Riverdaleis mourning the loss ofLuke Perry.
Two days after Perrydied from a “massive stroke” at age 52,Riverdaleaired its latest episode — the first since suddenly losing the actor who played Archie’s (KJ Apa) dad Fred Andrews on the hit CW series.
The end of Wednesday’s program saw a touching tribute dedicated to Perry, where the black screen read, “In Memoriam Luke Perry 1966-2019.”
The episode also featured appearances from Perry, including a scene where Fred heroically came to his son’s rescue after Archie was attacked in their home.
On Monday,production onRiverdalewas haltedin the wake of Perry’ssudden death. Production remained suspended Tuesday, according toEntertainment Weekly.
“We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of theRiverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family, Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all. A father figure and mentor to the show’s young cast, Luke was incredibly generous, and he infused the set with love and kindness. Our thoughts are with Luke’s family during this most difficult time.”
Perry joined the show during the first season and has appeared in almost every episode.Riverdaleis currently in its third season.
Diyah Pera/The CW
Reinhartchanneled her grief into poetryand shared a moving message to her Instagram story.
“When someone you love, gets taken from you. And the small circumferences surrounding you is stuck. Frozen in a moment. Of loss. And shock. Yet the people passing you are moving at full speed,” she wrote. “Did they not feel the earth shake? Or slow? Can they hear the thoughts screaming in my head? His name. His face. Memories. Flashes. Of a friend. A lost friend.”
Reinhart also shared her grief on Twitter, writing, “I’m finding it hard to grasp that he will no longer be around to give long hugs and share his wisdom and kindness with all of us … I just can’t believe it.”
Cott, 26, paid tribute to Perry with a touching message onTwitter.
“I’m totally heartbroken. Luke took me under his wing the day I was cast and made me feel like I belonged. He was the most generous, wise soul with unmatched kindness,” he wrote.
“He treated everyone with love and joy. We had so much fun. Praying for his family.”
Luke Perry and KJ Apa onRiverdale.Dean Buscher /The CW
Perry was hospitalized on Feb. 27 after suffering a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks, California. A source tells PEOPLE henever regained consciousness. The actor remained “under observation” for five days but died on Monday, March 4.
“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning. No further details will be released at this time.”
In lieu of flowers, the Perry family ask that donations be made toFight Colorectal Cancerand St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
source: people.com
