Actor Colin Hanks recalls how 'hero' Luke Perry calmed screaming kids on flight
We can all learn something from Luke Perry's patience and attitude when dealing with rambunctious kids on a flight.
Actor Colin Hanks wrote an emotional tribute to Perry, the "90210" and "Riverdale" star who died on Monday following a massive stroke. The son of Tom Hanks recalled a surprise encounter he had with Perry on a plane back from Mexico in a heartfelt Instagram post.
"Couple of rows ahead of us, these two brothers, young kids, are beating the hell out of (each other)," Hanks wrote Monday evening. "Their poor parents are powerless to stop the crying, yelling and screaming. If you're a parent you understand.
More: Was Luke Perry too young to have a fatal stroke? Not really
"Out of no where, a man comes from first class," the post continued. "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."
Hanks wrote he didn't realize the man was Perry until after getting off the plane.
I only met him once but the story is too good not tell given todays sad events. 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 eachother. Their poor parents are power… https://t.co/zgP4VD9lmT pic.twitter.com/g2WUV2O0x6
— Colin Hanks (@ColinHanks) March 5, 2019
"We get off the plane, are waiting on line in customs. Finally get a good look at the guy and I say to my wife 'Holy (expletive). I think that balloon man/hero" is Luke Perry,' Hanks continued. "As luck would have it we end up standing next to each other. 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. 'That's a pro move! You can't teach that!' I say. He tells me he always flies with a couple of balloons for that very reason, to give to screaming kids. Don't know if that's true, but have no reason to believe it wasn't."
It seems Perry's tradition will live on if Hanks has anything to say about it.
"Also, I'll be damned if I don't start traveling with some spare balloons," Hanks wrote.
On Monday, a slew of celebrities took to social media to mourn Perry.
More: After mourning the death of Luke Perry, how will 'Riverdale' move on?
More: Leonardo DiCaprio, 'Riverdale' cast, more mourn Luke Perry's death: 'My heart is broken'
More: Why you're taking Luke Perry's sudden death so hard: A look at the '90210' star's life
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Actor Colin Hanks recalls how 'hero' Luke Perry calmed screaming kids on flight
