Luke Perry, who played Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills 90210 and Freddie Andrews on CW’s Riverdale, passed away at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke.

Luke Perry was pronounced dead on Monday, March 4th. “He 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,” a statement from his publicist read.

A number of Perry’s 90210 co-stars were quick to share their support on social media. Ian Ziering, who plays Steve Sanders in the show, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, posting how, “No words can express what my heart feels hearing today’s shocking news. Let us all say a prayer for his speedy recovery.” Following Perry’s death, Sanders posted, “I will forever bask in the loving memories we’ve shared over the last thirty years.”

Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea Zuckerman in Beverly Hills 90210, described Luke Perry as a “tremendous force in the lives of so many.”

“He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him,” Carteris said.

After hearing the saddening news, Riverdale halted production for the day. In a statement to CNN, the executive producers of the show expressed their sorrow after hearing the news, explaining how Luke was “a father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast.”

Born in Mansfield, Ohio, and raised in the small community of Fredericktown, Ohio, Perry moved to Los Angeles soon after graduating from high school to pursue his acting career. He first scored a role as Ned Bates on the soap opera “Loving” in New York. It wasn’t until his role as Dylan McKay on Fox’s 90210 in 1990 that really shot him into the limelight of the acting scene. Luke Perry most recently took on the role as Freddie Andrews in CW’s Riverdale.

His death was extremely unexpected and surprised many of his fans.

Pine Crest Senior and Riverdale viewer, Cassie Lawlor, said that, “Obviously the actor dying is a tragedy in itself, as he was a young man. Having that character lost from the show will definitely impact the plot, and the rest of the characters’ development as people in the upcoming seasons. He played a huge role in the entertainment community.”

Perry had a huge impact on the entertainment community and his death has undeniably impacted his family, friends, co-hosts, and fans.

Sources: CNN, Instagram

Photo Source: Flickr