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Who Was Luke Perry?
Luke Perry was an American actor born on October 11, 1966, in Fredericktown, Ohio. He became a household name in the early 1990s for his portrayal of Dylan McKay, a brooding teen heartthrob, on the hit television series Beverly Hills, 90210. Perry’s career spanned decades, and he continued to find success in various television, film, and stage roles, including his notable portrayal of Fred Andrews in the CW drama Riverdale. His work earned him a lasting place in popular culture.
Early Life
Coy Luther Perry III, known as Luke Perry, was born to Coy Perry Jr. and Ann Perry in Mansfield, Ohio. After his parents divorced in 1972, he was raised by his mother and stepfather, Steve Bennett, whom he later credited with teaching him important life lessons. Perry had a distant relationship with his biological father, who passed away from a heart attack in 1980. Growing up in Fredericktown, Ohio, Perry was known as a dreamer, and despite the rural environment, which focused on farming, he aspired to a different future. He left Ohio in 1984 to pursue acting in Hollywood. In 1993, Perry married actress Rachel Sharp, with whom he had two children, Jack and Sophie, before their eventual divorce in 2003.
Career Beginnings and Beverly Hills, 90210
After arriving in Hollywood, Perry spent three years working various jobs and attending auditions before landing his first television role on the soap opera Loving in 1987. He later appeared on Another World in 1988 before his career-defining role on Beverly Hills, 90210 came in 1990. Cast as Dylan McKay, Perry quickly became a teenage icon, drawing comparisons to James Dean for his portrayal of the troubled yet charismatic character. The show’s success made Perry a household name, and he remained with the series for much of its 10-year run.
Film and Television Roles
Beyond 90210, Perry built a diverse acting portfolio. He starred in films such as Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992) and appeared on HBO’s Oz as Reverend Jeremiah Cloutier. Perry also made his Broadway debut in The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 2002. Though his post-90210 television ventures were not as long-lasting, including the NBC drama Windfall, Perry continued to work steadily in television and film, reuniting with former costar Jason Priestly in Goodnight for Justice (2011).
Later Years and Riverdale
Perry’s career saw a resurgence when he joined the cast of the CW’s Riverdale in 2017, playing Fred Andrews, Archie’s father, in the dark adaptation of the Archie Comics series. His role garnered praise and introduced him to a new generation of fans.
Death
On February 27, 2019, Luke Perry suffered a massive stroke and was rushed to the hospital. After five days, he passed away on March 4, 2019, at the age of 52, surrounded by his family, including his children Sophie and Jack. Perry’s sudden death shocked fans and colleagues alike, and his legacy as an enduring figure in both television and film remains strong.