User blog:ARTaylor/RIP Luke Perry

Last week we reported that Luke Perry had been hospitalized following a stroke. Unfortunately, he did not recover and this morning he passed away at the age of fifty-two. His representative Arnold Robinson released a statement saying "He was surrounded by his children, Jack and Sophie; fiancé, Wendy Madison Bauer; ex-wife, Minnie Sharp; mother, Ann Bennett; stepfather, 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."

The actor was born Coy Luther Perry III on October 11th, 1966. He is most famous for playing Dylan McKay in the series Beverly Hills, 90210. He had initially auditioned for the role of Steve Sanders, which went to Ian Ziering. Perry once said of the role, "I'm going to be linked with him until I die, but that's actually just fine. I created Dylan McKay. He's mine." Perry and Ziering had been set to rejoin their original co-stars in a reboot of the series.

Ziering went to Instagram to post his condolences. "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. God please give him a seat close to to you, he deserves it."

Most recently, Perry played Fred Andrews on the comic book series Riverdale. He said of his role, "I like playing the dad because I like being a dad, and I think it's a great character in the milieu of this show that I'm the grounded one, and I'm the guy who really cares about K. J., who cares about doing a good job and being a good construction worker. I love that."

He filmed scenes for the upcoming film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, based on real life tragedies, as actor Wayne Maunder. The film is currently in post-production, which likely means it will be his last role.

Marvel fans would know him as the voice of Rick Jones in the series The Incredible Hulk.