Production of the Vancouver-filmed teen drama Riverdale has been suspended in the wake of the death of star Luke Perry. The 52-year-old star died on March 4 due to complications from a massive stroke which he suffered the previous Wednesday.
The generational star made a huge impact on pop culture in the 90’s with his role of Dylan McKay aka the James Dean of the decade. He appeared in 199 episodes of the hit show Beverly Hills, 90210 which spanned ten seasons.
Fast forward a couple decades and the actor has a ton of other credits including Oz, Jeremiah and Windfall. In today’s world of television he’s most known for his role of Fred Andrews, father of Archie Andrews, on Riverdale.
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Perry suffered his stroke on the same morning that Fox announced the revival of 90210. North Vancouver’s Jason Priestley who is set to reprise his role of Brandon Walsh happens to currently be in town filming the TV movie Dark Angel.
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As the Vancouver-filmed Riverdale cast and crew mourn the loss of their friend and colleague Luke Perry, they are also paying tribute to him on social media.
A statement from Riverdale’s executive producers, Warner Bros., and The CW. pic.twitter.com/1YNhbaupHv
— Riverdale (@CW_Riverdale) March 4, 2019
KJ Apa / Archie Andrews
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Cole Sprouse / Jughead Jones
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Lili Reinhart / Betty Cooper
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’m thinking of his family. His children.
I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
I just can’t believe it.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
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Camila Mendes / Veronica Lodge
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Marisol Nichols / Hermione Lodge
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Casey Cott / Kevin Keller
https://twitter.com/CaseyCott/status/1102721233597063169
Ross Butler / Reggie Mantle
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Molly Ringwald / Mary Andrews
My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry
— Molly Ringwald (@MollyRingwald) March 4, 2019
Mädchen Amick / Alice Cooper
Love you Luke 💟 pic.twitter.com/M9DVXhEJTP
— Mädchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 1, 2019
Please. I beg of you to show Luke’s beautiful family the respect and privacy that they deserve during this devastating time. Sending love to them.
— Mädchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 4, 2019
— Mädchen Amick (@madchenamick) March 4, 2019
Vanessa Morgan / Toni Topaz
Angel…no words 💔 pic.twitter.com/YIQg71kL7B
— Vanessa Morgan (@VanessaMorgan) March 5, 2019
Jordan Connor / Sweet Pea
You lit up those around you and because of you the world is a brighter place. Thank you Luke. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/KEe9J7BGuf
— Jordan Connor (@thejordanconnor) March 5, 2019
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Nathalie Boltt / Penelope Blossom
Luke made people feel safe and valued and welcome. Luke made us laugh. He certainly made me laugh. He was gracious, kind; a gentleman. But most of all he was a fine, fine father and my friend. Thank you, Luke. We miss you. Stay close.🙏🏼 🧡💛❤ pic.twitter.com/znA6DBO1Lh
— Nathalie Boltt (@natboltt) March 4, 2019
Lochlyn Munro / Hal Cooper
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Robin Givens / Sierra McCoy
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Alvin Sanders / Pop Tate
So sad. Luke treated everyone with kindness and respect. He was real. He was my friend. I will miss him … 😢 https://t.co/EUHk22baJJ
— Alvin Sanders (@AlvinLeeSanders) March 4, 2019
Cody Kearsley / Moose Mason
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Barclay Hope / Cliff Blossom
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Hayleau Law / Valerie Brown
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Asha Bromfield / Melody Valentine
Woke up this morning a ball of tears. Luke Perry was the kindest, warmest, most loving human being. He always went out of his way to make me feel safe, heard and seen in his presence. I love you so much Luke. Thank you for being a ray of light for me and so many ❤️ pic.twitter.com/xv2lsUCSpS
— ASHA (@ashabrom) March 4, 2019
Trevor Stines / Jason Blossom
Luke, you were a champion, my man. You left a legend of kindness and professionalism, and will be missed by so many. Rest easy.
— Trevor Stines (@Trevor_Stines) March 4, 2019
Hart Denton / Chic
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Rob Raco / Joaquin DeSantos
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Riverdale Crew
Luke Perry… you were a joyful and vibrant soul. You will be missed but most certainly your legacy will be remembered forever. Rest in love and peace, friend. #Riverdale
— Riverdale Writers Room (@RiverdaleWriter) March 4, 2019
So heartbroken about Luke. He was a father, brother, friend, and mentor. Each night before he had to shoot a scene, he’d call me and we’d talk about…everything. I will miss those calls. And my heart goes out to all his family and friends. 💔 pic.twitter.com/2GaFkV2mI7
— RobertoAguirreSacasa (@WriterRAS) March 4, 2019
Other celebs and past co-stars have shared their condolences on social media:
Luke Perry was a kindhearted and incredibly talented artist. It was an honor to be able to work with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his loved ones.
— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) March 4, 2019
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The first time I met Luke Perry we talked about what kind of movie we wanted “Buffy” to be. I asked if he’d ever seen “Near Dark” and he gave me a look of HOW DARE YOU SIR and I knew we’d get along. Funny, committed, and always gracious. He shouldn’t be gone.
— Joss Whedon (@joss) March 4, 2019
Dearest Luke,
I will forever bask in the loving memories we've shared over the last thirty years. May your journey forward be enriched by the magnificent souls who have passed before you, just like you have done here, for those you leave behind.— Ian Ziering (@IanZiering) March 4, 2019
Dearest Luke- I am so heart broken and at a loss for words. You my friend were a mighty soul and have left your mark. My love and prayers to the family and all who loved you. RIP
— Gabrielle Carteris (@TheGabrielle_C) March 4, 2019
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Whether its the young cast member of Riverdale sharing stories about how Perry was a role model and positive force in their world, or the fans of his work sharing their favourite Dylan or Fred moments, the actor will be missed.
Family pic.twitter.com/xYbiANTvpw
— Luke Perry (@LukePerryIII) May 24, 2018
Perry can be seen posthumously in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood which also stars Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie and Al Pacino. The Quentin Tarantio crime mystery film is set for release on July 26.
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RIP Luke Perry aka Fred Andrews, the father we all deserve.

