“I wish he was still here”: KJ Apa talks about his relationship with Luke Perry

At the Dream It Fest Paris 2 convention, Riverdale fans had the chance to meet KJ Apa, who played Archie Andrews between 2017 and 2023 on the CW series created by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. The actor’s visit to the French capital was an opportunity for him to discuss a poignant topic: his relationship with Luke Perry, his onscreen father who tragically passed away in 2019.

A close relationship, on screen as in life

During one of his panels, KJ Apa mentioned Luke Perry several times, the actor who played Fred Andrews and a father figure who was particularly beloved by Riverdale fans. With emotion, he confided: “It was awesome. The relationship we had on screen was very similar to the relationship we had in real life, and those were my favorite days, working with him. […] Because we were fast, we got things done really quickly, […] he knew how to work properly, and he was just the kindest man. I learned so much from him. I wish he was still here.”

Luke Perry, who died of a stroke in 2019, still holds a special place in KJ Apa‘s heart. As the actor pointed out at the same panel, working with Luke Perry was his favorite part of Riverdale, and KJ Apa adds that his favorite scene is one he filmed with the actor, who was also known for his role as Dylan McKay in Beverly Hills, 90210. The scene features Archie and Fred talking on the porch of the family home, a true father-son moment, as the actor recalls.