Riverdale's KJ Apa posts a heartfelt tribute to on-screen dad Luke Perry on Instagram

8 March 2019, 16:41

By Katie Louise Smith

"Rest in Love bro."

Riverdale's KJ Apa has taken to social media to pay tribute to his on-screen dad Luke Perry.

Luke passed away in hospital surrounded by family and friends on Monday (March 4) following a stroke. Since his passing, Luke's friends and co-stars, including the cast of Riverdale, have all taken to social media to share memories, messages and tributes to the actor.

A few hours before posting his tribute to Luke, KJ shared a screenshot of the song 'The Background' by Third Eye Blind on his Instagram story. Fans were quick to take note of the emotional lyrics that read: "Everything is quiet, since you're not around, and I live in the numbness now."

He later shared a picture of Luke, smiling on a boat, alongside the caption: "Rest in Love bro."

View this post on Instagram

Rest in Love bro.

A post shared by KJ Apa (@kjapa) on Mar 7, 2019 at 6:18pm PST

More and more tributes to the actor have been pouring in on social media following his death on Monday. Riverdale's Madelaine Petch and Camila Mendes have now both shared their tributes of Luke, writing: "I love you Luke, you and those sweet forehead kisses will forever be missed," and "although you’re no longer around to wrap me in the warmth of your hug, i can still remember what it felt like. whenever i think of you, i will remember that feeling" respectively.

Cole Sprouse has also spoken publicly about how the cast are coping. Speaking on The Late Late Show, he said: “We’re recovering. We’re all going through the paces. Luke was one of those guys that I think would much rather have us laughing and telling stories about his life than lamenting it, but he was a good man. He was one of the guys that you never heard a bad word said about him ever in Hollywood, but out of respect for the privacy of his family during this time, I’m just trying to keep it brief."

Luke's children, Jack, 21, and Sophie, 18, have also posted about their dad on Instagram, thanking fans for their support.

View this post on Instagram

He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad. He loved and supported me in everything, and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be. I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for. I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth. I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud. I love you Dad.

A post shared by Jungle Boy • Jack Perry (@boy_myth_legend) on Mar 6, 2019 at 12:03pm PST

View this post on Instagram

A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them, and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I. I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bear with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly.

A post shared by Sophie Perry (@lemonperry) on Mar 5, 2019 at 11:57am PST

As Archie's dad Fred Andrews on Riverdale, Luke had already completed filming on the next few episodes of the show and is expected to appear in at least a couple more. It's not known when Luke's last appearance in Riverdale will be and it's also not known how the show will address his passing either.

But for the remainder of the show's run, every episode will be dedicated to Luke.