Rest in Peace, Luke Perry 💔
It's a simple change of a word. And yet, it was the final realization for me that he was truly gone. Luke Perry, whom I've only known through Riverdale, passed away recently.
Seeing the small change of the word is to was, was the final straw for me, before I had my first breakdown (my first of many). At first, when my friend messaged me the news, I didn't truly believe it. There was no way Luke Perry was gone. But then, as I did research, my fears were confirmed.
He was such an amazing actor. I grew to love him first as his character Fred Andrews. Then, by watching panels and interviews, I grew to love the true gentleman with a big heart that was Luke Perry.
He was truly a loveable, charming, generous person. He was a role model. He was a friend. He was so many things to so many people. He touched so many lives. And I think that's why it affects me so much. Because he wasn't done. I feel like he had so many more lives to change still.
Being part of a fandom is mostly a fun, positive experience. But it's situations like this that are always so... odd. Mourning over someone I've never personally met is hard, and it feels like it won't get any better. There's this heavy, sinking feeling in my gut and a hole in my heart.
My heart goes out to his family, his friends, his co stars (past and present), and anyone else that had the pleasure of meeting such a remarkable person.
Luke, wherever you may be, I hope you're resting easy. You will never be forgotten. You will stay in our hearts forever. ❤