Stories describe Luke Perry being a kindhearted and ego-free man

ByLizzie Smith For Dailymail.com

Luke Perry’s many celebrity friends and co-stars have paid tribute after the ‘kind’ Beverly Hills, 90210 star died at the age of 52. 

Perry suffered a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks, California, on Wednesday, and was rushed to hospital, where he remained under observation until his death on Monday. 

Ian Ziering, who starred opposite Luke for ten years on their iconic 90s high school show, wrote: ‘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.’

Likewise, Molly Ringwald, who played Luke’s onscreen wife on the hit show Riverdale, wrote on Twitter: ‘My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry’  

Devastated: Luke Perry’s Beverly Hills 90210 co-star Ian Ziering paid tribute

In their youth: The two worked together for ten years on Aaron Spelling's hit show

In their youth: The two worked together for ten years on Aaron Spelling’s hit show

'Heart broken': Beverly Hills 90210 star Gabrielle Carteris paid tribute to her co-star

‘Heart broken’: Beverly Hills 90210 star Gabrielle Carteris paid tribute to her co-star

Molly and her co-stars on the hit show took a break from filming on Monday, with the set shutting down as news broke of their loss. 

Lili Reinhart, who also stars in the show, shared her devastation on Twitter: ‘I’m finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us. I’m thinking of his family. His children. I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.’

She then tweeted: ‘I just can’t believe it.’

RIverdale included executive producers Greg Berlanti, Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Sarah Schechter shared a statement to social media.

‘We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the Riverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. 

‘A father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family during this most difficult time.’ 

Schechter later wrote, ‘I loved Luke Perry. Truly the nicest, most humble actor I’ve ever worked with. He loved & respected everyone equally, both on set and off. HE REALLY WAS THAT NICE. A true gentleman, a blue collar actor who loved people & storytelling a ton but he loved his kids more than anything.’ 

Luke Perry's Riverdale co-star Molly Ringwald tweets 'my heart is broken' as celebrity friends pay tribute to Beverly Hills, 90210 star

Luke Perry’s Riverdale co-star Molly Ringwald tweets ‘my heart is broken’ as celebrity friends pay tribute to Beverly Hills, 90210 star

Onscreen wife: Molly played Luke's other half on the hit show Riverdale

Onscreen wife: Molly played Luke’s other half on the hit show Riverdale

'Joyful and vibrant': The writers on Luke's show Riverdale paid tribute

‘Joyful and vibrant’: The writers on Luke’s show Riverdale paid tribute

'HE REALLY WAS THAT NICE': Luke's Riverdale producer states it plainly

‘HE REALLY WAS THAT NICE’: Luke’s Riverdale producer states it plainly

Luke’s Beverly Hills, 90210 co-star, Gabrielle Carteris, wrote: ‘Dearest Luke- I am so heart broken and at a loss for words. You my friend were a mighty soul and have left your mark. My love and prayers to the family and all who loved you. RIP.’

Another of his co-stars on the iconic show, Jennie Garth, told People magazine: ‘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.’

Joss Whedon, who wrote the 1992 Buffy The Vampire Slayer film in which Luke starred, shared his memories of the first time the two met.

‘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.’ 

Leonardo DiCpario wrote: Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist.'

Leonardo DiCpario wrote: Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist.’

Leonardo Dicaprio worked with Luke on Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming movie Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which also stars Brad Pitt and Margot Robbie. 

He wrote: ‘Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him. 

‘My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.’

Patricia Arquette, whose late sister was a close friend of the actor, shared a throwback picture of Alexis and Luke, back when Alexis was still known by her birth name of Robert. The two were friends for more than 30 years.

The actress shared a heartfelt tribute to Luke, who himself gave a tearful tribute to Alexis following her death in 2016.

Wrote Patricia: ‘Luke Perry – Irreplaceable beautiful and kind human being, incredible friend, generous actor and adoring father to Jack and Sophie and loving partner to Madison we are all heartbroken. You are the love and you are the light.’  

