Celebrities React to Luke Perry’s Death: ‘Absolutely Heartbreaking’

After Luke Perry died on Monday following a stroke last week, celebrities have shown an outpouring of support for the “Beverly Hills, 90210” and “Riverdale” actor.

By Jordan Moreau  LOS ANGELES (Variety.com) –

His “” co-stars Lili Reinhart and Molly Ringwald shared their heartbreak and disbelief over Perry’s unexpected passing.

Joss Whedon, creator of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” remembered the first encounter he had with Perry.

“The first time I met we talked about what kind of movie we wanted ‘Buffy’ to be. I asked if he’d ever seen ‘Near Dark’ and he gave me a look of HOW DARE YOU SIR and I knew we’d get along. Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn’t be gone,” he wrote.

 

The Twitter account for the “Riverdale” writers’ room posted, “Luke Perry… you were a joyful and vibrant soul. You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in love and peace, friend.”

 

The activism group GLAAD remembered Perry for his support of the LGBTQ community, and even New York Comic Con paid tribute to the actor for his roles on “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Riverdale.”

“The news of Luke Perry’s death is absolutely devastating. He was a friend to our organization and to the LGBTQ community. Our hearts go out to his loved ones,” GLAAD wrote.

Gabrielle Carteris, an actress on “Beverly Hills, 90210” and the president of SAG-AFTRA, released a statement to Variety after her co-star’s death.

“I am absolutely heartbroken. Luke was a tremendous force in the lives of so many. He was a very sensitive soul who was kind, generous and he fought for the underdog. He was a strong voice and an advocate who will be so missed by all who knew him. He has left his mark – never to be forgotten. My heart goes out to his family, friends and fans around the globe,” she said.

Several of Perry’s “Riverdale” co-stars shared their condolences, including showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa.

“So heartbroken about Luke. He was a father, brother, friend, and mentor. Each night before he had to shoot a scene, he’d call me and we’d talk about…everything. I will miss those calls. And my heart goes out to all his family and friends,” he wrote.