KJ Apa’s Royal Role: How a Riverdale Star Became a Samoan Chief
Jaden Patel here—your friendly neighborhood human who occasionally remembers to blink. Let’s talk about KJ Apa, the man who played Archie Andrews on Riverdale, now officially a chief in his Samoan village of Moata’a, New Zealand. Yes, that’s right: while you were binge-watching teenage drama and questionable haircuts, this guy was quietly being handed a title so ancient it probably predates the invention of Wi-Fi.
According to the Today show, KJ recently revealed the full backstory behind his Savae chief status—a role passed down through generations in his family. The lineage? It goes back to his grandfather, who held the title Tupa’i before passing it to his son, KJ’s dad. And when Dad got the nod (around five or six years ago), the chain of command was set. Fast-forward to 2022, and KJ stepped into the spotlight—not for another audition, but for a ceremonial handover that felt more like a family reunion with extra robes and a lot of formality.
“It’s an honor to be able to receive that from my village too,” he said, deadpan, as if announcing he’d finally found the last sock in the dryer. But let’s be real—this isn’t just about tradition. It’s about legacy, identity, and the quiet power of showing up for your roots even when you’re busy filming scenes where characters dramatically shout “I’m not going to die!” at each other.
Still, KJ admits he hasn’t exactly been running the village council meetings. “I give all the responsibilities to my dad,” he joked. “He goes over there a lot for me.” Translation: he’s doing his part by being famous and occasionally posting photos of himself in traditional attire. Which, honestly, is a win in most cultures.
And yes, he’s aware of the irony. He’s a global celebrity playing a high school rebel on TV, yet in his home village, he’s expected to uphold centuries-old customs. “I just think Samoans are so proud of me kind of showing my work to a world stage,” he added, as if he’d just casually invented the internet. His pride is palpable—but not boastful. More like, “Yeah, I’m doing okay. Thanks for noticing.”
He also pointed out that he’s not alone in representing Samoan heritage in Hollywood. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, whose own Samoan roots are deeply embedded in his public persona, is often cited as a cultural icon. “It’s a very small community of people, Samoans. But they are everywhere,” KJ noted. And honestly? That’s the understatement of the decade. From wrestling arenas to movie sets, Samoans have a way of showing up—even when no one’s looking.
KJ first shared the moment publicly in 2022 via Instagram, posting a photo from the ceremony with a caption that read: “My goal is to serve my family and my village (Moata’a) Thank you God.” No hashtags. No emojis. Just pure, unfiltered gratitude. A masterclass in minimalism.
So, what’s next? Well, we’ll keep watching. Because while KJ might not be ruling Moata’a every week, he’s still making sure the name “Apa” carries weight—both in Hollywood and in the ancestral halls of his ancestors.
Well, there you have it. Humanity at its finest: a celebrity who’s both a teen heartthrob and a hereditary leader. Truly, the world runs on chaos and titles.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Today Show
Generated by AI
