Jason Priestley still holds memories of Luke Perry dear to his heart. Both were costars in the 1990 movie Beverly Hills, 90210, and even beyond the movie, they were great friends. However, the news of Luke Perry’s stroke on a cold morning came as a shock to Priestley, who never expected such a thing to happen to his friend.
Jason Priestley and Luke Perry enjoyed each other’s company, and living not too far apart in Los Angeles helped them bond well as friends. Luke could make an impromptu visit to Priestley on his bike, and they would have fun, but this did not last as long as they wanted. Luke suffered a stroke at 52.
Jason Priestley and Luke Perry’s friendship
More than being co-stars, Jason Priestley and Luke Perry had an enviable relationship. Recalling this challenging period of his life in the CW documentary I am Luke Perry, Jason Priestley shared the pain of learning his friend was afflicted with such an illness. It was another co-star, Jennie Garth, who informed him that Luke had suffered a stroke and was on his way to the hospital.
Luke Perry’s family and friends were shocked, as was the entertainment industry and, most importantly, Jason Priestley, who was hoping his friend would recover. It was not hard for Priestley to have faith in Luke’s recovery during this period, since his father had suffered from the same illness in the past and got better.
Pain and grief
Jason Priestley shared that the co-stars of Beverly Hills 90210 were a constant source of support for him when Luke was being treated at the hospital. He often spoke with some of them, including Jennie Garth, Ian Ziering, Brian Austin Green, and Gabby Carteris, and was encouraged.
The one-week period was made better because he had people to share his burdens with. However, he lost his great friend at the end of the week and was devastated. Later, when reflecting on their relationship, Jason Priestley described Luke Perry as “a bright light.” Right now, the documentary, I am Luke Perry, which gives an insight into the late actor’s life, is available on the CW website.