Luke Perry, who rose to fame on Beverly Hills, 90210, died Monday at 52. In response to his death, Riverdale, the CW series on which he was playing Archie’s father, shut down production for the day. “We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the Riverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family,” the show’s executive producers Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa, Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, and Jon Goldwater said in a joint statement with Warner Bros. TV and the CW. “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 was hospitalized in Los Angeles Wednesday after experiencing a massive stroke at his home in Sherman Oaks. Since his hospitalization, members of the show’s cast — including Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse, Casey Cott, Marisol Nichols, and Mädchen Amick — shared messages of support on social media. Following Perry’s death, Riverdale’s writers room tweeted, “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.” Molly Ringwald, who played Perry’s ex-wife on the series, wrote, “My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family.”
