KJ Apa is a New Zealand actor and musician. He is best known for starring as Archie Andrews on The CW’s hit drama ‘Riverdale.’ He has received numerous accolades, including nominations for an MTV Movie & TV Award, two Teen Choice Awards, Saturn Award, and two People’s Choice Awards.
Who is KJ Apa?
New Zealand actor KJ Apa started acting, portraying Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand primetime soap opera Shortland Street from 2013 to 2015. In 2017, he was cast in the CW drama series Riverdale, starring Archie Andrews. He also starred in A Dog’s Purpose (2017), The Hate U Give (2018), and I Still Believe (2020). In 2021, he released the indie folk-rock album Clocks, his debut solo album, which received some attention on TikTok and Spotify.
Early Life
KJ Apa was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 17, 1997. His mother, Tessa, is a European New Zealander, while his father, Keneti, is Samoan and chief (known as a matai) of his village in Samoa. Prior to his acting career, Apa attended high school at King’s College in Auckland.
Movies and TV Roles
“Shortland Street”
Apa starred as Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand prime-time soap opera Shortland Street from 2013 to 2015. It is New Zealand’s longest-running drama and soap opera and also one of the most watched television programs in New Zealand. Besides, it’s a five-night-a-week soap opera set in an Auckland City hospital, which follows the complicated personal and professional lives of its staff, family, and friends.
“Riverdale”
After a four-month worldwide talent search, Apa was cast as Archie Andrews in the CW series Riverdale in 2016. It’s an American supernatural horror crime drama television series based on Archie Comics characters. In the movie, a group of teenagers tries to unravel the evils lurking within Riverdale town after a teenager is murdered in the seemingly innocent town.
“A Dog’s Purpose”
In 2017, Apa starred in the comedy-drama film A Dog’s Purpose, playing teenage Ethan Montgomery. A feral puppy wonder about life in the 1950s. Weeks later, the feral puppy is caught by dog catchers, whisked away to the pound, and euthanized. In 1961, the dog is reborn as a Red Retriever who later leaves his cage at a puppy mill and is taken by two garbage men who plan to sell him.
Further Films
Apa appeared in the 2018 drama film The Hate U Give. He later starred in the Netflix film The Last Summer, playing Griffin. He also appeared in a biographical romantic drama film, I Still Believe, portraying singer Jeremy Camp. The film was released in March 2020.
Apa also appeared in the 2020 thriller film Songbird, produced by Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes. In May 2021, Lionsgate Films announced he would appear in a military-based drama West Pointer.
Personal Life
Apa has been in a relationship with French model Clara Berry since 2020. Together, they have a son, born in September 2021.
Apa stated that he is a Christian and was raised in a Christian family. He publicly criticized Australian rugby player Israel Folau in April 2018 for stating that God planned to send gay people to hell. Apa described Folau’s arguments as “disappointing.”