The world has been shocked to learn of the sudden passing of actor Luke Perry, who is best known for his starring role on Beverly Hills 90210. The heartthrob also notably provided the voice of Sub-Zero on the 1996 animated series Mortal Kombat: Defenders of the Realm.

Variety reports the star suffered a massive stroke last Wednesday, entering hospitalization, where he passed away March 4th, age 52. A representative for the actor issued a statement.

“[Perry] was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends,” his rep said in a statement. “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. No further details will be released at this time.”

Luke Perry spoke infrequently of his Mortal Kombat tie and was always an intriguing and unexpected choice for the animated Sub-Zero.

After a memorable cameo as "Sideshow Luke Perry" in The Simpsons episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled" , the photogenic teen heartthrob ventured deeper into the world of voice acting, appearing as a recurring villain on Biker Mice From Mars. Two iconic animated roles followed after his initial departure from 90210 in 1995, the other being Marvel Comics' Rick Jones in episodes of The Incredible Hulk.

Perry's thirteen episode run as Sub-Zero begins in the first episode of Defenders of the Realm, when the younger ice fighter aids Earthrealm's heroes in combatting Sektor & Cyrax's invading cyber warriors. Initially a figure of distrust, he becomes a regular in the series, forgiving Liu Kang for the death of his older brother. Scenes from the 1995 Mortal Kombat feature film are recreated, establishing a short-lived shared universe between Threshold Entertainment's adaptations.

Mortal Kombat co-creator Ed Boon paid respects with a simple message on Twitter. Fans around the world are remembering and discovering his brush with MK, iconic TV bad boy Dylan McKay, and recent turn on [The CW]'s Riverdale.