Fred Andrews was not prominently featured on Wednsday’s episode of “Riverdale,” but the late Luke Perry was with a poignant shout-out at the very end.
In the closing moment of the latest installment of The CW’s dark take on the “Archie” comics, this tribute to the actor — who played Fred, Archie’s (K.J. Apa) kind and loving father — flashed across the screen: “In Memoriam: Luke Perry, 1966-2019.”
See it here:
Earlier Wednesday, “Riverdale” showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa gave fans a hint as to what they could expect when they tuned in to see Perry on screen tonight — two days after he died at the age of 52, following a “massive” stroke last week — which is yet another plot featuring Fred taking care of his boy.
“Going through pictures on my way to set,” Aguirre-Sacasa tweeted Wednesday morning, along with a photo of the cast, which prominently featured Perry. “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.”
Production was shut down on “Riverdale” on both Monday and Tuesday after Perry’s death.
Aguirre-Sacasa, fellow executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter and Jon Goldwater, along with studio Warner Bros. Television and network The CW released the below statement together on Monday.
“We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the ‘Riverdale,’ 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 has appeared in 52 of the 58 “Riverdale” episodes to air, including tonight’s. The show has already been renewed for Season 4.
“Actor Luke Perry, 52, passed away today after suffering a massive stroke,” a spokesperson for Perry said in a statement Monday. “He was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett, step-father Steve Bennett, brother Tom Perry, sister Amy Coder, and other close family and friends. 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.”
“Riverdale” airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.