Kiwi actor KJ Apa breaks silence after the death of his on-screen father Luke Perry

Kiwi star KJ Apa has paid tribute to his on-screen father Luke Perry, who tragically passed away this week after suffering a "massive stroke" at the age of 52.

Breaking his silence, the Riverdale star shared a screenshot on his Instagram story of the 90s song The Background by Third Eye Blind, which pays tribute to a loved one who has died in hospital.

The opening lyrics include: "Everything is quiet since you're not around, and I live in the numbness now, in the background."

Luke played Fred Andrews, the father of KJ's character Archie, in Riverdale, the CW/Netflix TV series based on the beloved Archie comics.

Earlier this week Luke’s children also broke their silence on their father’s tragic death.

His son Jack revealed that he is "heart is broken" following his father’s death.

Posting two pictures - one of himself as a child with his dad, and one of him in at a wrestling match whilst his father watches in the background - he wrote: "He was a lot of things to a lot of people. To me, he was always Dad.

Photo / Instagram

"He loved supported me in everything and inspired me to be the best that I could possibly be.

"I’ve learned so much from you, and my heart is broken thinking about everything you won’t be here for.

"I’ll miss you every day that I walk this earth.

"I’ll do whatever I can to carry on your legacy and make you proud.

"I love you Dad. (sic)"

Meanwhile, Luke’s daughter Sophie, 18, thanked fans of the Beverly Hills, 90210 actor - who had both his children with ex-wife Rachel Sharp - for "all the love" they have sent Luke’s family.

Posting a picture of herself with her dad on Instagram, Sophie wrote: "A lot has happened in this past week for me. Everything is happening so fast. I made it back from Malawi just in time to be here with my family, And in the past 24 hours I have received an overwhelming amount of love and support. I cannot individually respond to the hundreds of beautiful and heartfelt messages, but I see them and appreciate you all for sending positivity to my family and I. I’m not really sure what to say or do in this situation, it’s something you aren’t ever given a lesson on how to handle, especially when it’s all happening in the public eye. So bare with me and know that I am grateful for all the love. Just, being grateful quietly."

Tributes also flooded in from those who worked with him on screen following the news of his death.

Photo / Getty

Tributes also flooded in from those who worked with him on screen following the news of his death.

Actress Shannen Doherty took to Instagram to say how "devastated" she is after losing her 90210 co-star.

I’m struggling with this loss and am having a hard time with my thoughts. But, my heart goes out to his family and friends who were blessed by his light in their (and mine) lives. Processing this is impossible right now," she wrote.

Another 90210 co-star, Jason Priestley also paid tribute to the late actor on Instagram, sharing old and recent images of him with his "dear friend of 29 years".

"It's taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this," wrote Priestley. "My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared.

"Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon ... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today ... If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well.

"The candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long ... you burned oh, so brightly Luke ... Goodnight Sweet Prince."

Riverdale actress Lili Reinhart described how she was also "devastated" by Luke's death.

Molly Ringwald - who played Luke's ex-wife on Riverdale simply wrote: "Goodbye, my friend. I enjoyed dancing with you for a time ..."

RIP, Luke Perry.

- Bang! Showbiz, Spy, additional reporting by The Hits