Shannen Doherty Remembers the ‘Special Kind of Love’ She Shared With Her Former ‘90210’ Costar Luke Perry

We’ve seen tributes pouring in from Hollywood ever since news broke on Monday, March 4 that Luke Perry died at the age of 52 just days after suffering a massive stroke. In the wake of his passing, those who knew him best have been reminiscing — including Luke’s former Beverly Hills, 90210 castmate Shannen Doherty.

“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,” Shannen, who also sent support after Luke’s stroke, told People.

The two were in the original cast of Beverly Hills, 90210 and overlapped for the first four seasons when Shannen, who played Brenda Walsh, was a part of the show. Luke, who played Dylan McKay, starred through the sixth season and came back for the final two seasons. Though they didn’t keep in touch after the iconic ’90s series, Shannen, 47, said they reconnected when she publicly revealed her breast cancer diagnosis.

“Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and [a] never-ending well of integrity and love,” Shannen continued. “Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained intact.”

Shannen noted that Luke considered his children — 21-year-old son Jack and 18-year-old daughter Sophie — to be the “biggest accomplishment” in his life. While there are many memories she will remember about Luke, what stands out to her as an unforgettable memory is a lunch they shared just last month.

Even though Luke hadn’t signed on for the Beverly Hills, 90210 reboot with her and the rest of their former cast members, Shannen noted that she and the Riverdale star had hoped to work together again on “something special and meaningful” to rekindle that “special kind of love” they shared back during their time playing Dylan and Brenda.

“I will miss him every day,” Shannen added. “Every minute. Every second.”