WHITEWRIGHT, Texas -- Actor Luke Perry, best known for his roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and other TV shows and films, died this week at age 52. He had a special connection with people on both sides of the Red River in Texoma.

From starring as Texoma's famed bull rider Lane Frost in "8 Seconds," to being a teenage heartthrob. However, it's the movie "Red Wing" that tops the list of favorites for the city of Whitewright. 

"I certainly think Luke Perry made a mark on this town," said Sarah Bush, the owner of a local salon in Whitewright that was actually used for many of the scenes throughout the film. In fact, most of the movie was filmed in Whitewright, using local landscapes and businesses.

"I'll always remember it was six weeks of very hot fun," said Bush. "A lot of shots were filmed in the kitchen area, and there was his man-cave and then the bedroom."

Rental property owner Ralph Green said he had the opportunity to host Perry in his own home. "They really had no place else to put the cast, so we had them stay in our own home, and when Luke arrived it was basically his place to stay," said Green.

But aside from the novelty of hosting the movie star, Green says says he truly helped the town."He really raised the bar for us as citizens of the city to be things that we maybe ever had a chance to be"

In the wake of Perry's passing, other actors also sharing their memories of Perry, such as Whitewright native Jake McEntire.

"I remember after we wrapped (the film), he hung out with everyone late one night in the back yard of a house in Whitewright," said McEntire, "it was like we had grown up with him."

"Again he was a kind guy, did his job and he became a part of this town because of the movie," said Green.