She’s paying homage. During the Riverdale panel at San Diego Comic-Con 2019 on Sunday, July 21, executive producer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa announced that that actress Shannen Doherty would be joining the series for a tribute to her friend, the late Luke Perry. Shortly after the news was revealed, Shannen, 48, took to social media to release a statement about why she decided to join the show during the upcoming season 4 for a very special episode.

“I am deeply honored to pay tribute to Luke on Riverdale. The care in which this show takes in honoring his memory is beautiful. He is missed. Today. Tomorrow. Forever,” Shannen wrote on Instagram, along with two photos of her the beloved Hollywood star.

Luke was best known for his role as Dylan McKay on the iconic ’90s teen TV show Beverly Hills, 90210 — in which he starred alongside Shannen, who played Dylan’s love interest, Brenda Walsh. But Luke went on to enjoy a very long career both in TV and film, and his most recent, prominent role was as Fred Andrews on The CW’s Riverdale, the father of KJ Apa‘s Archie Andrews.

But on March 4, 2019, Luke passed away at 52 years old just one week after suffering a massive stroke. In the wake of his death, his family, friends, loved ones and costars from past and present all shared touching tributes to him and production on Riverdale was suspended temporarily out of respect.

luke perry posed for a photo with the riverdale cast at wondercon 2017
Albert L. Ortega/Getty Images

Shannen will be a part of the season 4 premiere in an episode titled “In Memoriam,” which will air on October 9, according to Us Weekly. According to Aguirre-Sacasa, she will have a “super-emotional” role and the episode will “reflect Perry’s enduring legacy and the indelible imprint his character” had on 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,” the producer said. “She read the script and immediately said yes. It’s very impactful.”

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