KJ Apa
KJ Apa is one of the most recognized New Zealand Actors of the Generation Z generation.
Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa (born 17 June 1997) is a New Zealand actor, singer, and musician. He began acting playing Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand primetime soap opera Shortland Street from 2013 to 2015. Apa is best known for portraying Archie Andrews on The CW television series Riverdale (2017-2023), for which he won a Saturn Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.
"KJ Apa's career-defining role came as Archie Andrews in The CW's Riverdale, a dark adaptation of the Archie Comics." — About KJ Apa
| Metric | KJ Apa | Avg Actor | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 28 | 53 | -25 yrs |
| Career length | 10 yrs | ~35 yrs | -25 yrs |
| Based on 3888 Actor profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about KJ Apa
Did you know that despite his iconic red hair as Archie Andrews, KJ Apa is a natural brunette and had to undergo weekly dyeing sessions for the role?
- His father is a Samoan chief (matai), making KJ of Samoan and European descent.
- He released a folk-pop album titled "Clocks" in 2021, showcasing his musical talents beyond acting.
- For his role as Archie Andrews, he had to dye his naturally dark hair red weekly for seven years.
- KJ was one of the last actors to audition for Archie, beating out hundreds of hopefuls for the iconic role.
- He learned to play the guitar at age 13 and is proficient, often incorporating it into his acting roles.
KJ Apa's career-defining role came as Archie Andrews in The CW's Riverdale, a dark adaptation of the Archie Comics. His portrayal of the titular character across seven seasons propelled him to global fame and cemented his status as a teen idol, earning him a Saturn Award for Best Breakthrough Performance.
Apa will largely be remembered for bringing a modern, complex interpretation to the beloved comic book character Archie Andrews, shaping a generation's view of the iconic teen. His work on Riverdale also highlighted his unique blend of acting and musical talent, establishing him as a versatile performer.
