The Riverdale cast mourn the sudden death of their co-star with emotional tributes

Our thoughts are with the cast and Luke Perry’s loved ones.

It was announced today that US actor Luke Perry had died aged 52.

Perry, known predominantly for his roles in Beverly Hills, 90210 and more recently Riverdale, suffered a ‘massive stroke’ last week leading to his hospitalisation, and his publicist Arnold Robinson confirmed today that the actor had sadly passed away.

‘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 statement continued, going on to thank the ‘outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world.’

Among those voicing their sadness at the tragic news was the Riverdale cast, where Perry played the loveable character Fred Andrews for the past three seasons.

In a tribute to the ‘beloved member of the Riverdale, Warner Bros and CW family’, Riverdale’s executive producers announced in a statement ‘Luke was everything you would hope he would be: an incredibly caring, consummate professional with a giant heart, and a true friend to all.’

The statement continued: ‘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.’

Lili Reinhart, Riverdale’s Betty Cooper, was one of the first to pay tribute to the legendary actor, taking to her Twitter to post ‘I just can’t believe it’.

She then returned to social media to post a longer message.

‘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,’ she wrote. ‘I’m thinking of his family. His children. I pray for them to heal and find peace in this devastating loss.’ The actress also posted an Instagram tribute to Perry last week following his stroke, captioning a photo of the two of them, 'Thinking of you, Luke and praying for your safe recovery'.

Perry's onscreen wife, Molly Ringwald also paid tribute, posting: 'My heart is broken. I will miss you so much Luke Perry. Sending all my love to your family. ❤️ #LukePerry'

‘I’m absolutely heartbroken of the news that we lost someone so incredibly special,' wrote Madchen Amick. 'Luke had become a dear friend. We laughed. We cried. We shared our showbiz war stories. We shared how proud we are as parents. I knew that he was always there for me no matter what. I’m so thankful for the time that we had together. He was an incredibly loving and generous man. My thoughts and prayers are with his family right now. I will love you forever Luke.’

'Luke made people feel safe and valued and welcome,' posted Riverdale actress Nathalie Boltt alongside a design of a Maya Angelou quote. 'Luke made us laugh. He certainly made me laugh. He was gracious, kind; a gentleman. But most of all he was a fine, fine father and my friend. Thank you, Luke. We miss you. Stay close.'

'One of the kindest most gentle souls this world has ever known #riplukeperry,' posted castmate Robin Givens. 'My heart is broken ....There are so many special moments in life that we all take for granted ...like @madchenamick pulling out her phone and taking this sweet and silly "selfie" of us…We assume that the #laughter will last or that they’ll be another time to tell someone just how important they are to you ....#lukeperry was of the most kind and gentle souls this world has ever been given .... a true gift and I’m deeply grateful and will forever cherish the time we shared .....the friendship , the talks about our kids and politics and directing and tennis and wrestling. I love you Luke and you will always hold a special place in my heart. I miss you already 😢🙏❤️'

'We lost an original today. A legend,' posted Ross Butler, Riverdale actor from season 1. 'He paved the way for us. Although we didn't work much together, he always greeted me with a smile, had a joke ready, and a story to tell. Rest in peace, Luke. Rest easy.'

'My heart is heavy. One of the kindest men I’ve met since I began this journey has passed,' posted Riverdale actress Hayley Law. 'Someone who always encouraged me and everyone on set. Luke genuinely cared about everyone he worked with, and if you work in entertainment, you know how special that is. You offered to co-sign for my car when the dealership wouldn’t let me finance it. I’m so lucky I was able to call you a friend in this life, Luke. It’s hard to believe. Condolences to your family and friends. I hope you are at peace. I hope you are happy and safe. You deserve the most beautiful afterlife.'

We will continue to update this story.

Our thoughts are with Luke Perry’s loved ones.