Luke Perry’s Daughter Shares A Heartbreaking Post Following His Passing
"I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation," the 18-year-old wrote.
On Monday, March 4, Luke Perry — '90s heartthrob and actor known for Beverly Hills 90210 and Riverdale — passed away from a massive stroke. Since his passing, fans, friends, and family have shared tributes celebrating his life. On Tuesday, his daughter, Sophie Perry, broke her silence.
18-year old Sophie is the daughter of Perry and his ex-wife, Rachel "Minnie" Sharp. She was reportedly in Africa when she learned her dad was hospitalized and rushed home to be by his side in his final days.
Sophie penned an earnest post thanking everyone for their messages of support.
"A lot has happened in this past week for me," she wrote. "Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I."
"I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation," she went on. "It’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly."
Her father's representative, Arnold Robinson, announced Perry's passing on Monday and confirmed the actor was with close friends and family in his last moments.
"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," the statement read. "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."
Perry's death came as a shock to everyone. His 90210 co-star and onscreen partner, Shannen Doherty, also took to Instagram to share her shock and grief.
Warner Bros. and The CW released a statement that detailed how much the actor meant to the Riverdale cast and crew. It said he served as a father figure on set, and that he was a man with a "giant heart."
"We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of Riverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you hope he would be," the statement read. "An incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. A father figure and mentor to the show's young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke's family during this most difficult time."
According to ET, Riverdale shut down production upon news of Perry's death, and will pick up on Wednesday, March 6. Counseling services will be made available to the cast and crew. It's still unclear how the show will bid goodbye to his character, Fred Andrews, who is Archie's dad.
Perry will appear posthumously in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, which releases July 26, 2019.
RIP Luke Perry.
