The quiet reality of KJ Apa’s personal life is frequently overshadowed by his charisma on screen, but his experience as a father has given his public persona a deeply genuine dimension. The actor, who was born in New Zealand, has changed the course of his career since the birth of his son Sasha in September 2021—not through scandal or manufactured romance, but through incredibly real fatherhood.
The story started with a casual Instagram reveal: in the spring of 2021, French model Clara Berry, who exudes a strong social presence and effortless style, shared her baby bump. This moment felt incredibly real, in contrast to celebrity announcements that are flooded with branded content. Clara and KJ’s strategy was noticeably subtle and intimate in an era where performative posts are the norm.
KJ Apa and His Family – Personal & Professional Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Keneti James Fitzgerald Apa |
| Known As | KJ Apa |
| Birth Date | June 17, 1997 |
| Birthplace | Auckland, New Zealand |
| Profession | Actor, Musician |
| Notable Roles | Archie Andrews in Riverdale, Jeremy Camp in I Still Believe |
| Child’s Name | Sasha Vai Keneti Apa |
| Child’s Birthdate | September 23, 2021 |
| Child’s Mother | Clara Berry (Model, Influencer) |
| Relationship Status | Separated in 2024, co-parenting |
| Latest Film Projects | The Map That Leads to You, One Fast Move |
| Music Album | Clocks (2021) |
With remarkable tenderness, Clara wrote, “He is a perfect perfection,” as the caption for the photo of Sasha’s birth. It was a brief sentence that exuded significance. Fans were enthralled with the co-parenting moments that resulted from this affection over time. Although their story lacked dramatic headlines, it did highlight something very novel: a young couple putting their child’s welfare ahead of appearances.
Clara and KJ handled parenthood with poise even after splitting up in early 2024. In an honest Instagram Q&A, Clara freely admitted to the emotional strain of spending half of her time away from Sasha. However, she emphasized an important fact: a child can be raised more successfully by two happy parents than by a couple bound together by duty. That level of candor, which is uncommon in the world of celebrities, has struck a deep chord.
KJ’s candor regarding his role as a father has been refreshing. He has approached parenting with humor, humility, and pure joy, from bedtime readings featuring exaggerated Dr. Seuss voices to viral moments involving Clara’s breast milk (yes, he once used it in his coffee). Though it may have seemed absurd, the now-famous video in which he mockingly calls Clara a “milk machine” conveyed a message of respect and shared roles, which contemporary families, both inside and outside of Hollywood, are working to more publicly embrace.
The actor’s presence has become remarkably grounded during this transition. KJ has remained quiet but consistent in his authenticity, in contrast to many celebrity fathers who choose to hide behind handlers and press releases. His relationship with fans has significantly improved as a result of this apparent change in his behavior, especially among young parents going through comparable life transitions.
Now a toddler, Sasha has emerged as a silent symbol of this changing path. Clara exudes a genuine and unvarnished warmth in each of her birthday posts and candid poolside photos. The authenticity of the story is further enhanced by the French poetic charm of her captions, such as “Les hommes de ma vie,” or “The men of my life.”
We’re seeing something uncommon through these moments spent together as a family: a famous child whose upbringing feels meticulously guarded despite being little documented. Clara and KJ have created an environment where Sasha can grow up surrounded by love rather than media noise by purposefully minimizing needless exposure. This decision has been incredibly successful in preserving harmony between private life and public interest.
Sasha’s story also subtly incorporates KJ Apa’s Samoan ancestry. In addition to being KJ’s given name, the child’s middle name, Keneti, honors their cultural heritage. KJ’s pride in his heritage was emphasized in 2022 when he was given the Samoan title “Savae” in his ancestral village. The way he parents is further nuanced by this cultural dimension, which includes identity, purpose, and respect for legacy.
KJ’s development is especially interesting because it reflects broader changes in the way that fatherhood is portrayed in contemporary media. Celebrity fathers are increasingly being acknowledged for their presence, involvement, and flexibility rather than their sporadic appearances. KJ stands out in that environment as being very dependable and well-known.
These changes have also started to show in his music. His 2021 album Clocks features melodies that combine introspective lyrics with indie-folk. Clara appears on one song, “Beautiful Things,” which serves as a reminder to listeners that meaningful collaboration is still possible even in the face of personal transitions. Their capacity to collaborate even after splitting up shows how emotionally mature they are.
Their 2024 Paris Fashion Week dynamic served as yet another visual demonstration of their nonviolent stance. KJ and Clara embraced warmly as they greeted each other, and video of the exchange swiftly went viral on the internet. The interaction, which was devoid of awkwardness or hostility, revealed two individuals who had gracefully transitioned from a romantic to a parental relationship.
Parenting isn’t always easy, though. Clara freely acknowledged how painful it was to not be with Sasha full-time. She did, however, recognize the long-term benefits this arrangement offers their son. This type of clarity is especially helpful in changing the way that people talk about separation by demonstrating that endings can be handled with dignity and that new chapters can start without assigning blame.
