KJ Apa Went From Concussed Rugby Player to Riverdale TV Star

KJ Apa talks about shooting “Riverdale” in Vancouver, growing up with Samoan culture and tradition, his dad being the village chief, getting three concussions while playing rugby, his road to becoming an actor, jumping seven years into the future on “Riverdale,” and having no idea what the Super Bowl was.
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[@julianamonteiro9648]

"WHO KNOWS WITH THOSE WRITERS, I'VE BEEN ATTACKED BY A BEAR LIKE HOW MANY TIMES NOW ?", THE SHADE OF IT ALL, I LOVE IT

[@markywarky]

kj the kinda guy you could have a beer or a couple with and then realise hes kj

[@celinaniek4481]

Omg yes😂

[@akaromainaka9587]

N'n

[@markywarky]

@@Bloodlinefan ok bud

[@matteosalmaso8855]

Kj's laugh is one of those laughs that make you laugh even more 😂

[@toke_rian2517]

I think every polynesian that type of laugh lol

[@jeanuwesi8411]

That's so Islander of him 😂😂😂😂

[@celinaniek4481]

Exactly 😂

[@rfox2163]

his smiles infectious lol

[@oblivionslegitblxss]

Thats so my laugh-

[@joelnjabo5820]

Riverdale seems to be written by concussed Rugby players so he must be feeling right at home

[@fabeys2816]

LOL!!!!

[@miserablepileofsecrets]

LMAO !!

[@cwp4eva]

😂😂😂😂

[@reliablerants]

lmao

[@kellykapoor2]

lmao so truee

[@lone_tua]

coming from a Samoan, bruh KJ you're the man..even if you don't know to speak our native tongue I'm proud of your accomplishment and your family must be too. God bless you uso 👌🏾

[@susantuiloma4244]

He and his sisters actually use to speak it at a young age but lost the language growing up

[@kilipaki87oritahiti]

His dad is a chief, and KJ him self just recently became one back in his home village in Samoa. ''The 25-year-old, who hails from the village of Moata'a, has been given the matai (chief) title of Savae - the same name as his famous uncle and All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones, who also holds the title of La'auli. Apa's Samoan roots lie with his father, who is also a chief, Tupa'i Keneti Apa. KJ Apa stopped hearts over the weekend with an Instagram post teasing him and Eric Dane as a couple. The Riverdale star showed off his newly shaved head as he posed lounging in a bed alongside Dane.''

[@redhood4730]

KJ knows the triumphs and defeats, the epic highs and lows of highschool rugby.

[@beautifullEternal]

Legendary

[@alydematti]

KJ is so sweet, genuine, and charismatic. Loved this interview!

[@emilyt182]

I'm glad he finally got to talk about his heritage

[@LarissaMasi]

he is so charming it’s insane!

[@terina1958]

Bahaha 😂 I can’t

[@RSyed-tu4rn]

Every time I see his infectious smile, I realize how much I miss it bc Archie never smiles in Riverdale lol

[@jpa4572]

I think he said "president" for the American audience so they knew what he meant.

[@RubyDoobieScoo]

I hope that's the case.

[@jasonswift7098]

Prime minister really.

[@sethm3856]

Yea Ihe just misspoke & couldn't be bothered correcting himself.

[@vic_cresss]

Yeah he did

[@ScarlettJ1221]

KJ is hot af and I just think he's underrated overall

[@yashkagi5399]

Yes

[@amayaallen16]

Yess

[@J7nty]

I haven’t seen one of your comments in ages

[@21685_]

Whether or not you speak the language, you will always be Samoan uso! 🇼🇸

[@JusticeForChuuu]

He’s a quarter Samoan tho-

[@delayed7403]

@@JusticeForChuuu point still stands lol

[@kilipaki87oritahiti]

@@JusticeForChuuu You can't be half or a quarter ofa person. Regardless of blood quantum you're still your ancestors as long as it is in your blood. Colonial mentality much! And KJ just became a chief back in Samoa... ''The 25-year-old, who hails from the village of Moata'a, has been given the matai (chief) title of Savae - the same name as his famous uncle and All Blacks legend Sir Michael Jones, who also holds the title of La'auli. Apa's Samoan roots lie with his father, who is also a chief, Tupa'i Keneti Apa. KJ Apa stopped hearts over the weekend with an Instagram post teasing him and Eric Dane as a couple. The Riverdale star showed off his newly shaved head as he posed lounging in a bed alongside Dane.''

[@JessTheory]

How can you not love him!! Hes real!

[@rachhrachh1]

This was one of my favourite interviews to watch. He was just so genuine, and he was happy to answer the questions. Plus he’s funny!

[@Gabi-ym3ij]

Yes I agree

[@gavinsequeira2256]

U know the Samolans are tough when KJ Apa was the runt of the litter😂😂

[@RaraAviss]

That was realy interesting and super funny interview. Kimmel cracked some good jokes. KJ is adorable and I can’t stop smiling when he smiles. There is nothing better then seeing host and guest to genuinly enjoy their conversation. They are straight up vibing.

