"Riverdale" Shuts Down Production as Cast and Crew Mourn Death of Luke Perry

Farewell, Fred Andrews.

Production on Riverdale has shut down for the day, following the death of one of its stars, Luke Perry.

The actor passed away in a Burbank hospital at age 52, after suffering a stroke last week.

According to a representative, at the time of his death he was surrounded by his children Jack and Sophie, fiancé Wendy Madison Bauer, ex-wife Minnie Sharp, mother Ann Bennett and other close family members 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," their statement read.

The CW and Warner Bros. TV, which produces Riverdale, has responded by sending the cast and crew home for the day. Perry played Archie’s dad, Fred Andrews, on the show.

"Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all," said a joint statement from the program's makers.

"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."

Many of his colleagues shared tributes on social media shortly after his stroke.

Mädchen Amick, who plays Betty's mother Alice, was one of the first to express her sorrow following news of his death.

Prior to Riverdale, Perry was best known as a teen heartthrob himself, for starring as Dylan McKay on the original Beverly Hills 90210.

He had redefined himself in recent years as Archie's reliable, good-hearted dad on Riverdale.

It has been revealed that Perry's final role will be in Quentin Tarantino's upcoming film Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. One of its stars, Leonardo DiCaprio, also posted a tribute to social media.

Header Image: Warner Bros. TV