Yesterday we all received the sad news that Luke Perry, known for playing Dylan in the original 90210 and for his most recent role as Fred Andrews in Riverdale, had passed away after suffering a stroke last week.
I was obsessed with Luke in 90210 when I was younger (yes, I had the Dyan poster in my bedroom), and I was fortunate enough to meet him when he came on our show just about 2 years ago. He was exactly like I hoped he would be when I got to meet him, and I think so many people have incredible stories about him to share because he really was just an amazing guy.
Case in point, Colin Hanks.
Colin took to Instagram yesterday to share one brief encounter he had with Luke, but the story is such a great example of who Luke was.
Colin wrote that while he only met Luke once, but that the story was too good not to share. He was on a flight where two young brothers were fighting and beating each other up for the entire flight, but then 10 minutes before landing it got really bad.
He continued:
"Out of no where, a man comes from first class. Hat, beard, sunglasses, blowing up a balloon. He ties it off, hands it off like he's holding out a sword to a king. Kneeling, Head down, arms up. Kids calm down in milliseconds. Plane damn near bursts into applause... We get off the plane, are waiting on line in customs. Finally get a good look at the guy and I say to my wife "Holy s**t. I think that balloon man/hero is Luke Perry"."
Colin then went on to say that he ended up standing next to Luke, and that "out of the blue" he started talking to him about Fargo.
"I start singing his praises about how long I've admired him and also about the move with the balloon. "That's a pro move! You can't teach that!" I say. He tells me he always flies with a couple of balloons for that very reason, to give to screaming kids. Don't know if that's true, but have no reason to believe it wasn't. Guy seemed like a true gent. Gone way too damn soon. Also, I'll be damned if I don't start traveling with some spare balloons."
Thank you for sharing this story Colin, I think this is exactly the kind of story that shows the world who never got to know Luke exactly what kind of guy he was.
He will absolutely be missed. Thinking of his family, friend, co-stars and fans extra today. And may this be a reminder to hug your loved ones extra hard.
Get more from Sisanie here!
Photo: Getty Images