Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa, better known as K.J. Apa, was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on June 17, 1997. From 2014 to 2015, he played Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand primetime soap opera “Shortland Street.” K.J. Apa landed the lead role of Archie Andrews in the C.W. drama series “Riverdale” in 2017. K.J. Apa made his film debut in 2017 with “A Dog’s Purpose,” followed by “The Hate U Give” in 2018 and “I Still Believe” in 2020. Right here, we’ll assist you in celebrating his special day.
Fast Facts
Full Name:
Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa
Nickname:
K.J. Apa
Birth date:
June 17, 1997
Age:
27
Zodiac Sign:
Gemini
Height:
5' 10"
Relationship Status:
In a relationship
Net Worth:
$3 million
Background
Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa, better known as K.J. Apa, was born in Waitakere Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand, on June 17, 1997, to Tupa’i and Tessa Apa. His father is a Samoan who serves as the matai (chief) of his village in Samoa, and his mother is a European New Zealander. K.J. Apa is the nephew of former rugby union player and coach Michael Jones and has two older sisters. He went to King’s College in Auckland for high school before starting his acting career.
From 2013 to 2015, Apa appeared as Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand prime-time serial drama “Shortland Street.” After a four-month worldwide talent search, he was cast as Archie Andrews in the C.W. drama series “Riverdale” in 2016. He starred as adolescent Ethan Montgomery in the comedy-drama film “A Dog’s Purpose,” which was released on the same day that “Riverdale” premiered on television. In the 2018 drama film “The Hate U Give,” he played the role of Chris as the replacement for Kian Lawley. He also played Griffin in “The Last Summer,” a Netflix film that was released on May 3, 2019. In March 2020, Apa starred as singer Jeremy Camp in the biographical romantic drama film “I Still Believe.” He starred in Michael Bay’s Platinum Dunes’ critically panned 2020 thriller “Songbird,” directed by Adam Mason. Lionsgate Films announced in May 2021 that he would star in the military drama “West Pointer.”
Apa was in a small car accident in Vancouver in September 2017 but escaped with minor injuries after his vehicle was hit by a light pole on the passenger side. According to rumors, he fell asleep behind the wheel after a long day of shooting the night before. Apa was raised in a Christian home and has publicly acknowledged his faith. In April 2018, he publicly chastised Australian rugby player Israel Folau for claiming that God intended to send gay people to hell, calling Folau’s remarks “disappointing.” Apa has been dating French model Clara Berry since 2020, and they welcomed a newborn baby named Sasha Vai Keneti Apa on September 23rd, 2021.
Career timeline
Apa plays the role of Jenkins for 46 episodes in the New Zealand prime-time soap opera "Shortland Street."
Apa is cast as Andrews in the C.W. drama series "Riverdale" after a four-month worldwide talent search.
Apa stars in the comedy-drama "A Dog's Purpose," which follows a dog as he searches for his life's purpose across multiple lifetimes and owners.
Apa plays Chris in the crime drama film "The Hate U Give.”
Apa plays the leading role in the biography drama "I Still Believe," playing the role of Camp alongside Britt Robertson, who plays Melissa.
Why We Love KJ Apa
He has a sensitive side
When recalling the passing of his T.V. father, Luke Perry, on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," Apa became very emotional. The two performers were exceptionally close both on and offset.
He is very close with his family
Apa credits his achievements to his family, particularly his mother. He also has a tattoo dedicated to his mother and two sisters.
He has a soft spot for animals
It's not surprising that Apa loves animals and treats them with respect since he acted in a movie where a pet dog was the main character. In addition, he posts pictures of himself, his pets, and other creatures that he likes to interact with and view.
5 Surprising Facts
He is a member of a band
Apa is a member of The Good Time Boys, a cover band that gave an eight-song set at Guilt & Company in February 2019.
He's not a redhead
Many of Apa's fans believe his red hair is natural because it suits him so well, but it was dyed for his role as Andrews in the mystery drama "Riverdale."
He's half Samoan
Since his father is a chief and he used to speak Samoan as a child, K.J. Apa claimed that Samoan culture has had a significant impact on his life.
He is a big fan of “Game of Thrones”
Apa enjoys watching movies and television shows, with “Game of Thrones” being his favorite.
He's addicted to getting tattoos
Apa has numerous tattoos on his body, which he probably got because he enjoys body art.
KJ Apa FAQs
What's Apa's natural hair color?
He’s a natural brunette and claims that his naturally dark brown hair matches his brows.
How old was Apa when he filmed “Riverdale?”
Apa was 19 when he started filming “Riverdale.”
Is Apa a good singer?
Apa’s vocal abilities have astounded his fans. He’s been singing since he was a child, even publishing his own musical instrumental rock Album, “The Third Room,” at the age of 14.
KJ Apa’s birthday dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | June 17 | Tuesday |
2026 | June 17 | Wednesday |
2027 | June 17 | Thursday |
2028 | June 17 | Saturday |
2029 | June 17 | Sunday |