Luke Perry, Beloved Riverdale Star, Dies at 52
Carissa Pavlica
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Luke Perry has passed away at the age of 52, according to TMZ.
Perry became known as a heartthrob in the 1990s thanks to his starring role as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210.
A new generation has grown to love him thanks to his role as Archie's "hot dad," Fred Andrews on Riverdale.
It was reported on February 28, 2019, that a 911 call suggested Perry had suffered from a stroke.
He was taken to the hospital from his Sherman Oaks' home, but details were scarce.
"Sources" told TMZ that Perry was in a medically induced coma, but it was something his PR representative vehemently denied to national news outlets.
Related: Celebrities React to Death of Luke Perry
Unfortunately, Perry never left the hospital and died today at the age of 52.
Perry was born on October 11, 1966, in Mansfied, Ohio, as Coy Luther Perry, III.
His title of biggest flirt in high school worked well for him as he earned worldwide recognition as Dylan on Beverly Hills, 90210, a role he got after initially auditioning for the role of Steve.
Perry instantly became a teen sensation as Dylan who found romantic tensions in one of the greatest teen triangles of all time Brenda/Dylan or Kelly/Dylan?
Related: Riverdale Production Suspended Following Luke Perry's Death
Perry wasn't all about teen roles, though, as he went on not only to movies such as 8 Seconds about a bull-riding cowboy and The Fifth Element with Bruce Willis.
His television career after Beverly Hills, 90210, had Perry starring in dramatic roles on cable, including HBO's prison series OZ from 2001-2002, Showtime's Jeremiah from 2002-2004, and HBO's John from Cincinnati in 2007.
While Perry has never taken a significant absence from the screen, his star rose again on another teen show, The CW's Riverdale.
Cast as iconic Archie Andrews' father, Fred, Perry was an instant hit and the subject of a jaw-dropping finale during Riverdale Season 1.
As one of the many "hot dads" from the show that features actors who meet the heartthrob definition both young and old, Perry had a chance to work with his heart in a way other than teen romance.
The relationship between Archie and Fred has been a joy to watch, and Perry expressed the natural connection between him and K.J. Apa (Archie) while we visited with him at the 2018 NYCC.
Perry is survived by two children with his ex-wife Rachel Minnie Sharp, 21-year-old Jack, and 18-year-old Sophie.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
