Luke Perry, star of 'Beverly Hills, 90210' and 'Riverdale' dead at 52 - Fox News

Actor Luke Perry, who gained fame as a teen heartthrob on "Beverly Hills, 90210" and became a fan-favorite TV dad with his starring role on the hit series "Riverdale," has died at age 52 after suffering a massive stroke.

"He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends," Perry's publicist Arnold Robinson told Fox News Monday. "The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning."

LUKE PERRY, '90210' AND 'RIVERDALE' STAR, REMEMBERED BY CELEBRITIES AS TV ICON AND 'KIND PERSON'

Luke Perry at a press conference in the 1990s in Sydney, Australia, at the height of his '90210' fame. (Getty)

Robinson said no further details were being released at this time.

Last week, Perry was admitted to a hospital for "observation." At the time, his rep did not confirm reports that he had suffered a stroke. According to TMZ, paramedics responded to a call at the star's home in Sherman Oaks, Calif., at approximately 9:40 a.m. on Wednesday. The call came into the fire department for someone suffering a stroke, the gossip site reported.

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The incident occurred the same day that the "Beverly Hills, 90210" reboot was announced.

“Beverly Hills 90210” was a pioneer in its examination of teen issues such as love, sex, date rape, drug abuse, alcoholism, eating disorders, teen pregnancy, and many more. It sparked several spin-offs and made its young stars huge in Hollywood. (Getty Images)

Perry, 52, was not attached to the new project, though former co-stars Ian Ziering, Jason Priestley, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth and Gabrielle Carteris will reprise new versions of their prior roles on the series.

On Sunday, Perry's "90210" co-star Shannen Doherty said she had been in contact with the actor, who played her on-screen love interest Dylan McKay.

'90210' stars Jason Priestley, Shannen Doherty and Luke Perry. (Getty)

"I can't talk about it here 'cause I will literally start crying," Doherty told Entertainment Tonight. "But I love him and he knows I love him, and I'm in contact ... It's Luke, and he's my Dylan."

When asked how Perry was recovering, Doherty's voice began to break.

"He's gonna — everybody just keep positive, wonderful thoughts, and that's all I'm gonna say," she stammered.

Perry had roles in many films including "The Fifth Element," "8 Seconds" and "American Strays." (AP)

In 2015, Perry was treated for precancerous growths after a colonoscopy prompting him to become a vocal advocate for screenings for colorectal cancer.

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Though best known for his role as Dylan on the hit series from 1990 through 2000, Perry had steady acting work ever since.

His most recent role was on the hit high school-based series "Riverdale" as Archie's father, Fred Andrews, for three seasons of the CW series. A fourth season has been announced but it remains unclear how the series will handle Perry's death.

Luke Perry, left, pictured here as Fred Andrews, with his on-screen son, Archie Andrews, right, portrayed by KJ Apa on The CW's "Riverdale." (The CW)

Perry had roles in many films including "The Fifth Element," "8 Seconds" and "American Strays." He also appeared in HBO's hit "Oz" and lent his voice to cartoons like "The Incredible Hulk" and "Mortal Kombat."

Perry is slated to appear as Scott Lancer in the upcoming Quentin Tarantino-directed Manson murder film "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."

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