The Death of Luke Perry, 6 Years Later: Revisiting the Beloved Actor's Final Days — and the Emotional WayRiverdaleSaid Goodbye to Him

Mar. 15, 2025

Luke Perry attends the 2017 CW Upfront on May 18, 2017, in New York City.Photo:Monica Schipper/WireImage

Monica Schipper/WireImage

Luke Perry’s legacy lives on years after his tragic death at 52 years old.

TheBeverly Hills, 90210andRiverdaleactordied on March 4, 2019, five days after suffering a massive stroke.

In addition to a heartfeltRiverdaletribute, Perry’s legacy is continued off-screen through his two children —JackandSophie— whom he welcomed with his ex-wife,Rachel “Minnie” Sharp. Perry was also quietly engaged toWendy Madison Bauer, who spoke out one week after his death and said that her fiancé would be “dearly missed.”

To mark six years since the actor’s death, here’s a look at how Luke Perry died and the legacy he left behind.

When did Luke Perry die?

Luke Perry attends the Vulture Festival at The Standard High Line on May 20, 2017, in New York City.Andrew Toth/Getty

Andrew Toth/Getty

Perry died on March 4, 2019.

“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,” the statement continued.

How did Luke Perry die?

Actor Luke Perry poses for a portrait in 1993.Ron Davis/Getty

Ron Davis/Getty

Perry was hospitalized after suffering a stroke on Feb. 27, 2019, at his home in Sherman Oaks, Calif.

Perry died after five days of remaining “under observation,” per his rep.

What was Luke Perry’s cause of death?

Luke Perry in 1992 in New York City.Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

Robin Platzer/IMAGES/Getty

Per the certificate, Perry was buried in Dickson, Tenn., after being a part-time resident of the state and owning a farm there since 1995.

How old was Luke Perry when he died?

Luke Perry arrives for the 2018 PaleyFest on March 25, 2018, in Hollywood, Calif.Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic

Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic

Perry was 52 years old when he died.

How did the public react to Luke Perry’s death?

‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ stars Jason Priestley, Tori Spelling, producer Aaron Spelling, Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry during the 1992 People’s Choice Awards on March 17, 1992, in Universal City, Calif.Ron Davis/Getty

In the wake of Perry’s death, an outpouring of grief, love and supportflooded social media from costarsand fans alike.

“I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind,” she said. “Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love."

Perry’s fellow90210costarIan Zieringwas the first alum of the show to post a heartfelt tribute, writing onX, “Dearest Luke, I will forever bask in the loving memories we’ve shared over the last thirty years."

Like her castmates,Jennie Garthalso paid tribute, releasing a statement to PEOPLE about the “terrible loss,” saying, “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.”

Meanwhile, another90210costar and Perry’s close friendTori Spellingtold PEOPLE she was in"utter shock" and “heartbroken.”

“Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known,” she said. “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.”

HisRiverdalefamily also paid tribute. Perry’s costar,Molly Ringwald, who played his ex-wife, wrote onX, “I will miss you so much, Luke Perry.”

Additionally,Robin Givenstold PEOPLE that Perry was the “kindest and gentlest soul the world will ever know.”

Perry’s costarLili Reinhart, who starred as lead Betty Cooper, wrote onXthat she was “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.”

Meanwhile,K.J. Apa, who portrayed Perry’s on-screen son Archie Andrews, shared a sweet photo of the pair on Instagram, writing, “Rest in lovebro.”

One year after Perry’s death, Apa continued to remember Perry during an appearance onThe View, saying, “He’s one of the best people I’ve ever known in my life. Ihope I can be half the manthat he was.”

How didRiverdalepay tribute to Luke Perry’s character?

‘Riverdale’ Season 4, Episode 1 titled “In Memoriam”.Netflix

Netflix

At the time of his death, Perry was a series regular onRiverdale, starring as Fred Andrews. When the show returned for season 4 in October 2019, the premiere episode, titled “Chapter Fifty-Eight: In Memoriam,“addressed Perry’s absence and paid tributeto the actor.

Later, Archie and his friends visited the site where Fred died and found his vehicle. As Archie was looking through his dad’s belongings, a car pulled up behind him, and a mystery woman — Perry’s90210costar and longtime friend Doherty — stepped out with flowers to pay her respects.

The woman shared with Archie that she was the one who his dad had stopped to help, and revealed that Fred had pushed her out of the way just before the speeding car hit him.

“He saved my life,” Doherty’s character told Archie. “If he hadn’t done what he did, there’s no way that I would be here right now. I know that.”

Then, Archie and his friends joined Doherty’s character in reciting a special prayer for Fred.

The actress continued, “The care in which this show takes in honoring his memory is beautiful. He is missed. Today. Tomorrow. Forever.”

Additionally, Doherty opened up about her cameo during an appearance onLive with Kelly and Ryanin August 2019, explaining that Perry had been trying to get her to join the cast for some time.

“To know that Luke, ever since he joinedRiverdale, has been like sort of harassing them about trying to get me on the show and they’ve always said no, it’s like his wish,” she said. “It’s beautiful, it’s really special.”

How have Luke Perry’s kids honored his legacy?

Luke Perry with his two kids, son Jack Perry and daughter Sophie Perry.Sophie Perry/ Instagram

Sophie Perry/ Instagram

The day after Perry’s death, Jack shared an emotional tribute onInstagram, writing, “He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad.”

“He loved supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be,” Jack continued. “I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for.”

Jack also vowed to honor his father forever, writing, “I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.”

Since then, Jack has attended charity events in Perry’s honor, including the American ICON Awards, and reflected on the values his father instilled in him.

“My dad really justtaught me to be as nice as you canto everyone you can,” he told PEOPLE in May 2019. “He was from Ohio and he grew up with not a lot of money and I think he never really lost touch with who he was.”

Jack continued, “He was always just a really good guy above everything else.”

Sophie has also honored her dad in various ways, including getting amushroom tattooas a nod to Perry and sharingsweet Instagram tributesonFather’s Dayandbirthdays.

After Perry died, Sophie returned to Malawi, Africa, where she had been working as a development instructor helping to build preschools in rural communities. In April 2019, Sophie and two of her friends completed their first preschool andnamed it after Perry.

source: people.com