What is KJ Apa's Net Worth?
KJ Apa, a New Zealand actor, boasts a net worth of $3 million. Known for his portrayal of Archie Andrews on The CW's "Riverdale" since 2017, KJ has also been seen as Kane Jenkins on the New Zealand soap opera "Shortland Street" (2014–2015). His film credits include "A Dog's Purpose" (2017), "The Last Summer" (2019), and "I Still Believe" (2020). In "Riverdale," KJ showcases his musical talent, and he displayed his singing and guitar skills while playing Christian music singer Jeremy Camp in "I Still Believe."
Early Life
KJ Apa was born Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa on June 17, 1997, in Auckland, New Zealand. Raised by his mother Tessa, a European New Zealander, and his father Tupa'i Keneti, a Samoan chief, KJ has two older sisters, Ari and Timena. His uncle Michael Jones is a former rugby union player. KJ attended King's College and snagged his first acting role during his teenage years.
Career
KJ commenced his acting career in 2013, playing Kane Jenkins on "Shortland Street," appearing in 46 episodes. At 18, he moved to Los Angeles and filmed "A Dog's Purpose" in 2015. In 2016, KJ appeared in "The Cul de Sac" and after a rigorous four-month talent search, landed the role of Archie Andrews in "Riverdale." The show, based on Archie Comics characters, features Archie as a kind-hearted individual facing numerous challenges, including dealing with his father's death, surviving a bear attack, and being framed for murder.
In 2018, KJ starred in "The Hate U Give" and portrayed Griffin Hourigan in "The Last Summer" (2019). His subsequent roles include the action thriller "Dead Reckoning" and the biographical film "I Still Believe" (2020). In the COVID-19 pandemic-themed "Songbird," KJ starred alongside Demi Moore, Bradley Whitford, and Craig Robinson. KJ also released a song titled "Atmosphere" with his "Riverdale" co-star Hart Denton in March 2021.
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Personal Life
KJ was raised in a Christian household and in an "Elle" magazine interview, expressed, "I'm a Christian, so my relationship with my spiritual side and God is everything to me." In September 2017, KJ was involved in a car accident in Vancouver after falling asleep at the wheel following a 14-hour workday on "Riverdale." Though unharmed, the car's passenger side was destroyed. Later, in July 2020, KJ suffered a head injury requiring stitches during a stunt on the set of "Songbird."
The "Riverdale" cast mourned the loss of their co-star Luke Perry in March 2019. KJ fondly remembered Luke, stating, "He's one of the best people I've ever known in my life. I hope I can be half the man that he was." Luke's off-screen paternal care extended to KJ, as he would frequently check in with KJ's parents and even bring him Gatorade when he was unwell.
Awards and Nominations
KJ Apa has earned four Saturn Award nominations from the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films for "Riverdale," winning the Breakthrough Performance Award in 2017. He also received nominations for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2018, KJ received an MTV Movie + TV Award nomination for Best Kiss (shared with Camila Mendes) and has been nominated for three People's Choice Awards: Favorite Drama TV Star and Favorite Male TV Star for "Riverdale," along with Favorite Drama Movie Star for "I Still Believe." Additionally, he has five Teen Choice Award nominations: Choice Summer Movie Actor for "The Last Summer" and multiple nominations for his work on "Riverdale," including Choice Breakout TV Star, Choice TV Ship (shared with Mendes), and Choice TV Actor: Drama.
