'Riverdale' Actor KJ Apa Becomes Samoan Chief in Photo From Traditional Ceremony
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Apa has been given the “matai (chief) title of Savae.”
KJ Apa shared a personal moment with fans on Instagram.
The actor—who is best known for playing the role of Archie Andrews on Riverdale—was officially bestowed the title of Samoan chief.
The 25-year-old posted a photo from the traditional ceremony on his social media page with the caption: "O la'u fautuaga - o le a ou tautua i le tatou aiga ma le tatou nu'u. Fa'afetai i le Atua. My goal is to serve my family and my village (Moata'a) Thank you God."
According to the NZHerald, Apa has been given the "matai (chief) title of Savae."
The photo reveals Apa at the ceremony, which the outlet notes is called a saofa'i, surrounded by village matai and leaders.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last year, Apa explained that KJ is "short for Keneti James, which is a Samoan name. I'm named after my father."
He elaborated that his father, Tupa'i Keneti Apa, also "holds a matai title, a chief title, of the village that he's from and I'm from, called Moata'a, in Samoa."
According to the outlet, AJ's girlfriend, Clara Berry, and his The CW co-star, Charles Melton (who plays Reggie Mantel), were both in attendance at the ceremony. Per Berry's Instagram Story, she and Apa have been spending time at the Taumeasina Island Resort Samoa along with their son, Sasha, who will celebrate his first birthday later in the month.
The actor also received plenty of support via the comment section from fans, fellow Samoans, and even his TV family.
Riverdale creator Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa commented: "You did it!!! I know how much you have wanted this. So proud of you! ❤️"
Camila Mendes, who plays Veronica Lodge, sent a heart emoji, while Lili Reinhart (Betty Cooper) and Cole Sprouse (Jughead Jones) simply liked the photo.
One fan praised Apa, noting: "You continue to put Sāmoa on the map uso, keep letting the world know about our culture, show 'em."
Congrats to Apa on this achievement!
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