Remembering Luke Perry
The ultimate high school heartthrob, Dylan McKay was the troubled, sensitive soul that every girl wanted to save — and every guy wanted to be.
Played by actor Luke Perry, Dylan helped propel “Beverly Hills, 90210” into a 90s-era global phenomenon; millions around the world fell madly in love with Luke’s dazzling smile, undeniable charisma, and perfectly coiffed hair.
When Luke passed away from a massive stroke on March 4, 2019, a generation lost its flame. Luke was only 52.
In his own words, Luke acknowledged that Dylan was his defining role. He once told a reporter: “I’m going to be linked with him until I die, but that’s actually just fine. I created Dylan McKay. He’s mine.”
Born in Mansfield, Ohio, Luke grew into a down-to-earth charm that reflected his Midwestern roots.
According to members of his graduating class, he was known as a daydreamer and a flirt.
Shortly after earning his diploma, Luke headed to Hollywood to pursue acting. Before making it big, he paved asphalt, sold shoes, and worked at a doorknob factory.
After landing small parts on soap operas, he came to fame in the 90s as the forever-foxy Dylan on “90210,” the groundbreaking teen drama that defined a generation.
“90210” co-creator Darren Star once told “Rolling Stone” he saw Luke and instantly knew he was born to play Dylan.
Once named “TV’s hottest heartbreaker” by “People” magazine, massive crowds started following Luke wherever he went; 21 people were once injured when thousands rushed a stage to see him in South Florida.
Consistently compared to 50s “bad boy” James Dean, Luke laughed off the frequent reference, but no one could deny that he possessed a similarly magnetic charm.
Unlike the tension and tragedy that followed Dylan, however, Luke was famously drama free.
Despite the superstardom that came with the success of “90210,” those who knew him said he never let fame go to his head. Luke treated everyone as an equal; he consistently cared more about his fellow man than his superstar status.
After leaving “90210,” he went on to play various memorable roles in TV and film — including a stint on Broadway as Brad (in drag) in the eternally-campy “Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
More recently, he played Archie Andrew’s dad, Fred, on the popular CW series “Riverdale.”
Intelligent and sensitive, he stayed away from social media and preferred reading books to posting selfies on Instagram or engaging in Twitter wars. “I don’t think what I have to say is that important,” he once told “AdWeek.”
He loved stargazing, cooking, fishing, and fencing.
He gave his time to many charities, including Fight Colorectal Cancer (after a cancer scare of his own) and Western Wishes, a group which granted wishes to children with terminal illnesses.
He’s remembered for adoring his Boxer pups Casey and Mac; being an incredible dad to his daughter Sophie and son Jack; and having a warm, generous, and grateful nature.
When he passed away, he was surrounded by family and friends, including his current fiance, Wendy, and former wife, Rachel — a tribute to the love and loyalty he engendered in others.
He may be loved by millions of fans as Dylan McKay, but to everyone who knew him personally, he left an even more memorable mark as Luke Perry.