Patricia  Arquette shared a photo of Luke and her  sister Alexis, known as Robert at the time; the two were close friends of 30 years, with Luke sharing a tearful tribute to Alexis after her death

Patricia  Arquette shared a photo of Luke and her sister Alexis, known as Robert at the time; the two were close friends of 30 years, with Luke sharing a tearful tribute to Alexis after her death

Donnie Wahlberg wrote 'Rest Luke — the way you always treated me (and anyone I ever introduced you to, no matter how much they screamed and squealed with joy and excitement) — in peace. #RIPLukePerry'

Donnie Wahlberg wrote ‘Rest Luke — the way you always treated me (and anyone I ever introduced you to, no matter how much they screamed and squealed with joy and excitement) — in peace. #RIPLukePerry’

Actor Donnie Wahlberg shared his memories of Luke, writing: ‘Rest Luke — the way you always treated me (and anyone I ever introduced you to, no matter how much they screamed and squealed with joy and excitement) — in peace. #RIPLukePerry’

I, Robot star Peter Shinkoda, wrote: ‘This is a travesty. Saw him a month ago healthy and vibrant in Vancouver. RIP #LukePerry. You were a f’n cool dude. #90210 #Riverdale’.

Ryan Seacrest credited Luke with inspiring his career in showbusiness.

‘Luke Perry was a great actor and truly one of a kind,’ he tweeted. ‘Watching him on 90210 was one of the reasons why I wanted to move to LA. Thinking of his family and friends on and off the set. Rest in peace.’ 

'Praying': Another fan was Olivia Munn, who described Luke as 'my 1st crush'

‘Praying’: Another fan was Olivia Munn, who described Luke as ‘my 1st crush’

Helpful: The actress shared the signs of stroke, to educate her fans

Helpful: The actress shared the signs of stroke, to educate her fans

'You were lovely!' Rosario Dawson said she told Luke he was her 'teen crush'

‘You were lovely!’ Rosario Dawson said she told Luke he was her ‘teen crush’

Twin Peaks veteran Mädchen Amick found a fellow professional in Luke. 'We shared our showbiz war stories'

Twin Peaks veteran Mädchen Amick found a fellow professional in Luke. ‘We shared our showbiz war stories’

Another fan was Olivia Munn, who described Luke as ‘my 1st crush’. 

Sharing an educational image, detailing the signs of a stroke, she wrote: ‘Luke Perry was my 1st crush. Eh, more like obsession (I wore pins w his face on them to school) I used to dream of making it to LA just to meet him. I never got to, but I’ve always heard he was a really great person. Praying for his family & kids…. Rest in love.’

She wasn’t alone in admitting to having feelings for the young Luke.

Actress Rosario Dawson, wrote: ‘Luke Perry. My teen crush. I’m glad I got to tell you. Sheepishly red faced and all. You were lovely and you gave great hugs. Grateful to witness and experience your kindness and warmth.Blessings to your family.’ 

Mädchen Amick, one of Luke’s Riverdale co-stars, posted a heartfelt remembrance to Twitter.

‘I’m absolutely heartbroken of the news that we lost someone so incredibly special. Luke had become a dear friend. We laughed. We cried. We shared our showbiz war stories. We shared how proud we are as parents. I knew that he was always there for me no matter what. I’m so thankful for the time that we had together. He was an incredibly loving and generous man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family right now. I will love you forever Luke.’ 

Joss Whedon, who wrote the 1992 Buffy The Vampire Slayer film in which Luke starred, wrote: 'Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn't be gone.'

Joss Whedon, who wrote the 1992 Buffy The Vampire Slayer film in which Luke starred, wrote: ‘Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn’t be gone.’

Devastated: Kirsty Swanson worked with Luke on the Buffy movie

Devastated: Kirsty Swanson worked with Luke on the Buffy movie

Ryan Seacrest paid tribute, saying Luke inspired him 

Ryan Seacrest paid tribute, saying Luke inspired him 

Super fan: NSYNC's Joey Fatone shared an image of himself wearing a Beverly Hills, 90210 shirt and posing with Luke

Super fan: NSYNC’s Joey Fatone shared an image of himself wearing a Beverly Hills, 90210 shirt and posing with Luke

'Shocked': Vivica A Fox shared her memories of 'nice' Luke

‘Shocked’: Vivica A Fox shared her memories of ‘nice’ Luke

Poet: Charlie Sheen shared thoughtful words in tribute to his friend

Poet: Charlie Sheen shared thoughtful words in tribute to his friend

'This is not how it's supposed to happen': Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute

‘This is not how it’s supposed to happen’: Sarah Michelle Gellar pays tribute

Paying tribute was Sarah Michelle Gellar, who wrote: ‘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. ‘I chose. I chose you. I want you. I’ve always wanted you’ – my favorite quote.’

