In tribute to the Beverly Hills 90210 legend, Saturday Night Live is due to re-air a 1993 episode, hosted by Luke Perry, tonight.
This Luke Perry-hosted episode, which originally aired February 6th, 1993, is set to air 10 PM Eastern before the live show kicks off. The new episode will have Idris Elba – rumored James Bond – as the host.
Luke Perry sadly passed away earlier this week due after suffering a stroke. He was surrounded by family and friends in the hospital.
The Season 18 episode that Luke Perry hosted also featured Rolling Stones legend Mick Jagger as the musical guest. It’s also notable for being the last regular appearance of comedian and Wayne’s World star, Dana Carvey.
While Luke Perry was and is widely known for playing cool but troubled high schooler Dylan in Beverly Hills 90210, he received a second shot of fame with his role as Fred Andrews in Riverdale. Following the actor’s passing, the show shut down production to give employees a break. it is currently unknown as to how the writers will explain the absence of his character in the show following the break. As Archie Andrew’s father, Luke Perry played an important role in the series.
“We are deeply saddened to learn today about the passing of Luke Perry. A beloved member of the Riverdale, Warner Bros. and CW family,” reads the show’s 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. 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.”
Luke Perry is to be buried “amongst the stars” in L.A’s Forest Lawn Cemetery. According to a source for RadarOnline, the family wants “to honor him like the icon he is and they are hoping to have a service that will reflect that”.
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