Luke Perry Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies & TV Shows, Death

Coy Luther Perry III, known professionally as Luke Perry, was an American actor best recognized for his iconic role as Dylan McKay on the teen drama Beverly Hills, 90210, where his brooding charisma made him a ’90s heartthrob and cultural staple.

His career spanned over three decades, with notable performances in films like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and TV series such as Riverdale, where he played Fred Andrews until his passing in 2019.

Perry’s rugged charm and emotional depth left a lasting impact on television, bridging teen idol fame with mature, grounded roles.

Profile

• Full Name: Coy Luther Perry III
• Stage Name: Luke Perry
• Born: 11 October 1966
• Died: 4 March 2019
• Age: 52 years old
• Birthplace: Mansfield, Ohio, USA
• Nationality: American
• Occupation: Actor, Producer
• Height: 1.78m
• Parents: Coy Luther Perry Jr. and Ann Bennett
• Siblings: Thomas Perry, Amy Perry, Emily Bennett
• Spouse: Rachel Sharp (m. 1993–2003)
• Partner: Wendy Madison Bauer
• Children: Jack Perry, Sophie Perry
• Relationship: Engaged
• Net Worth: $10 million

Early Life and Education

Coy Luther Perry III was born on October 11, 1966, in Mansfield, Ohio, to Coy Luther Perry Jr., a steelworker, and Ann Bennett, a homemaker.

He grew up in Fredericktown, Ohio, with two siblings, Thomas and Amy Perry, and a stepsister, Emily Bennett, after his mother’s remarriage to Steve Bennett.

Raised in a working-class family, Perry found solace in acting, serving as his high school’s mascot while nurturing dreams of Hollywood.

He graduated from Fredericktown High School in 1984 but did not pursue formal college education, instead moving to Los Angeles to chase acting opportunities.

Perry was of Caucasian ethnicity, with English, Scottish, and Irish descent, and his religious beliefs were not publicly known.

Career

Luke Perry began his career in the early 1980s, landing his first role as Ned Bates on the soap opera Loving in 1987 after hundreds of auditions.

He followed with a stint on Another World in 1988, honing his craft in daytime drama before his breakout as Dylan McKay on Beverly Hills, 90210 in 1990.

His portrayal of the soulful bad boy captivated audiences across the show’s 10-year run, earning him Teen Choice Award nominations and cementing his status as a teen idol.

Early film roles, including Lane Frost in 8 Seconds (1994) and Oliver Pike in Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992), showcased his versatility in action and drama.

Perry’s career expanded in the 2000s with diverse roles, including starring in the post-apocalyptic series Jeremiah (2002–2004) and guest spots on Will & Grace, Oz, and What I Like About You.

He returned to teen drama with John from Cincinnati (2007) and voiced characters in animated shows like The Simpsons and Family Guy.

His producing credits included TV movies like The Triangle (2005), while stage work in The Rocky Horror Picture Show and When Harry Met Sally on London’s West End highlighted his theatrical range, blending charm with emotional nuance.

Luke Perry’s later years saw a resurgence with his role as Fred Andrews, Archie’s father, on Riverdale from 2017 until his death in 2019, where his warm, paternal performance resonated with a new generation.

Films like Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), where he played Scott Lancer, marked a poignant final bow alongside Hollywood heavyweights.

His legacy endures through authentic portrayals that bridged teen heartthrob allure with grounded, relatable characters, influencing modern TV dramas and inspiring actors to embrace vulnerability.

Social Media

Luke Perry does not have any active social media accounts.

Personal Life

Luke Perry married Rachel Sharp in 1993, with whom he had two children, Jack (born 1997) and Sophie (born 2000); the couple divorced amicably in 2003, co-parenting their kids.

At the time of his death, Perry was engaged to Wendy Madison Bauer, a therapist, after a long-term relationship that began in 2017.

His sudden death from a stroke in March 2019 shocked fans, leaving a legacy of kindness and resilience.

Filmography

• Buffy the Vampire Slayer (1992)
• 8 Seconds (1994)
• Normal Life (1996)
• Beverly Hills, 90210 (1990–2000)
• The Fifth Element (1997)
• Jeremiah (2002–2004)
• The Triangle (2005)
• John from Cincinnati (2007)
• Riverdale (2017–2019)
• Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019)

Net Worth

Luke Perry had an estimated net worth of $10 million at the time of his death in 2019.

His wealth primarily came from his starring role on Beverly Hills, 90210, which commanded high per-episode fees and syndication royalties.

Additional income derived from film roles in 8 Seconds and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, TV producing credits like The Triangle, and guest appearances.