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As many begin to come to terms with the loss of beloved actor Luke Perry, who passed away at the age of 52 on Monday, March 4, many of his costars are speaking out about the loss, including many who rose to fame with him on the iconic teen soap Beverly Hills, 90210.
Following the news of Perry’s passing after being hospitalized due to a “massive” stroke on February 27, 2019, Tori Spelling said in a statement, “I’m in utter shock and heartbroken.” Spelling starred as Donna Marting alongside Perry’s Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210. “I’m saddened for his kids whom he adored beyond words. He was so proud of Jack and Sophie,” she continued, mentioning Perry’s children son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, with ex-wife Rachel “Minnie” Sharp.
“Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known,” she added. “I’m grateful for the years of friendship we had. He truly was family to me, a protector and a brother. I’m so sorry for the loss that everyone is experiencing.”
Jennie Garth, who starred as Kelly Taylor and one of Perry’s character’s love interests on the series also released a statement to PEOPLE. “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,” she said.
Meanwhile Shannen Doherty, who played Dylan McKay’s girlfriend on the series Brenda Walsh also shared her sadness in a statement. ““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,” the 47-year-old said.
Doherty also revealed that although the two went their separate ways after the series ended, they reconnected when she opened up about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. “Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love. Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained in tact,” she said.
She added that although they were the only two original cast members not signed on to the upcoming Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot on Fox, they often talked about working together again. “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. Luke and I were working on show ideas for us. We wanted to work with each other again and create something special and meaningful for our fans at this stage in our lives,” Doherty shared. “I will miss him everyday. Every minute. Every second.”
“Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often,” she added. “They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment.”
Ian Ziering, who was the first 90210 star to pay tribute, shared a message on social media, “Dearest Luke, 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.”
Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea Zuckerman on the show, also said, “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was 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. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family asks that donations be made to Fight Colorectal Cancer and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
Telisa Carter
Telisa enjoys learning and writing about all things entertainment in the world of Hollywood. When she isn't catching up on her favorite TV shows, she likes to read, and obsess over all things football.
