Actor Luke Perry will be remembered for his memorable roles in television, but one former co-star says his family is actually his “biggest accomplishment.”
The 52-year-old passed away on Monday, just days after he was hospitalized due to a massive stroke, Dearly reported. As of now, it remains unclear what caused the medical emergency.
Shannen Doherty, who starred alongside Perry on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” is now speaking out following his death.
In an interview with People, the 47-year-old said she was devastated by the loss:
“I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend. I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind.”
Doherty described Perry as a “smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love.” She said he was supportive of her during her battle with cancer.
The late actor has two children, son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18, who were by his side when he passed away earlier this week.
Doherty said the 52-year-old was a loving father to his kids. She told People:
“Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often. They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment.”
Perry’s son is a professional wrestler who goes by the name Jungle Boy. The actor regularly attended his sporting events to cheer him on.
A wrestling photographer shared a photo of Perry proudly cheering on his son after the dad’s passing.
https://twitter.com/allelbows/status/1102689905094750208
Esther Lin wrote on Twitter:
Up in the top left is Luke Perry, proud father, cheering on Jungle Boy at PWG in January. It was so sweet and adorable. And now I’m so incredibly sad.
Perry’s daughter, Sophie, was in Africa when her father suffered from a stroke. She rushed back home to be by her father’s side when he died.
His two children have not spoken publicly since losing their dad.