Riverdale has paid tribute to Luke Perry at the end of its first episode since the actor’s death and will continue to do so for all future episodes.
The CW series returned on Wednesday night and dedicated its episode to Luke, who had played Archie’s dad Fred Andrews on the show.
Luke passed away on Monday morning at St Joseph’s hospital in Burbank. He had been hospitalised days earlier after suffering a stroke at home and was ‘under observation’ by doctors.
A statement confirmed the 52-year-old died surrounded by his friends and family, including his two children son Jack, 21, and daughter Sophie, 18.
In memory of Luke, Riverdale has dedicated all episodes remaining of season three to the star.
#Riverdale‘s tribute to Luke Perry. ❤️ https://t.co/0lXNuTL4Fb pic.twitter.com/FmQ2STBe2e
— E! News (@enews) March 7, 2019
Riverdale’s showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa announced the sweet tribute on Twitter before the show aired.
He posted a picture of Luke with the cast of Riverdale and said: ‘Going through pictures on my way to set. From the early days. With Luke in the middle. Our heart, always.
‘Tonight’s episode of #Riverdale finds Fred doing what he does best–helping Archie. It is dedicated to Luke, as all episodes will be for the rest of our run.’
Fans were moved by the tribute, with one posting: ‘Paying tribute to Luke Perry with every episode of #Riverdale feels just right to do. No one else could’ve made Fred into that guy — & that’s an impact that is going to last.’
Going through pictures on my way to set. From the early days. With Luke in the middle. Our heart, always. Tonight’s episode of #Riverdale finds Fred doing what he does best–helping Archie. It is dedicated to Luke, as all episodes will be for the rest of our run. ?❤️? pic.twitter.com/Nx8iCFBoMe
— RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) March 6, 2019
Fun episode of #Riverdale tonight – bittersweet to see Luke Perry as Fred Andrews get to save the day at episode’s end. For all its ups and downs, Perry and the rest of the cast created something unique and memorable with this series.
— Danny Baram (@DannyBaram) March 7, 2019
Paying tribute to Luke Perry with every episode of #Riverdale feels just right to do. No one else could’ve made Fred into that guy — & that’s an impact that is going to last.
— Amanda (@silverado2448) March 7, 2019
As it should be. ❤️ #Riverdale https://t.co/4oWKcvRx9J
— Sam Hnidj (@shmazma) March 7, 2019
My heart is still in pain. I’m going to be feeling it for awhile. The world lost an amazing actor and most of all a good man. #Riverdale will never be the same. My thoughts go out to his family. R.I.P Luke Perry you will never be forgotten.
— Jacob Beck ?? #LBD (@jkbeck20) March 7, 2019
Fred Andrews will live on forever <3 @CW_Riverdale #riverdale
— Sim-ran-away (@Simmmkaur) March 7, 2019
Another said: ‘Fred Andrews will live on forever <3.’
In the episode, Luke’s character Fred had saved the day, arriving just in time to save his son Archie’s life after Joaquin’s little brother Ricky tried to kill him with a knife.
The episode aired after Luke’s son Jack broke his silence over his dad’s death – crediting Luke for ‘supporting me with everything’.
Jack said: ‘He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be. I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for.
‘I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth. I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.’
Luke’s daughter Sophie has said she is ‘grateful’ for the outpouring of love her family has received since losing the star. It’s reported Luke has left everything to his children in his will.
Luke shot to fame in 90s series Beverly Hills, 90210 as Dylan McKay alongside Shannen Doherty. Fans may also recognise him from Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