[@susantuiloma4244]

His dad's tatau is🔥🇼🇸

[@wtf-tb4cg]

can we agree that this is yet the best kj apa interview???

[@cross3624]

OMG the best three years of my life in NZ, twins born there, just magical. So respect the pacific island cultures, loved this actor's story.

[@kmr985]

It is awesome to see a Kiwi on Kimmel's show. And yes, Jacinda Ardern is our Prime Minister but I'm not bothered by him saying President.

[@infoblack4455]

Think this was because so that all the audience would understand. Also, I'm jealous. May we share Jacinda? I wouldn't dare offer to share Scotty from Marketing. I love my Kiwi brothers and sisters!!!

[@revvyboii1]

He’s not kiwi. Lol he was born there. But ain’t kiwi lol. Samoan.

[@kmr985]

@@revvyboii1 He's part Samoan and was born in Auckland, NZ which would make him a Kiwi-Samoan :)

[@Andy_M986]

Her star has fallen massively since this interview.

[@nsdkido]

Jacinda's a joke

[@celinaniek4481]

When KJ starts laughing I have to laugh too😂

[@cookiesncream789]

KJ seems very nice and I love his honesty about how even he doesn't understand what is happening on Riverdale. 😂😂

[@montse6455]

And this is how one interview made me a fan of Kj

[@ScarlettJ1221]

It it just me of does KJ get hotter everytime I see him

[@dreamerabe]

Do you need a bottle of water? 😅

[@laueebx]

He has such a nice personality, his energy is so contagious too!

[@diaardelean8999]

I think this absolut charming young man named KJ Apa, is the kind of person whom you could spend a lifetime together with and still don't get bored! P. S: his laugh✨adorably contagious ✨❤️

[@lindadesi]

Ok, this is definitely one of the best interviews 😍 and KJ is surprisingly very funny!💖

[@susanmurdock3396]

A friend who played rugby said the team slogan was “Give blood, play rugby.”

[@sydwilson89]

Ok but the framed picture of Charles in the background 😂

[@ellahigbieSoccerHighlights]

😂😂

[@ursusmega2803]

He's so cute! So proud that he's a Kiwi 🥝

[@user-ul4lf3zh8z]

KJ has such a great vibe! Great smile too

[@bella_6292]

this was such a good and funny interview! i loved it!

[@feelinwoozy]

"Who knows with them writers" LMAO

[@MaryChain90]

Such a nice guy KJ!

[@tm-kc9ro]

KJ looks so good here! 😍😍

[@CaptCanuck4444]

Really charming and genuine guy.

[@cassidykeola]

Love how he has a picture of Charles on the shelf behind him lmao

[@omo9789]

Aww, I loved this interview!

[@marvelthekid6358]

Anyone else feel like with the cast of Riverdale living as adults will be like a modern day friends, but of course, a little darker.

[@lindaj171]

What a charming fellow! There is something magical about New Zealand. He should be in movies.

[@wtf-tb4cg]

well, he did play lots of movies

[@jennifermunoz9758]

He is adorable!!! And such a great actor!!!

[@carlycoppi4769]

This is an awesome interview 🥰🥰🥰

[@ashleycornell6452]

i adore him lol omg he’s so entertaining.

[@jaleentupai]

Im Samoan and this made me giggle I LOVE IT

[@grimmwicked313]

Damn is dad looks like a beast those tats are sick. I love New Zealand tattoos. And He's A Chief. Coolest Dad Story Ever.

[@harrietmorris3000]

samoan tattoos

[@grimmwicked313]

@@harrietmorris3000 I know but the designs are slightly different same cultural significance. One of my favorite parts of hobbs and shaw was seeing them go to Samoa which ironically enough had a few new Zealand actors as supporting characters.

[@21685_]

Same Samoan tattoo that The Rock’s grandfather had

[@avilik13]

@@grimmwicked313 New Zealand actors were ethnically Samoan tho

[@jeringatai3156]

NZ been having music fests for a while now. We just had a free music fest for familes just this weekend. A somewhat new tradition after all the New Years music festivals have ended and you can go take your kids to the beach and listen to local talent, play in the sand and eat good food.

[@marigamboa7284]

He is a really sweet and handsome guy kind of underrated

[@kkillshott2422]

"Scrawny little white boy" 😂

[@leeallenbeal]

He is not white

[@denisetewhata8867]

He's half Samoan u fink

[@dreamerabe]

I'm surprised how he is so white while being Somoan.

[@denisetewhata8867]

@@dreamerabe He's half u nub

[@ah.05]

@@dreamerabe it’s because he can’t tan for riverdale because Archie is a ginger white kid

[@KatieSzambelak]

Ok but KJ’s accent is so soothing 🥰

[@MrMikeybass]

Any kiwi needs to thumb up this message! Represent! 😍🤟

[@nickywk8419]

Chur bro 😎

[@Nat12931]

Chur

[@ilahmaecunanan2629]

I love KJ’s laugh so much 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@hannahn99]

I love that introduction 💕 KJ is awesome!

