KJ Apa first stole the spotlight as Archie Andrews on “Riverdale,” captivating audiences with his fiery hair and brooding charm. But there’s a lot more to this New Zealand native than just his iconic role. Born and raised in Auckland, KJ (short for Keneti James Fitzgerald) has carved out a Hollywood journey that goes beyond playing a comic book character – landing roles in films like “The Hate U Give” and “I Still Believe,” and showing off a surprising amount of depth along the way.
Away from the cameras and red carpets, KJ is about as down-to-earth as they come. He’s just as likely to share a silly story about life back in New Zealand as he is to joke around with his “Riverdale” friends during interviews. Music is another major part of his life – he grew up playing the guitar, a passion that sometimes sneaks onto our screens through his characters.
The Woman in KJ’s Life
Fans really started paying attention to KJ’s love life when he began dating French model Clara Berry in 2020. Their relationship seemed to blossom in real time on Instagram – what started as lighthearted banter quickly became real affection, and soon the two were sharing sweet glimpses of their life together. In September 2021, they welcomed their son, Sasha Vai Keneti Apa, and KJ stepped confidently into fatherhood at just 24.
“Becoming a dad has changed everything,” he reflected in a rare, candid moment in 2022. “The way I see work, life, time – it’s all different now.”
Rumors surfaced in early 2024 about a possible split between KJ and Clara, but anyone keeping an eye out might have noticed recent sightings of them together. Whether they’re giving things another shot or simply co-parenting, it’s clear they’re figuring out what works best for their family – without the need for public spectacle. KJ’s always been pretty private about the details, sprinkling occasional photos or moments on social media but steering clear of dramatic press stories.
Like most celebrities his age, KJ’s dealt with his share of rumor mills. Back around 2017 or 2018, he was spotted a handful of times with Canadian model Corinne Isherwood, sparking headlines about a possible relationship, though neither of them ever confirmed anything. He’s also been linked in passing to his “Riverdale” co-stars Lili Reinhart and Camila Mendes, but those friendships have always stayed just that – friendships.
Maybe the most interesting thing about KJ’s approach to romance is how natural it is. Early on in “Riverdale,” he barely talked about his personal life at all. Over time, he’s become a little more open, showing fans that yes, he loves his family, but he’s not putting his most private moments out for likes or headlines. As he once put it, “I’m not great at putting on a show for people. What you see is pretty much what you get.”
Past Relationships
Clara Berry
Corinne Isherwood
That sense of groundedness has helped him weather the intense glare of the spotlight. Whether his relationship with Clara moves forward or takes a new direction, KJ’s determination to keep his private life truly private makes him stand out in Hollywood’s new generation. For a guy who grew up on a hit TV show, he’s managed to balance fame and real life with a thoughtfulness that’s rare – always keeping one eye on the future, as both a father and an actor.