Luke Perry, the star of TV hit Beverly Hills, 90210, died days after suffering a massive stroke, his publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed in a statement. The ’90s heartthrob passed away on Monday morning at St Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank surrounded by his close family, TMZ reported. Luke’s publicist told Express.co.uk in a statement: “Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke. 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.”
The actor was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on Wednesday after suffering the massive stroke, TMZ reported last week.
The celebrity website says he never regained consciousness.
Luke Perry was taken ill the same day that Fox television announced it was reviving the “Beverly Hills 90210” series with many of the original cast, including Jason Priestley, Jennie Garth and Tori Spelling.
He was not among those announced as returning for the limited run of six new episodes this summer.
Tributes from the world of entertainment have begun pouring in for the tragic star.
Ian Ziering, who starred opposite Luke on the 90210 teen drama for a decade, 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.
Molly Ringwald, who played Perry’s wife on Riverdale, tweeted: “My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry”
William Shatner wrote: “Condolences to the family of Luke Perry.”
Broadcaster Ryan Seacrest stated on Twitter: “Luke Perry was a great actor and truly one of a kind.
“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.”
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here! contestant John Barrowman tweeted: “So sad. Luke Perry #beverlyhills90210 #riverdale I met him when I was 19 and when we re-met in our 40’s both promoting our #CW roles and shows.
Who did Luke Perry play in 90210?
Beverly Hills 902010 was a massive teen success in the 1990s about a group of good-looking high school students living in southern California.
The show dealt with serious issues such as date rape, AIDS and teen pregnancy.
Luke was in his mid-20s when he started playing high schooler Dylan McKay, a brooding loner on a motorcycle with prominent sideburns and bad-boy tendencies.
An avalanche of comparisons to the late James Dean soon followed.