Jason Priestley, who plays Dylan McKay on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” recently said that the month of March makes him feel “bittersweet” since it brings back good as well as terrible memories of his beloved moments spent with his close buddy Luke Perry.

On March 4, 2019, Perry had a major ischemic stroke, which ultimately led to his passing at the age of 52. Not only did Priestley lose a friend and a co-star, but he also lost a collaborator and a neighbor who regularly stopped by his home without prior notice so that they could spend out together.

Priestley and Perry first became acquainted while working on the successful youth-oriented series in 1990; nonetheless, they continued to be friends after the last episode of “Beverly Hills, 90210” aired in the year 2000. The friendship between the pals was strong and unshakable, much like the one that their TV alter egos, best friends Brandon Walsh and Dylan McKay, had on the show. After the conclusion of their critically acclaimed series, the performers went on to explore a variety of projects, but they made it a point to remain in contact with one another.

In television, Perry took on more serious parts, and in 2009, he appeared in a film that was made in Sweden. After again joining together in 2011, the best of friends worked together on the Western Hallmark movie “Goodnight for Justice.” Priestley was the director, while Perry was the leader of the cast. On the other side, Priestley went on adventures all over the globe, tried his hand at directing and making guest appearances on television, and eventually got back into his favorite interest, which was racing cars.

Yet in 2002, during a motor racing practice lap at the Kentucky Derby, Perry came dangerously close to losing Priestley. Priestley was attempting to steer clear of another vehicle that had exploded, but he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a retaining wall.

Priestley was taken to the trauma unit at the University of Kentucky Hospital, where his family and friends gathered, according to the paramedics who were on the scene. They added that he officially passed away for 45 seconds during the incident. When Priestley first opened his eyes, the first person he saw and touched was Perry.

On March 27, 2023, Priestley discussed his sentiments around the anniversary of Perry’s passing in a podcast conversation with David Lascher and Christine Taylor. He expressed his regret that his relationship with Perry “had to be brought to an abrupt stop” as a result of Perry’s dying. On the episode, Priestley reflected on how difficult it is to approach the month of March, which marks the anniversary of his dying.

He went on to say that the event that occurred with him was “a truly strange thing that transpired.” “It served as a helpful reminder to cherish the time spent with the people you care about and to never take any of it for granted,” the speaker said.

On February 27, 2019, when Perry was at home, he had a stroke and had to be taken to the hospital immediately thereafter. His loved ones were optimistic that he would pull through, but five days later, his body gave out. After learning of Perry’s passing, Priestley penned a memorial to his close friend, although in it he said that he had “a couple of days’ worth of trouble” deciding what to say.

On his Instagram account, he said, “Luke was not just a star, he was an unbelievably brilliant light that was extinguished much too soon.” Luke was not only a star, but also an extraordinarily bright light. “That is why so many other people, including myself, as well as myself, are in so much misery today…”

Priestley said that after a year after the passing of his close buddy, he was still experiencing feelings that he described as “very raw” in relation to this sorrow. He also voiced some sorrow that his buddy had passed away without a “feeling of accomplishment” since Perry was still young and was yet halfway through attempting to make a difference in the world when he passed away.

On the one-year anniversary of Perry’s passing, their co-star on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” Jennie Garth, also paid tribute to the late actor. The actress said that it is “not going to ever be easier” due to the fact that whenever she rewatches their podcast for “90210MG,” she is confronted with visual recollections of Perry.

Garth has been quoted as saying to People, “I see him every week, I see images of us all the time, and I have a picture on my mantel.”