NSYNC’s Joey Fatone shared an image of himself wearing a Beverly Hills, 90210 shirt and posing with Luke.

‘RIP Luke Perry,’ he wrote. ‘Prob one of the cooler photos I took when I was wearing my BH 90210 shirt … you will be missed.’

Luke’s friend Charlie Sheen wrote a thoughtful poem, writing: ‘You made every situation better’. 

Actress Selma Blair called Luke ‘One of the kindest men I had ever met’.

Talk show Busy Philipps called the death heartbreaking, sharing a photo of the late actor. 

Chris Nassif, who was Luke Perry’s agent during his time on the show Beverly Hills, 90210, said in a statement: ‘Luke will be missed, a friend gone way too soon. It seems like yesterday that I was Luke’s agent negotiating his role on ‘Beverly Hills, 90210′. I would like to express my condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.’ 

Selma Blair called Luke 'One of the kindest men I had ever met'

Selma Blair called Luke ‘One of the kindest men I had ever met’

'Beyond shocked': Party of Five star Scott Wolf called Luke 'such a good one'

‘Beyond shocked’: Party of Five star Scott Wolf called Luke ‘such a good one’

Talk show Busy Philipps called the death heartbreaking, sharing a photo of the late actor

Talk show Busy Philipps called the death heartbreaking, sharing a photo of the late actor

Actress Marlee Matlin shared an old photo, writing that the death was 'so shocking'

Actress Marlee Matlin shared an old photo, writing that the death was ‘so shocking’

Shock: Michael Rosenbaum wrote: 'Are you kidding me? So Sad.'

Shock: Michael Rosenbaum wrote: ‘Are you kidding me? So Sad.’

Tributes: Hie fellow celebs were quick to share their sadness at the sudden death of the star

Tributes: Hie fellow celebs were quick to share their sadness at the sudden death of the star

Emoji time: John Stamos shared broken heart icons

Emoji time: John Stamos shared broken heart icons

'So sad': Like many, LeAnn described Luke as 'kind'

‘So sad’: Like many, LeAnn described Luke as ‘kind’

Frozen actor Josh Gad was first to tweet after the sad news was revealed, expressing his shock.

‘Heartbreaking. Absolutely heartbreaking. RIP #LukePerry,’ he wrote. 

In a statement, his publicist said on Monday: ‘[Luke] 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.’ 

The actor is survived by son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, from his marriage to Minnie.

It was announced on the same day Perry was hospitalized that Fox would be reviving 90210 with most of the original cast.

'So sad and sudden': Andy Cohen shared his memories of Luke appearing on WWHL

‘So sad and sudden’: Andy Cohen shared his memories of Luke appearing on WWHL

Horrified: Journalist Katie Couric said she was 'thinking of' Luke's family

Horrified: Journalist Katie Couric said she was ‘thinking of’ Luke’s family

'One of the coolest dudes': A teen icon, Perry inspired a generation

‘One of the coolest dudes’: A teen icon, Perry inspired a generation

'This is a travesty': I, Robot star Peter Shinkoda wrote 'This is a travesty. Saw him a month ago healthy and vibrant in Vancouver. RIP #LukePerry. You were a f’n cool dude'

‘This is a travesty’: I, Robot star Peter Shinkoda wrote ‘This is a travesty. Saw him a month ago healthy and vibrant in Vancouver. RIP #LukePerry. You were a f’n cool dude’

Tribute: Frozen actor Josh Gad was first to tweet after the sad news was revealed, expressing his shock

Tribute: Frozen actor Josh Gad was first to tweet after the sad news was revealed, expressing his shock

'Condolences' William Shatner shared his thoughts on the death

‘Condolences’ William Shatner shared his thoughts on the death

Well known: Alison Sweeney called the death 'tragic'

Well known: Alison Sweeney called the death ‘tragic’

Perry got his start with a 10 episode stint on the popular series Another World, but shot to fame in the early 1990s thanks to his role on 90210.

That show ran for 10 seasons beginning in 1990 and still lives on in reruns, with Perry filming 199 episodes.

He played the show’s leading man, the handsome loner Dylan McKay, alongside co-stars Jennie Garth, Jason Priestley and Tori Spelling.

At the same time, he also appeared in a number of films, including the original Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Fifth Element and Scorchers.

