Shannen Dohertyis devastated over the loss of her castmate andfriendLuke Perry.
Doherty starred alongside Perry onBeverly Hills, 90210for years — the actress as Brenda Walsh and Perry as Dylan McKay (he appeared from 1990-95 and again in 1998 until 2000).
Although the costars drifted apart when the show went off the air, they reconnected after Doherty wentpublic with her breast cancer diagnosisin 2015.
Spelling/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock
“Luke was a smart, quiet, humble and complex man with a heart of gold and never-ending well of integrity and love. Luke reached out to me during my cancer journey and we picked right back up, albeit older and wiser, but that connection remained in tact,” says Doherty, who opened up about beingin remissionin September.
Although the duo wasn’t signed on to return for the upcomingBeverly Hills, 90210rebootalongside their original castmates, both Doherty and Perry hoped to work together again on “something special and meaningful” for fans.
“There is a special kind of love one has for each other when you are experiencing the journey we did on90210and of course life in general. Luke and I were working on show ideas for us. We wanted to work with each other again and create something special and meaningful for our fans at this stage in our lives,” shares Doherty. “I will miss him everyday. Every minute. Every second.”
Luke Perry with daughter Sophie.Sophie Perry/Instagram
During their time spent together, Doherty remembers how often and fondly Perry spoke of his two children —son Jack, 21,and daughter Sophie, 18 — who he shared with ex Rachel “Minnie” Sharp.
“Luke loved his family. He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often,” says Doherty. “They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment.”
Just weeks before his death, Doherty met up for lunch with her longtime friend and his dog, Penny, which will stand as one of her lasting memories with Perry.
“A couple of weeks ago in February, Luke and I met up for lunch. He chose the restaurant based on who would allow his dog,” says Doherty.
“I walked in and there he was, smiling, with his dog Penny and her bed under the booth, happy as can be,” she the actress. “I willneverforget — and will miss — Luke looking at me with that smile of his saying … Shan.”
On Feb. 27, Perry was hospitalized after suffering a stroke and paramedics were dispatched to his home in Sherman Oaks, California. A source told PEOPLE henever regained consciousness.
The actor remained under observation for five days, but died on Monday, March 4.
“Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke,” read a statement from Perry’s rep.
Gabriel Olsen/FilmMagic
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE,Tori Spelling wrote, “I’m in utter shock and heartbroken. I’m saddened for his kids whom he adored beyond words. He was so proud of Jack and Sophie. Luke was one of the kindest and most humble human beings I’ve ever known. I’m grateful for the years of friendship we had. He truly was family to me, a protector and a brother. I’m so sorry for the loss that everyone is experiencing.”
Jennie Garth also released an exclusive statement to PEOPLE: “My heart is broken. He meant so much to so many. Such a very special person. I share my deep sadness with his family and all who loved him. Such a terrible loss.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family asks that donations be made toFight Colorectal CancerandSt. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
source: people.com
