KJ Apa Credits His Sobriety to Being a Father
In a candid revelation on Andy Cohen’s SiriusXM radio show this past Thursday, August 14, actor KJ Apa, best known for his role as Archie Andrews in The CW’s hit series Riverdale, disclosed that the birth of his son, Sasha Vai Keneti, was the pivotal force behind his decision to embrace sobriety.
Apa, now 28, shared with Cohen, 57, that becoming a father at the age of 24 fundamentally altered his life’s trajectory. His son, Sasha, was welcomed into the world on September 23, 2021, with Apa’s then-girlfriend, Clara Berry. “Sasha’s birth forced me to get sober,” Apa explained to Cohen, emphasizing the profound shift in his priorities. He described fatherhood as “awesome” and something that “forced [him] to chill,” signifying a departure from his previous lifestyle.
Navigating Fame and Finding a New Path
The conversation naturally steered towards the challenges of sudden fame. Cohen directly questioned Apa whether he had “succumbed to the old trope of, ‘Wow, I’m famous, I have a lot of money and I’m just going to party.’” Without hesitation, Apa confirmed he had. He openly confessed to having “got lost in” the immense success and attention that came with Riverdale.
“A lot of things that I realized I had to button up, I buttoned up. Yes, and I realized that there’s no other way for me to do it,” the New Zealand-born actor reflected, indicating a conscious effort to shed old habits and behaviors that no longer aligned with his new responsibilities as a parent. This period of self-assessment led him to recognize the necessity of a sober lifestyle.
Sasha: A Life-Saving Gift and a Higher Purpose
While Sasha’s arrival was a primary catalyst, Apa clarified that his journey to sobriety was also deeply intertwined with his “relationship with [his] higher power.” He articulated the overwhelming love and protective instinct that came with fatherhood, describing Sasha as “a gift that saved my life. I truly believe having Sasha saved my life.”
He drew a powerful parallel between the intense love for his child and the primal urge to protect them. “You know you have a kid and then suddenly you understand the idea of murder… because you love someone so much,” he explained, with Cohen interjecting, “Because you are so protective of this child.” Apa concluded, “I love you so much more than me. I have to sacrifice all these things for you. And that’s what a good parent does.”
Different Journeys, Shared Joy
The discussion also touched upon the varied experiences of fatherhood. Apa, a young father in his twenties, noted the rarity of peers his age with children. Cohen, a seasoned parent at 57, shared his own perspective, having welcomed his son, Benjamin Allen, at 50, and later his daughter, Lucy Eve, now 3. Despite their age difference, both fathers expressed immense joy and love for their children. Apa affectionately described Sasha as “the love of my life. He’s the best.”
As Apa continues to embrace this new chapter, he is also preparing for the release of his new movie, The Map That Leads to You, set to premiere on August 20.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
