You may know the ins and outs of Riverdale’s resident heartthrob Archie on-screen but KJ Apa is just as interesting and dynamic off-camera as well.

1. For starters, KJ’s full name is Keneti James Fitzgerald, but everyone calls him KJ for short.

2. KJ’s the youngest of three siblings.

3. KJ got his start on a soap opera before coming to primetime. Before playing Archie Andrews, KJ played Kane Jenkins on the New Zealand soap opera, Shortland Street.

4. KJ almost didn’t become Archie! Riverdale casting director David Rapaport passed on KJ on his first audition but when he came back in for a second time Rapaport was blown away.

5. Even though KJ has rocked Archie’s red hair for years now he's not a natural redhead. KJ, Cole Sprouse and Lili Reinhart all had their hair dyed prior to filming season one.

6. KJ is very happy with his growing tattoo collection and even shares some ink with his grandmother and mom. 

7. This might not come as a surprise to Riverdale fans but KJ has quite an ear for music. His talents extend past guitar to the piano as well and he has a band with fellow Riverdale actor Rob Raco.

How many facts did you know? Are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments!

You can see more of Archie Andrews and Riverdale on Chicago’s New Home for the CW, CW26 Chicago.