Riverdale star KJ Apa spoke to Jimmy Fallon about his close relationship with Luke Perry, just as the final episode of Riverdale with Perry aired.

"Everyone was pretty shocked," Apa tells Fallon of learning the passing of Perry. "And I think- it's not every day you come across a guy like Luke."

He continues, "Luke is the kind of person who did everything he can to make whoever you are, however how big or small you were, feel comfortable and feel welcome. It's hard to put into words how that makes me feel."

Apa shares that Perry called his parents every week to keep them updated on how he was doing.  "Like if I had a cold or something he'd be like, 'I took some Gatorade to his apartment the other day.' Him and my dad were always texting each other," Apa recalls.

"He made an effort. He made such a huge effort from the very beginning," he adds. "I wish I could be like that." Immediately Fallon told Apa that he is like that.

Apa plays Archie Andrews in Riverdale while Perry played his father Fred in the series. Perry was 52 when he died of a major stroke. Since his passing Apa has only spoken about Perry in an Instagram post.

Fallon asks Apa why he chose that particular image to remember Perry by, "I just think he's just in complete and utter peace in that photo. Look at him. He's just living his life," Apa replies. "That was very beautiful that you did that, buddy," Fallon nodded.

 

Before They Were on Riverdale

More From KIX 105.7