Luke Perry, an actor famous for playing the roles of Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills 90210 and Fred Andrews on Riverdale, was an American gem. Unfortunately, Perry passed away recently on March 4, 2019 from a stroke at only 52 years old.

In his early days, Perry was every teen girl’s dream as Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills 90210. Dylan McKay was the angsty, mysterious loner with a soft spot for Brenda Walsh, his girlfriend, played by Shannen Doherty. Although he was in his twenties by then, his acting and youthful vibe allowed him to perfectly portray a student at West Beverly. He captured the hearts and attention of many, and this 1990 role catapulted him to fame. There was even talk of a Beverly Hills 90210 remake, but it wouldn’t be the same without Perry. “When I was young everyone watched Beverly Hills 90210, and everyone wanted to know what would happen next. I think that most girls in my generation thought he was really good-looking,” commented SHS math teacher Lauren Barton.

Although he is most remembered for his role as the smoldering teenage heartthrob in Beverly Hills 90210, he has guest-starred in many other famous roles, appearing in Criminal Minds, The Simpsons, and Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. His most recent role was in Riverdale, playing Fred Andrews, Archie’s father.

Perry’s death was a shock to many of his fans and the public in general, especially because of how young he was. Despite his death, Perry’s legacy will not be forgotten.