CNN video(CNN) - R.I.P., Fred Andrews. CW's "Riverdale" on Wednesday laid to rest the father of Archie Andrews (KJ Apa) in an episode seeped in grief that transcended the world that exists on the small screen. Luke Perry, who portrayed the character, died in March after suffering a stroke at age 52. "Fred Andrews will always be a part of Riverdale." With a befitting tribute, "Riverdale" has brought to a bittersweet conclusion Perry's legacy on television, where his absence will be felt whether you knew him best Fred Andrews or Dylan McKay.
Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images(CNN) - CW's "Riverdale" has recruited a special guest to help the show pay tribute to late cast member Luke Perry in its upcoming season premiere. "I am deeply honored to pay tribute to Luke on Riverdale," Doherty wrote on instagram. Showrunner Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa had said last month the season premiere would be dedicated to saying goodbye to Perry, who appeared on the show since 2017. In a statement, Aguirre-Sacasa said Perry had wanted Doherty to guest since season 1 of the show. "They were such good friends, and when we were putting together this tribute episode, we wanted to make it as special as possible, and so we asked Shannen to do a pivotal, super-emotional role," he said.
