KJ Apa Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

KJ Apa is a New Zealand actor‑singer best known for his turn as Archie Andrews in Riverdale, now branching into music and global influence.

Introduction

Keneti James Fitzgerald “KJ” Apa, born June 17, 1997, has emerged from his native Auckland, New Zealand into a global entertainment figure. With an estimated net worth of around US $3 million, he has leveraged his breakout television role and a growing musical profile to build both brand and creative capital. Alongside his professional ascent, his personal life — including his past relationship with French model Clara Berry and the birth of their child — has drawn media interest, making his story one of ambition, evolution and international crossover.

Quick Facts

From Local Ambition to Global Success

Growing up in Auckland, KJ Apa was born into a family with mixed Samoan (through his father) and European New Zealander heritage.  He attended King’s College in Auckland before diving into acting. His first major break came in New Zealand’s soap Shortland Street, where he played Kane Jenkins from 2013 to 2015. 

The pivot to international stardom arrived when he won the lead role of Archie Andrews in the U.S.‑based teen drama Riverdale (2017–2023) after a global talent search. That role not only positioned him in front of a global audience, but also opened doors into film and music.

Defining moments in KJ Apa’s journey include:

• Landing his first major role as Kane Jenkins on Shortland Street.

• Being cast as Archie Andrews in Riverdale after a multi‑month international search.

• Transitioning into film with projects such as I Still Believe (2020) where he played real‑life musician Jeremy Camp.

• Launching his own music under his name and creating a new artistic identity.

The Core Pillars of KJ Apa’s Wealth Include

While detailed breakdowns from Forbes or Bloomberg are limited, public estimates (such as CelebrityNetWorth) place his net worth near US $3 million. 

Relationships & Family Life

In terms of personal life, KJ Apa’s romantic history and family commitments have attracted attention.
He was publicly linked to French model Clara Berry; in May 2021 they announced they were expecting a child, and in September 2021 their son Sasha Vai Keneti Apa was born. The couple never formally confirmed marriage, though at one point KJ playfully referred to Clara as his “wife.”  In early 2024 Clara confirmed their separation and the pair are co‑parenting their son. 

Key insights into KJ Apa’s relationships and personal life:

• His connection with Clara Berry followed earlier rumours with co‑star Britt Robertson, though that was never formally confirmed. 

• Fatherhood has played a significant role — in a 2025 interview KJ said becoming a dad “forced me to chill” and prompted new focus in his life. 

• The split with Clara appears amicable; the two were seen together publicly post‑breakup, signalling cooperative co‑parenting.

• He maintains relative privacy, with only occasional glimpses into his love life or partner status beyond these primary relationships.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, KJ Apa leads a lifestyle reflective of both creativity and rootedness, including:

• Property ownership: Reports from a New Zealand publication suggested he purchased a home in Nicholas Canyon early in his U.S. transition. 

• Music and artistry: He released an album titled Clocks in 2021 and later adopted the alias “Mr. Fantasy” for his musical foray.

• Cultural ties: In 2022, he was bestowed a Samoan chiefly title (“Savae”) by his home village of Moata’a, demonstrating his engagement with heritage and community.

• Hobbies: He has publicly discussed his Christian faith and his passion for music, skateboarding, and connecting with his roots. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

*Figures are approximations based on available public information; no verified breakdown from major business publications is currently available.
The key driver of growth for KJ Apa has been his transition from national soap actor to international leading man, combined with music diversification. While his net worth remains modest compared to A‑list stars, his profile is rising and the move into personal branding and music suggests upside potential.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

KJ Apa’s public image is shaped by his dual identity as a teen TV star turned cross‑platform artist, anchored by his Samoan‑New Zealander heritage. On social media and in interviews, he strikes a balance between youthful charisma and grounded reflection. His co‑starring role in Riverdale placed him in the global teen‑drama spotlight; Forbes noted his influence in social media early in his international career.

His commitment to cultural heritage — becoming a Samoan chief, speaking about his roots and using his platform — adds a dimension of authenticity. As he pushes into music, his artistic identity is evolving, laying the groundwork for a more diversified legacy. The long‑term influence may not just be as “Archie Andrews” but as a multi‑faceted entertainer bridging New Zealand, Samoa and Hollywood.

Conclusion

From his birthdate of June 17 and roots in Auckland, KJ Apa has carved a path from local actor to international presence. With an estimated net worth of around US $3 million, the story of his rise reveals ambition, adaptation and cultural grounding. His relationships — notably with Clara Berry and their son — and his twin pursuits of acting and music — reflect a dynamic personal life matched by professional evolution. As his birthday approaches each year, it’s worth noting that his journey is far from linear: it is a narrative of growth, heritage and creative reinvention.