He was a small-screen stalwart, a teen heartthrob and later, a mentor to Hollywood’s up-and-comers – but there was much more to Luke Perry than his whirlwind career in the television and film industry.
Now, as the world grieves the loss of the talented actor, who tragically passed away aged just 52-years-old after suffering a stroke in February 2019, his life achievements have never been more prevalent.
Known for playing Dylan McKay in 90s hit series Beverly Hills 90210 and more recently for his portrayal of Archie’s dad, Fred Andrews, in The CW’s Riverdale, Perry managed to stay front and centre on our television screens throughout his hugely successful career.
Luke was a well-loved stalwart in Hollywood for more than 30 years. (Image: Getty)
In fact, Perry was filming for the new season of Riverdale right up until his unexpected stroke, shortly before his shock passing on March 4 2019.
He also recently filmed scenes for Quentin Tarantino’s upcoming Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, which is set for release in July 2019 – a film which will no doubt be revered for years to come as his final appearance on the silver screen.
But over the years, there’s no denying the scope of Luke’s work. After gaining his big break on 90210, he went on to star in award winning shows including Will and Grace, Law & Order: SVU and he even had a guest stint on The Simpsons, where he voiced the character of himself.
It wasn’t just a camera that Perry was a natural in front of either – the talented actor also took to London’s West End where he tackled the leading role of Harry in a stage-adaptation of the classic film, When Harry Met Sally.
Now, as the tributes flow for an actor who harboured such epic talent, it’s become apparent just how pivotal Luke’s roles have been, not only in shaping his own career but for others too.
Working with a number of young actors in Riverdale, which fast gained global popularity after becoming available on streaming platform Netflix, Luke was somewhat of a mentor, having been a young television actor himself.
And to remember the impact he’s left, and the legacy he’s created, we’ve taken a look back at his colourful life in pictures.
From his most renowned characters to the strong relationships he built with fellow Hollywood alums, keep scrolling as we celebrate an actor who touched the lives of many.
WATCH: Young Kiwi actor KJ Apa talks about the surreal experience of working with screen legend Luke Perry in a joint interview. Gallery begins after video…
Where it all began. Luke Perry had big things ahead back in 1987 when his acting career began to take off. (Image: Getty)
One of his first gigs was playing the role of Ned Bates on Loving in 1988 – pure 80s magic! (Image: Getty)
In 1990, Perry got his big break starring as heartthrob Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills 90210. He and his co-stars would go on to enjoy wild success as the TV show grew to iconic 90s fame. (Image: Getty)
You don’t have to wonder why he became a 90s teen heartthrob! (Image: Getty)
Luke Perry discusses his similarities to James Dean in 1992 interview
Suited up! Luke joined fellow American actors Peter Falk, Jason Priestley at the 1991 Emmy Awards. (Image: Getty)
On-screen and off-screen pals Luke and 90210 actress Gabrielle Carteris connected during the show’s hey-day. (Image: Getty)
His circle of Hollywood friends grew quickly with Perry attending a plethora of glitzy events over the 1990s. Here, he’s pictured with none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger at the 1992 MTV Movie Awards. (Image: Getty)
You know you’ve made it in Hollywood when you get a gig on Saturday Night Live – which is exactly what Luke did in 1993! (Image: Getty)
Luke married Rachel Minnie Sharp (pictured) in 1993, and the couple had two kids together – Jack, now 21, and Sophie, now 18. The pair separated in 2003. (Image: Getty)
He also made friends with several supermodels who gained popularity in the 1990s – this included German model Claudia Schiffer, whom he was pictured with at the 1995 World Music Awards in Monte Carlo. (Image: Getty)
That same year, Perry also looked at home when he was snapped with with American model Cindy Crawford. (Image: Getty)
After experiencing huge success on 90210, Luke tried his hand in theatre, tackling London’s West End in an on-stage adaptation of When Harry Met Sally alongside actress Alyson Hannigan. (Image: Getty)
Luke played the lead role of Harry in the 2004 show. (Image: Getty)
All grown up! In 2005, Luke enjoyed a mini reunion with his 90210 cast mates including Tori Spelling at the TV Land Awards. (Image: Getty)
Connecting with more friends in high places, Luke also attended a 2005 launch party for the David Beckham Academy alongside Posh and Becks themselves! (Image: Getty)
Perry was pictured with Kristin Davis at a 2007 event for his television show John From Cincinnati. (Image: Getty)
In 2008, Luke appeared alongside Matthew Gray Gubler in Criminal Minds. (Image: Getty)
Around the same time, the actor starred in Law & Order Special Victims Unit with actress Julie Bowen. (Image: Getty)
Putting his celebrity status towards the greater good, Luke proved his passion for social change by volunteering with charity Soles4Souls where he helped flood victims in Nashville. (Image: Getty)
His animated personality landed him plenty of gigs on television talk shows. Here, he was pictured during a 2013 Today Show interview. (Image: Getty)
Perry also had a stint on the ABC’s Body of Proof in the early 2010s. (Image: Getty)
In another blockbuster TV hit, Luke took on the role of Fred Andrews in The CW’s Riverdale in 2016. Starring as the father to main character Archie (played by KJ Apa) the young Kiwi actor was thrilled to work alongside the small-screen legend. (Image: Getty)
Luke Perry in Riverdale scene with KJ Apa
Perry would no doubt have been a mentor to his younger co-stars in the teen-drama. Here, he is pictured with Riverdale’s Ashleigh Murray and Madelaine Petsch in 2018. (Image: Getty)
