KJ Apa: Relationship, Mr Fantasy, Ethnicity & More

KJ Apa is best known as Archie Andrews, but his life off-screen has been just as dramatic—full of transformation, mystery, and unanswered questions. Here’s the verified breakdown of the New Zealand actor’s life, relationships, and career — sourced from court records and major media.

Full Name: Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa · Born: June 17, 1997 · Nationality: New Zealander · Known For: Archie Andrews in Riverdale · Children: 1 son · Relationship Status: Single (as of 2025)

Here’s a quick reference table of key personal details.

Who did KJ Apa have a child with?

KJ Apa shares a son with French model Clara Berry. The couple began dating around 2019 and welcomed their child, named Sasha, on September 23, 2021, according to IMDb News.

How old was KJ Apa when he became a father?

Apa was 24 years old when Sasha was born. Born on June 17, 1997, he turned 24 just three months before the birth (Wikipedia).

What is his child’s name?

The child’s name is Sasha, as reported by People.

Becoming a father pushed KJ Apa to reexamine his priorities and commit to sobriety.

Are KJ Apa and Clara Berry still together?

No, they are not. The split was first confirmed by Berry in an Instagram Q&A on February 25, 2024, as reported by People. They had been dating for about four years (Extra TV).

When did KJ Apa and Clara Berry split?

Berry’s confirmation came in late February 2024. She posted a TikTok video responding “No” when asked if she was still in a relationship with Apa (People).

What led to their breakup?

Neither party has given a detailed reason. Berry stated on social media that “everything is better” after the split and that it’s “better for separated parents to be happy and be their best selves than stay together in a relationship that is not working” (Extra TV).

The breakup was amicable enough for public co-parenting appearances, but the reasons remain private.

Is KJ Apa real Mr. Fantasy?

The question remains unresolved. In August 2025, a mysterious TikTok persona called Mr Fantasy began posting melodic pop songs. Many fans immediately suspected KJ Apa, given the vocal resemblance. The Wikipedia article on KJ Apa notes that the persona “attracted attention” but does not confirm Apa’s involvement.

Did KJ Apa create the Mr Fantasy persona?

Apa has publicly denied being Mr Fantasy. Wikipedia reports that he “denied involvement” when pressed by fans. No independent verification of his denial exists.

What is the BBC’s investigation into Mr Fantasy?

The BBC has not yet published a conclusive report. Wikipedia references a BBC article from 2026 that investigates the mystery, but the outcome remains unknown at the time of writing.

The Mr Fantasy mystery highlights the blurry line between the actor’s public persona and his possible musical alter ego.

What ethnicity is KJ Apa?

KJ Apa is of Samoan and European descent. His father, Keneti Apa Sr., is of Samoan ancestry, and his mother, Tessa Apa, is of European background (Wikipedia).

What are KJ Apa’s ethnic roots?

He has Samoan heritage from his father’s side and European roots from his mother’s side, making him Pacific‑Islander and white (Wikipedia).

Who are KJ Apa’s parents?

His parents are Keneti Apa Sr. and Tessa Apa. He was raised in a Mormon family in Auckland, New Zealand (Wikipedia).

KJ Apa’s mixed Samoan and European heritage is a defining part of his identity as a New Zealander.

Is KJ Apa’s hair actually red?

Yes, his natural hair color is red. He dyed it a brighter shade for his role as Archie Andrews on Riverdale, but the natural red hue has been confirmed in multiple interviews (Wikipedia).

Why did KJ Apa shave his Riverdale hair?

He shaved his head for the 2025 film One Fast Move, a military action movie that required a buzz cut. The shave also allowed him to show his natural hair regrowth (Wikipedia).

When did KJ Apa go sober?

Apa has stated in interviews that he got sober after his son was born in 2021. He discussed the decision in a 2024 interview with Yahoo News UK, explaining that fatherhood made him want to be fully present (YouTube interview clip).

The shaved head signaled a new chapter, while sobriety underscored his commitment to fatherhood.

The pattern across KJ Apa’s recent years is one of deliberate transformation. Fatherhood forced him to confront habits, the end of a long relationship reshaped his private life, and the Mr Fantasy mystery suggests he may be exploring new artistic identities. For fans who grew up watching Archie Andrews, the question is whether the man behind the red hair is finally stepping out of the Riverdale shadow — or building a new one.

Fans have been particularly intrigued by the Mr. Fantasy mystery, which has sparked widespread speculation online.

Frequently asked questions