PHOTOS‘Riverdale’ Star KJ Apa Speaks Out About His TV Dad Luke Perry’s Death — ‘Rest In Love’
March 8 2019, Updated 6:06 p.m. ET
KJ Apa posted a tribute to the late Luke Perry on March 7, days after his death shocked the set of Riverdale. The young New Zealand actor has portrayed Luke’s son on the show, which is based on the Archie Comics, since 2017.
KJ, 21, posted a candid picture of Luke smiling on a boat. He captioned the moment, “Rest in Love, bro.”
Many of the Riverdale cast reacted on social media after Luke’s fatal stroke on February 27 and soon after the Beverly Hills, 90210 star passed away on March 4.
Riverdale's creator, Roberto Aguirre Sacasa, tweeted, "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."
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The actors have especially been supporting KJ. After his post, his Riverdale castmates Madelaine Petsch, Skeet Ulrich, Vanessa Morgan, Casey Cott, Marisol Nichols, , and more flooded his comment section on Instagram with heart emojis.
Nathalie Boltt customized her message and wrote, “Arohanui, KJ.” The phrase is loosely translated to “much love” in the Maori indigenous language of Polynesian New Zealander’s. As fans of the Riverdale actor know, KJ’s father is Samoan.
Luke’s rep issued a statement, which read in part, “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.”