[@JordiVanderwaal]

I stopped watching Riverdale on the third season, but this was still really enjoyable to watch. And I love when Jimmy makes those slightly ethnocentric comments whenever a guest is from overseas. It's even funnier when he has multiple European guests (or from other places).

[@djguapo]

His abs in ‘Songbird’ when he’s fixing the motorcycle tho

[@joeltallic5503]

Ahh yes a person of class

[@jasonswift7098]

fagboy

[@electroazure]

I just don’t get why people hate the movie 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@joeltallic5503]

@@electroazure cause its not good

[@bhavyathutheja3211]

I love Kj . He plays Archie so good . ❤️❤️❤️

[@JaySewani]

Ikr his acting was so good in Episode 2 about his dad situation and he changes his accent for singing and talking in Riverdale, he is seriously underrated actor

[@starrkson]

So nice conversation with KJ. How cute he is!☺️🥰 💔

[@celinaniek4481]

I love his accent so much!

[@P4nca]

People from New Zeland always sounds Happy.

[@taun96]

I live across the ditch in Australia. We've handled covid pretty well in comparison to the US, but some states have been going into short circuit-breaker lockdowns because of small outbursts of 1-20 cases in some states.

[@mr_nrl9170]

Its is so cool that they are talking about Samoan culture.

[@nancyjung4871]

Charles picture at the back 😄 🤣 😂

[@pimpstick9988]

The SuperBowl part had me laughing so hard.

[@Didi38]

He's so great.❤❤❤

[@jzz8860]

just finished riverdale season 5 episode 4, and KJ Apa shows up on TV lol.

[@anazira7007]

im late asf but its so amazing to see another fellow samoan making moves out there in the world

[@Lagilovee]

Why do I feel like it’s such a kiwi thing to laugh with our whole bodies 😅 just me, ok? But loved this!!!! He seems like such a cool down to earth guy

[@shereenkibriasiddiquighula7120]

Big fan of riverdale series and his movies

[@grimmwicked313]

Wouldn't mind getting into acting. Sometimes it's just such a happy Accident for people.

[@grimmwicked313]

@Otto Couper I Will 🙂

[@grimmwicked313]

@Otto Couper Thank You And I Will. I Plan To Get Into Some Local Theater Stuff As Well As Make My Own Low Budget Horror Films With Good Cameras.

[@valnentie]

can we talk about the picture of mantle in the back

[@huntikpro207]

There is a Rugby movie called Sye, from India And it is really great

[@juideshpande1895]

He sounds so different here!!!

[@marytweet8170]

I love his accent..😊

[@lauraquinton302]

I love this man

[@normsangilau7840]

Holy cow!! Didn't know Kj is Samoan!!! Yess keep repping Polynesians!!!

[@airwaves7]

Vancouver's wifi connection is clear AF!

[@jeringatai3156]

Ikr. I get annoyed how alot of celebs have shitty video calls when it comes to interviews

[@youdontactuallycare5784]

KJ sounds so humble

[@hannahvance3798]

"Who knows with those writers, I've been attacked by a bear like how many times now?" Kj apa 2021

[@msdawnz444]

Kj apa ...His smile omg its okay he doesn’t get what the Superbowl is lol geez best interview!

[@ricie4]

Lmfao rugby World Cup way more viewers than Super Bowl 😭😭

[@char_edits29]

Off topic, but Jacinda is such a queen bro. My new principal used to teach in new zealand and at assembly a few weeks ago she did i speech of Jacinda and i really realised how great she is.

[@aasthagupta3657]

Kj is too excited to be there. I love it🤭🥺🥰

[@WITHINOHBOAT]

"Super bowl" ha! I came from a moderately poor family here in the states and didn't go out to a "sit down" restaurant until I was about 18. When the waitress asked me "Soup or salad", I thought she asked if I wanted a "Super Salad". I of course declined, as I was there for the steak. :)

[@luffy18s9pg]

So cutee my kiwii 💕💕🥺🥺

[@monty7092]

KJ representing aye!! we might me cous aye lol

[@amyperaltiago]

He is GORGEOUS!!

[@tylerhackner9731]

Yessss

[@carlycoppi4769]

KJ is so charming 😘😘😘

[@EchanteDante]

Just so damn charming!! And sooooo pretty!

[@queen_ting1910]

Malo lava Kj :) proud of you

[@TNATION96]

@0:52 he from New Zealand started watching him when he was on Shortland street

[@zhoechelsea7938]

Kane Jenkins 😉

[@chloekiely1425]

Love him🤪

[@darijar5519]

KJ I LOVE YOU

[@carolinaozan6172]

KJ me encanto riverdale 5 temporada te felicito jaja

[@JoJo-pu4cq]

He laughs in Samoan lol

[@Iloveyou-cg5si]

He gets me with his accent everytime 😂.

[@orianisortega3621]

Love his accent ☺️

[@valfata9508]

Good job uso 🇼🇸🇼🇸🇼🇸

[@Gabi-ym3ij]

Kj is so nice

[@kishangurung960]

good to see you K.J Apa

[@bettysmith4641]

Wish this interview could have been longer 😕