'My Favorite Directing Moment': Jason Priestley Opens Up About Luke Perry's Emotional Final Scene

Jason Priestley is remembering his late friend and co-star Luke Perry. Priestley appeared on the Best with Them podcast, where he was asked about his work as a director. The 56-year-old has been directing since his days on Beverly Hills, 90210, helming some major episodes in the show's later seasons. Asked about his favorite directing moment, the actor-turned-director recalled working with Perry on his final arc as Dylan McKay.

"My favorite directing moment? In Luke Perry's last episode that he ever did, you know, Luke falling to his knees in the rain, we had rain towers everywhere. Luke was falling to his knees, looking up at the heavens, and crying out," Priestley reflected.

A Scene That Defined an Era

Of capturing the moment, in which Dylan discovers that his wife, Toni, had been shot and killed, Priestley explained, "I had the camera on a crane, pulling away from him in the rain." The scene, which aired in the show's ninth season, was a heartbreaking conclusion to Dylan's tumultuous journey on the series. It was also one of the most powerful moments in the show's history, a testament to Perry's ability to convey raw emotion on screen.

The sequence was shot on a constructed set designed to mimic the iconic Beverly Hills streets. The rain towers were positioned around the perimeter of the set, creating a rainstorm that added to the dramatic intensity of the moment. Perry, fully immersed in the scene, gave a performance that left audiences stunned.

"Luke and I were just having the best time shooting all that stuff, and I think back to those kind of moments a lot now that he's gone," he added, choking up as he mentioned Perry's death. When asked if he missed the late actor, Priestley simply nodded while trying to hold back tears.

A Friendship on and off Screen

Priestley and Perry developed a close friendship during their time on the hit teen drama. Their chemistry on screen was undeniable, and their bond off screen was equally strong. They were neighbors, confidants, and collaborators, sharing a deep connection that extended beyond the set of 90210.

In a 2024 interview with The Mirror, Priestley opened up about how Perry's death affected him. "It has made me think about my own mortality. I woke up on my 50th birthday, and I realized that I'd already lived most of my life," the Wild Cards actor, a former race car driver who had a serious accident in 2002, said. "Luke's passing away was totally a shock because there was nothing wrong with him. We were neighbors as well as friends and spent a lot of time together. We shared so much."

Remembering Luke Perry

Perry died in March 2019 at the age of 52, one week after experiencing a stroke. In the March 2025 CW documentary, I am Luke Perry, Priestley explained that he learned of Perry's stroke from their fellow Beverly Hills, 90210 costar, Jennie Garth.

"Jennie told me that Luke had had a stroke and they were and he was on his way to the hospital," he recalled. Though he was "shocked" and "stunned," Priestley said he remained hopeful, drawing on his own familial experience with the medical episode.

"I'm an eternal optimist," he said. "I thought, 'Yeah, he's had a stroke. My dad had a stroke a few years ago. He'll be okay.' "

The news of Perry's passing sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Fans and colleagues alike mourned the loss of the actor who had become a cultural icon through his role as the brooding, leather-jacket-wearing Dylan McKay.

A Legacy of Friendship

Priestley's reflection on Perry's final scene is a poignant reminder of the enduring bond they shared. Their friendship was built on mutual respect and a shared commitment to their craft. Even in the final days of Perry's life, Priestley was there, offering support and celebrating the work they had done together.

The scene Priestley directed remains one of the most memorable moments in 90210 history. It was a testament to Perry's talent and Priestley's skill as a director. More importantly, it was a moment that captured the essence of their friendship: two artists coming together to create something meaningful.

A Tribute That Endures

Since Perry's passing, Priestley has continued to honor his memory in various ways. From sharing stories on social media to participating in documentaries about Perry's life, Priestley has ensured that his friend's legacy lives on.

In the I Am Luke Perry documentary, Priestley reflected on the impact Perry had on his life. "He was a good man. He was a good friend. He was a good father. He was a good person," Priestley said.

Jason Priestley's recollection of directing Luke Perry's final scene is a testament to the power of friendship and the enduring impact of their collaboration. The moment, captured in rain and emotion, continues to resonate with fans and serves as a reminder of Perry's remarkable talent. For Priestley, it is a memory he will carry with him always, a tribute to a friend who left too soon.