KJ Apa
KJ Apa, born Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa on June 17, 1997, in Auckland, New Zealand, is an actor and musician. He is best known for his role as Archie Andrews in the CW series “Riverdale” (2017-2023). He has also appeared in films like “A Dog's Purpose” (2017) and “The Hate U Give” (2018). Apa's father is Samoan, and his mother is a European New Zealander. He has a son named Sasha with his partner, Clara Berry.
KJ Apa's Wiki
Early Life and Career
Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa was born on June 17, 1997 in Auckland, New Zealand. He was raised in a Christian household by his Samoan father Tupa’i Keneti Apa, a village chief, and his European New Zealander mother Tessa. He has two older sisters, Timena and Arieta, and his uncle is rugby legend Michael Jones. Apa attended King’s College in Auckland and recorded a solo guitar album at age 14. He began acting in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street (2013–2015) as Kane Jenkins, then moved to Los Angeles where he was cast as Archie Andrews in Riverdale (2017–2023) after a global talent search.
Movies and Television
Apa’s breakout role was Archie Andrews in Riverdale, which ran for seven seasons. His film credits include A Dog’s Purpose (2017), The Hate U Give (2018), The Last Summer (2019), I Still Believe (2020), Dead Reckoning (2020), Songbird (2020), One Fast Move (2024), and The Map That Leads to You (2025). He also starred in The Cul de Sac (2016) and voiced songs for I Still Believe. Upcoming projects include Let’s Have Kids! and a biopic of Sublime frontman Bradley Nowell.
Modeling
Apa has modeled for Lacoste underwear and appeared in fashion editorials that highlight his athletic build and signature red hair. His shirtless scenes in Riverdale and social media posts have made him a frequent subject of fan edits and style features. He’s known for his laid-back, rugged aesthetic and has been featured in campaigns that blend fashion with music.
Personal Life
Apa dated French model Clara Berry from 2020 to 2024. They welcomed a son, Sasha Vai Keneti Apa, in September 2021. He was awarded the matai title of Savae by his native village Moata’a in Samoa in 2022. He’s a practicing Christian and has publicly spoken out against homophobia. He enjoys playing guitar, writing music, and spending time with his family. He was involved in a minor car accident in 2017 after falling asleep at the wheel but was unharmed.
Wiki and Measurements
Full name Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa; born June 17, 1997 (age 28); New Zealand actor, singer, and musician active since 2013; educated at King’s College in Auckland. Height 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m); weight approximately 167 lbs (76 kg); athletic build; dark brown hair (dyed red for Riverdale); dark brown eyes; shoe size 11 US.