Colin Hanks shares touching story about Luke Perry after his death at 52
After news of Luke Perry's death on Monday at the age of 52, many fellow actors and actresses took to social media to share tributes to the man, including stories about how much of a gentleman the former heartthrob was.
One story sticks out that shows the family man and calm soul that Perry was, and it involves Colin Hanks, son of the legendary Tom Hanks.
Colin is a star in his own right, starring in hit films and shows like "Fargo," and posted a lengthy note on Instagram about his one meeting with Perry on a plane.
You can see the classic Hanks wit and charm as he writes, "My wife and I are on a plane back from Mexico. Couple of rows ahead of us, these two brothers, young kids, are beating the hell out of each other. Their poor parents are powerless to stop the crying, yelling and screaming. If you're a parent you understand."
Hanks continues to add that as the plane was about to land, things got really bad.
"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," he explains.
After landing, Hanks said he was finally able to get a look at the guy and realized, "Holy s---. I think that balloon man/hero is Luke Perry."
"Out of the blue he turns to me and says some kind words about 'Fargo,' which kinda blew my mind. I start singing his praises about how long I've admired him and also about the move with the balloon," he adds. "He tells me he always flies with a couple of balloons for that very reason, to give to screaming kids."
Hanks closes with kinds words for the late star, saying, "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."
Along with Hanks, others closer to Perry also share their condolences and heartbreak Tuesday.
"I am in shock. Heartbroken. Devastated by the loss of my friend," Shannen Doherty told People. "I have so many memories with Luke that make me smile and that are forever imprinted on my heart and mind."
"Luke loved his family," Doherty told the magazine. "He raved about his kids and how proud he was of them. He showed me videos of the often … They were his heart and for him, his biggest accomplishment."
Another "90210" co-star, Ian Ziering, added, "I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years. May your journey forward be enriched by the magnificent souls who have passed before you, just like you have done here for those you leave behind. God please give him a seat close to to you, he deserves it."
His "Riverdale" co-star Molly Ringwald also weighed in, sharing yet again the kind of man Perry was.
"I can't even begin to express the shock and sorrow I feel by the untimely death of my friend Luke Perry," Ringwald, who stars opposite Perry on "Riverdale," said in a statement. "He was one of the kindest, caring souls I've ever worked with. An incredible committed and proud father to his kids and a constant loyal friend to those he loved. I consider myself so lucky to have counted myself among them. With the many other people who adored him, his loss will be felt for a long long time. I miss him terribly."
Perry's publicist confirmed his death to ABC News on Monday, adding, "He 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" at the time of his passing.