Saddened: David Hasselhoff paid tribute to his 'good friend' Luke Perry

Saddened: David Hasselhoff paid tribute to his ‘good friend’ Luke Perry

'Thoughts and prayers': Catherine Zeta Jones shared a picture of the actor as a young man

‘Thoughts and prayers’: Catherine Zeta Jones shared a picture of the actor as a young man

'So sad!' Modern Family star Sarah Hyland's thoughts

‘So sad!’ Modern Family star Sarah Hyland’s thoughts

He was also an accomplished voice actor, filming episodes for animated series including Mortal Kombat, The Simpsons, Johnny Bravo, The Incredible Hulk and more.

In the wake of 90210 he appeared on a number of TV shows, including Oz, Windfall and John From Cincinatti, but none that reached the heights of 90210.

He had starred on the CW series Riverdale up until his death, and had recently filmed a role in Quentin Tarantino’s latest film Once Upon A Time In Hollywood alongside Brad Pitt, Leonardo DiCaprio and Margot Robbie.In addition to his acting career, Perry had been an advocate for colon cancer testing after discovering he had precancerous growths during a 2015 colonoscopy.

Christine Elise, who played Emily Valentine on 90210, shared her deep shock: 'I have no words'

Christine Elise, who played Emily Valentine on 90210, shared her deep shock: ‘I have no words’

Modern Family's Julie Bowen called a Law And Order: SVU episode with Luke 'a pleasure and a privilege'

Modern Family’s Julie Bowen called a Law And Order: SVU episode with Luke ‘a pleasure and a privilege’

Radio personality Jillian Barberie said Luke and Jason Priestley 'were a dynamic duo and hilarious together off camera'

Radio personality Jillian Barberie said Luke and Jason Priestley ‘were a dynamic duo and hilarious together off camera’

Christine Elise, who played Emily Valentine on 90210, shared her deep shock.

‘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. 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.’

Modern Family’s Julie Bowen revealed she met Luke while filming an episode of Law And Order: SVU, a ‘rite of passage for any actor.’

‘Doing it with Luke Perry was a pleasure and a privilege. What a gentleman. He will be missed,’ she wrote.

Actress and radio personality Jillian Barberie recounted her first acting job on Beverly Hills 90210.

‘My very first acting job was a scene with Jason Priestley and I remember he and #LukePerry making me laugh and calming my nerves on 90210. They were a dynamic duo and hilarious together off camera. Still can’t believe this news,’ she wrote.

From his Riverdale co-star Marisola Nichols: 'I don't have any words now. Maybe I will later'

From his Riverdale co-star Marisola Nichols: ‘I don’t have any words now. Maybe I will later’

Lana Parilla played Luke's wife on the short-lived Windfall: 'I'm gutted by the loss of such a beautiful soul'

Lana Parilla played Luke’s wife on the short-lived Windfall: ‘I’m gutted by the loss of such a beautiful soul’

Riverdale's Asha Bromfield thanked him for 'being a ray of light for me and so many'

Riverdale’s Asha Bromfield thanked him for ‘being a ray of light for me and so many’

Nathalie Boltt, who played a Riverdale villain, wrote, 'He was a fine, fine father and my friend'

Nathalie Boltt, who played a Riverdale villain, wrote, ‘He was a fine, fine father and my friend’

Another Riverdale co-star, Marisol Nichols, shared a photo of her and Luke together, writing, ‘I don’t have any words now. Maybe I will later.’ 

Lana Parrilla, who starred opposite Luke on the short-lived NBC series Windfall, remembered their time working together.

‘I cannot day enough good things about Luke. I had the pleasure to work w him playing his TV wife & remained friends throughout the yrs. He was such a kind, considerate, loving, generous, talented, caring man. I’m gutted by the loss of such a beautiful soul. RIP’

Riverdale actress Asha Bromfield wrote, ‘Woke up this morning a ball of tears. Luke Perry was the kindest, warmest, most loving human being. He always went out of his way to make me feel safe, heard and seen in his presence. I love you so much Luke. Thank you for being a ray of light for me and so many ❤️.’

Riverdale villain Nathalie Boltt shared the positive environment her late co-star created, writing, ‘Luke made people feel safe and valued and welcome. Luke made us laugh. He certainly made me laugh. He was gracious, kind; a gentleman. But most of all he was a fine, fine father and my friend. Thank you, Luke. We miss you. Stay close.’ 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk