Actor Luke Perry, best known for playing brooding heart-throb Dylan McKay on 90210, died on Monday at age 52 after suffering a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles. Perry was rushed to the hospital on February 27, but did not manage to recover.
In the wake of the beloved actor's early demise, a representative from his estate released a statement that read:
"[Perry] 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."
However, now the actor's daughter Sophie has spoken out for the first time about the effect that her father's death has had on her in an emotional Instagram post, and thanked fans for the outpouring of support she has received during her time of mourning.
Taking to social media, Sophie uploaded a photo of herself standing with her dad, and captioned the snap: "A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, and in the past 24 hours, I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support."
She added: "I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages. But I see them and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I. I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly."
Perry had recently made a welcome return to television acting, playing the part of Archie Andrews' father Fred Andrews in Riverdale. As a result of the actor's death, Riverdale has been forced to shut down production of the new series.
The show's executive producers issued a statement saying: "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."
Perry will be seen on screen as Scott Lancer in the upcoming Tarantino movie "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," which will examine the effect of the Manson Family murders on Hollywood in the late 60s.
