Tributes paid as Beverly Hills, 90210 star Luke Perry dies following stroke aged 52

Luke Perry, the actor who played wealthy rebel Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210, has died aged 52, after suffering a massive stroke.

The actor, who had been in hospital since last Wednesday, was surrounded by family and friends when he died, publicist Arnold Robinson said.

"The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning," Robinson said in a statement.

Tributes poured in for Mr Perry, with his Riverdale co-star Molly Ringwald saying she is heartbroken.

She posted a message on Twitter saying: "My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family."

Screenwriter Joss Whedon was also among those paying tribute.

He tweeted: "The first time I met Luke Perry we talked about what kind of movie we wanted "Buffy" to be.

"I asked if he'd ever seen "Near Dark" and he gave me a look of HOW DARE YOU SIR and I knew we'd get along. Funny, committed, and always gracious.

US actor Seth Green said: "Warm, kind, generous and hard working. We met very young, I witnessed the grace with which he became a pop icon & parent."

He added: "He's been an awesome example of how to stay decent in a swirl of crazy. Love to his family."

Mr Robinson said no further details would be released at this time, adding that Perry’s family appreciates the support and prayers that were offered since he was hospitalised on Wednesday.