UPDATE (3/7): Lindsay Price, who portrayed played Steve’s wife Janet Sosna on the show, took to Instagram to write a long tribute to Perry: “I remember the night I saw the pilot episode of 90210. My life changed. Everything my 14 year old brain could take in during that one hour on a Thursday night was 100% instantly all in. At the center of it all was this deep admiration I had for the actors. Can you imagine 7 years later getting to BE on that show for 3 seasons? I had to walk on to a set and pretend I was totally cool. Which I certainly was NOT. I was never one of those girls that was easily cool. This man right here, the KING of cool, unsolicited, out of the blue one day leaned into me, eyes all twinkling, and said in the most sincere and focused way, ‘you are an amazingly gifted actor, Linds’. I swear it’s all that mattered to me. Being a great actor. And to hear it from HIM meant the world to me. He was generous. He was more than cool. He was KIND. I’ll never forget it. He was a generous, bright burning light. And, after reading all these beautiful tributes about him over the last few days, it makes me feel so warm knowing he touched so many lives the way he did mine. Thinking so much of his family and friends. I know how much he will be deeply missed. Heaven has one of its best angels home again.”
UPDATE (3/4): Sarah Michelle Gellar posted the following message about Luke on her Instagram: “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.”
ORIGINAL: Following Luke Perry‘s tragic passing on Mar. 4 at Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Burbank, California, so many of Luke’s former Beverly Hills, 90210 co-stars are mourning the loss of the actor who iconically played heartthrob Dylan McKay on the series. Ian Ziering, who portrayed Steve Zanders, tweeted, “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.”
Meanwhile, Jason Priestley responded to Roz Weston’s tweet calling him and Luke “one of Hollywood’s greatest duos,” tweeting, “Thanks for this Roz…”
Shannen Doherty had a lot to say about her former onscreen lover. In an emotional statement, she revealed she’s “shocked and heartbroken.” She also shared their final memory together — when they grabbed lunch together this past February.
Tori Spelling released her own statement to PEOPLE, saying, “I’m in utter shock and heartbroken. I’m saddened for his kids whom he adored beyond words. He was so proud of Jack and Sophie. Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known. I’m grateful for the years of friendship we had. He truly was family to me, a protector and a brother. I’m so sorry for the loss that everyone is experiencing.”
Jennie Garth also told the same outlet, “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.”
Rebecca Gayheart, who played Luke’s wife on the show, wrote, “Just heartbroken 💔. I need some time before commenting further. #rip #gonetoosoon #lukeperry #swipeleft.”
Taking to Instagram, Christine Elisa McCarthy, who played the character Emily Valentine on the show, wrote, “With the heaviest of hearts, I am devastated to tell you we lost Luke. 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.”
Ashley Tisdale, who made a guest appearance on the show in 2000 as the character Nicole Loomis, wrote on Instagram, “My heart hurts 💔 One of my first jobs was a guest appearance on 90210. My scenes were with Luke. I had a crush on him for so long and getting to work with him was a dream come true. I just remember him being a super humble and really nice guy.”
Emma Caulfield Ford, who played Susan Keats on the show, tweeted, “My first day on 90210 Luke brought me under his wings & made me feel welcome. His first words to me were “so how are the bitches treating you ?” It made me laugh & I felt like I had an ally in my corner. You set a tone and made sure I could thrive. It was my first real gig and your kindness was rarely matched. God bless you Luke. You’re with the rest of the angels. #RIPLukePerry you will be missed.”
Kathleen Robertson, who portrayed Clare Arnold, took to Twitter to write, “As a young girl from Hamilton Ontario coming onto the biggest show in the world mid stream, Luke welcomed me from day one. My heart breaks.”
Gabrielle Carteris, who played Andrea Zuckerman, released the following official statement via her rep: “I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe.”
James Eckhouse, who played Jim Walsh on 90210, wrote, “I am deeply saddened. Luke was a dear man, kind, funny, and a powerful spirit. My heart goes out to his family.”
After his death, Luke’s rep sent out the following statement about his passing: “Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke. He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiance 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 news of Luke’s death comes days after the actor suffered a stroke on Feb. 27. While doctors sedated Luke on the chance that it would give his brain a “fighting chance,” the stroke proved to be too much to recover from. Luke also portrayed Archie Andrews’ father Fred on the hit CW series Riverdale. When Beverly Hills, 90210 went off the air in 2000, Luke went on to play Revered Jeremiah on HBO’s Oz, and appeared on shows like Jeremiah, Windfall and John From Cincinnati.