as a serial killer stalked the town in season 2. His character remains a key part of the show in the current season 3.
Those who worked closely with him over the years have been sharing their feelings and memories of Perry:
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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
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
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
Dearest Luke,
— Ian Ziering (@IanZiering) March 4, 2019
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.
A statement from #Riverdale executive producers, Warner Bros. Television and The CW on the passing of Luke Perry. pic.twitter.com/Yx2nvoQtwb
— Archie Comics (@ArchieComics) March 4, 2019
A reboot of Beverly Hills, 90210 has been announced to air on Fox this summer, but Perry had not been set to be part of it.
Watch Perry in some of his most well-known performances below:
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As Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210:
As Fred Andrews on Riverdale:
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As himself on The Simpsons:
As Pike in the Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie:
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