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Riverdale has shut down production following Luke Perry's death
5 March 2019, 15:31
The CW is giving the cast and crew of Riverdale time to grieve the loss of their friend and co-star.
Following the passing of Riverdale and Beverly Hills 90210 actor Luke Perry, production on The CW drama has been shut down for the time being.
As reported by Variety, production stopped for the day on Monday (March 4) following the sad news to allow Luke's friends and co-stars to grieve the devastating loss. It remains suspended as of Tuesday 5th March.
Riverdale executive producers Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Jon Goldwater and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa released a joint statement paying tribute to Luke shortly after the news broke.
“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.”
A statement from Riverdale’s executive producers, Warner Bros., and The CW. pic.twitter.com/1YNhbaupHv
— Riverdale (@CW_Riverdale) March 4, 2019
Luke's Riverdale cast mates have been leading the tributes to the actor on social media, with Lili Reinhart and Casey Cott sharing memories of their time with him. Marisol Nichols also shared a picture of the two of them behind the scenes.
You can read all the tweets and Instagram tributes to Luke here.
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.
— Lili Reinhart (@lilireinhart) March 4, 2019
I’m thinking of his family. His children.
I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.
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 treated everyone with love and joy. We had so much fun. Praying for his family.
— Casey Cott (@CaseyCott) March 5, 2019
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
So far, nothing has been said about how much filming Luke completed on Riverdale season 3 or what will happen to his character Fred Andrews and right now, it shouldn't matter. Production will address that when they are ready and when his family and friends have had time to grieve.
