Beverly Hills 90210 and Riverdale actor Luke Perry, 52, has tragically passed away after suffering a stroke in his Los Angeles home last Thursday.
The actor passed away surrounded by his family, including two children, Jack, 21, and Sophie, 28, and his fiancée, Wendy.
In a statement to Variety, Luke’s rep said: “[Perry] was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancée 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.”
Luke Perry has tragically passed away surrounded by friends and family. (Image: Getty)
It is understood the actor had only recently been filming scenes for a new series of Riverdale, a popular American television show aired on US network The CW and Netflix in which Luke played Archie’s father.
Luke was also well known for playing heartthrob Dylan McKay on 90210 throughout the 1990s.
On Wednesday, February 27th, paramedics were called to the 52-year-old’s home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles at about 9:40am.
US tabloid outlets reported someone had called the local fire department and alerted the authorities that Perry was having a stroke, and he was later transported to a nearby hospital.
Before the stroke, it is understood Perry had been experiencing “bad back problems” which required surgery.
The actor had experienced some health problems in recent years. (Image: Getty)
In 2015, Perry suffered another health scare when colorectal precancerous growths were found in his body.
At the time, the actor spoke out about getting checked.
In an interview with Fox News, Perry stated: “When I heard that this was the most detectable cancer that we know of yet it’s the second most lethal, I just couldn’t figure out why that was and I wanted to get out there and tell people about it.”
“Right now, there are 23 million Americans who haven’t been screened that need to be screened. If I had waited, it could have been a whole different scenario.”
Luke was filming for a new series of Riverdale alongside cast member KJ Apa in recent weeks. (Image: Getty)
His shock stroke came just a day after Fox announced it will create a reboot season of Beverly Hills, 90210.
The reboot is set to star a plethora of the old faces, including Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Jason Priestly, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling and Gabrielle Carteris.
It was understood that Perry had not signed onto the project.
WATCH: Young Kiwi actor KJ Apa talks about the surreal experience of working with screen legend Luke Perry in a joint interview. Story continues after video…
Perry also earned a name for himself playing Dyan McKay on the hit 90s show Beverly Hills 90210. (Image: Getty)
Along with his ongoing role in Riverdale, Perry had also recently filmed Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, which is set for release in July 2019.
Over the years, Luke took our screens by storm, starring in award-winning shows including Will and Grace, Law & Order: SVU and he even had a guest stint on The Simpsons, where he voiced the character of himself.
WATCH: A touching scene from Netflix’s Riverdale with Luke Perry and KJ Apa, who play father and son. Story continues after video…
Celebrity tributes have poured in thick and fast for the late actor as the shock news spreads.
Fellow actress Sarah Michelle Gellar wrote a heartfelt tribute to the actor whom she clearly admired.
“My entire high school experience was shaped by Brenda and Dylan. Now I have to hold my dear friend @theshando hand, while she mourns the loss of #lukeperry This is not how it’s supposed to happen. I hope his family knows many lives he touched,” she penned.
A 90s heartthrob in his own right, Luke had a hugely successful career. (Image: Getty)
Luke’s former 90210 cast mates have also paid their respects, including Ian Ziering who wrote a touching tribute: “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.”
Meanwhile, another former cast mate Christine Elise McCarthy shared a candid image of Luke during the show’s hey-day along with the caption: “With the heaviest of hearts, I am stunned and devastated to tell you that Luke passed away. I am still in shock and I have no words beyond saying he was a truly kind gentleman.”
She continued: “He will be mourned and missed by everyone who knew him and the millions who love him. RIP, dearie Luke. Your time here was far too short.”
A number of other celebrities who knew Luke through the industry, particularly in the 1980s and 1990s, have shared their own tributes.
Bold and the Beautiful star Katherine Kelly Lang wrote: “This is so sad and heartbreaking! His family are in my thoughts.”
Meanwhile Grimm star Elizabeth Tulloch shared an image of Luke when he appeared on the cover of Vanity Fair for the July 1992 issue, writing: “#RestInPeace to Luke Perry, a man who was known as being incredibly kind and decent. Too young.”
Iconic 1980s film star Molly Ringwald also shared her condolences: “My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family.”
