The Cast of Riverdale: From Breakout Stars to Household Names – A Post-Series Reflection

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Since its debut on The CW in 2017, Riverdale has captivated audiences with its dramatic mysteries and complex storylines. Now that the series has ended, it’s time to reflect on its impact and the journey of its iconic characters.

From the start, Riverdale gripped the viewers’ attention, propelling its cast into the spotlight. Fresh faces like KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Camila Mendes, and Madelaine Petsch skyrocketed to fame alongside seasoned actors, including Mädchen Amick, the late Luke Perry, and Skeet Ulrich.

The cast of Riverdale is comprised of seasoned actors and fresh faces, whose fame skyrocketed due to the massive attention the show garnered since its debut in 2017The cast of Riverdale is comprised of seasoned actors and fresh faces whose fame skyrocketed due to the massive attention the show garnered since its debut in 2017 (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto)

Let’s delve into the net worths and personal lives of the Riverdale cast, spotlighting their remarkable journey from then to now and celebrating the evolution of the talented individuals who made Riverdale a phenomenon.

1. Cole Sprouse as Jughead Jones: From Brooding Journalist to Town Hero

Cole Sprouse stands 5 feet and 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm) tall, and he brings to life the character of Jughead Jones, the broody journalist in the group whose unwavering goal is to save the people of Riverdale.

Born on August 4, 1992, the 31-year-old actor is the oldest of the leading cast members of the longest-running “teen” show. When Riverdale premiered in January 2017, Cole was 24 years old.

Cole Sprouse brought depth to the role of Jughead Jones, becoming a fan-favorite for his portrayal of the brooding journalist on RiverdaleCole Sprouse brought depth to the role of Jughead Jones, becoming a fan-favorite for his portrayal of the brooding journalist on Riverdale (Credit: Faye’s Vision / Cover Images)

Having started his acting journey alongside his twin brother Dylan from infancy, Cole had the most extensive resume among the main cast. His net worth is a staggering $8 million, and he earns approximately $40,000 per episode for his role.

After taking a hiatus from acting to pursue studies at New York University, Cole returned to the big screen, appearing in films like Five Feet Apart and Moonshot. He’s set to star in the upcoming horror comedy Lisa Frankenstein.

Personal life-wise, Cole garnered attention for his romance with Lili Reinhart until they split in 2020. Since then, he has been linked to Kaia Gerber and Reina Silva. Currently, he is in a relationship with Ari Fournier.

2. Charles Melton as Reggie Mantle: From Jock to Casino King

Charles Melton is Reggie Mantle in the series, initially playing the role of a jock before embarking on a complex journey involving sketchy business dealings with Hiram Lodge. He later found romance with Veronica Lodge and became her partner in their casino venture.

Charles Melton is 5 feet and 11 ¼ inches (181 cm) tall and assumed the role of Reggie in Riverdale’s second season when he was nearly 27 years old. He succeeded Ross Butler, who left to work on Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why.

Charles Melton stepped into the role of Reggie Mantle in season two, adding a new layer of complexity to the character's journey from jock to casino ownerCharles Melton stepped into the role of Reggie Mantle in season two, adding a new layer of complexity to the character’s journey from jock to casino owner (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Before joining the entertainment world, Charles had a successful modeling stint with brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Kenneth Cole, and MAC. He also appeared in music videos for JoJo’s “Save My Soul” and Ariana Grande’s “Break Up with Your Girlfriend, I’m Bored.”

His acting career extends to the big screen with projects like The Sun Is Also a Star, Heart of Champions, Secret Headquarters, and May December, in which he starred alongside Natalie Portman.

With a versatile acting and modeling career, Charles Melton boasts a net worth of $7 million. His romantic journey included an on-and-off relationship with Camila Mendes from 2018 to 2021, followed by dating Chase Sui Wonders, but he is currently single.

3. Lili Reinhart as Betty Cooper: From Innocent Teen to FBI Agent

Lili Reinhart was 20 when she stepped into the role of Betty Cooper, a character who has evolved from an innocent young girl dating Jughead Jones.

Since the series premiered, she has blossomed on and off the screen, even securing a position at the FBI within the storyline.

Lili Reinhart’s portrayal of Betty Cooper showcased the character's transformation from innocent teen to FBI agent, cementing her status as a breakout starLili Reinhart’s portrayal of Betty Cooper showcased the character’s transformation from innocent teen to FBI agent, cementing her status as a breakout star (Credit: Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Aside from gaining fame by portraying Betty Cooper, Lili has garnered a significant income. She earned around $40,000 per episode for her role, contributing to her impressive net worth of $6 million.

Her presence extends beyond Riverdale, appearing in works like Hustlers, Charlie’s Angels, Chemical Hearts, and Look Both Ways. A notable addition to her accomplishments is the release of her poetry book, “Swimming Lessons: Poems,” in 2020.

Lili openly identified as bisexual in 2020 and had an on-and-off romantic relationship with her Riverdale co-star, Cole Sprouse, spanning three years before ultimately parting ways in May 2020.

4. Madelaine Petsch as Cheryl Blossom: From Villainous Heiress to Powerful Psychic

Madelaine Petsch adds a compelling dynamic with her character’s origins in an evil family. Cheryl Blossom’s recent discovery of her magical powers and psychic abilities further enhances her complexity.

Standing 5 feet and 3 ¼ inches (160.7 cm), the Washington-born South African actress was born on August 18, 1994. Her portrayal as Cheryl in the series was her first significant television role, embracing her character at age 22.

Madelaine Petsch captivated audiences with her fierce portrayal of Cheryl Blossom, evolving the character from villainous heiress to a powerful psychicMadelaine Petsch captivated audiences with her fierce portrayal of Cheryl Blossom, evolving the character from a villainous heiress to a powerful psychic (Credit: Aurore Marechal / Abaca Press / INSTARimages)

Beyond her contributions to Riverdale, the 28-year-old delivered compelling performances on projects such as Polaroid, Sightless, Jane, About Fate, and Hotel for the Holidays.

Through her work as an actress and YouTuber, Madelaine Petsch has accumulated an impressive net worth of $6 million.

She was in a relationship with Travis Mills for three years before their split in February 2020. In November 2022, she officially announced her relationship with Anthony Li, who manages artist Halsey.

5. Camila Mendes as Veronica Lodge: From High School Socialite to Business Mogul

As Veronica Lodge, Camila Mendes embodies a spirited character who emerged from a wealthy family background. She overcomes challenges, including her formidable father, Hiram Lodge (portrayed by Mark Consuelos), and establishes her casino in town.

Camila Mendes stuns in a dramatic, beaded black gown with bold cutouts and layered ruffle sleeves at the Venice Film FestivalCamila Mendes stuns in a dramatic, beaded black gown with bold cutouts and layered ruffle sleeves at the Venice Film Festival (Credit: KIKA Press / Cover Images)

Having a petite height of 5 feet and 1 ¼ inches (155.6 cm), the 29-year-old actress, born on June 29, 1994, was 22 years old when Riverdale premiered in 2017.

Similarly to her co-stars, Cami earns $40,000 per episode for her role in the series, raking in a substantial net worth of $4 million. Beyond her involvement in Riverdale, she has starred in movies such as The New Romantic, The Perfect Date, Palm Springs, and Do Revenge.

In her personal life, Cami was in a relationship with photographer Ian Wallace from 2013 to 2017. She later became romantically linked with Charles Melton.

After a year of dating, they separated in 2019. Then, she found love with Rudy Mancuso after collaborating on his coming-of-age feature, Música.

6. Vanessa Morgan as Toni Topaz: From Serpent Queen to Guidance Counselor

Vanessa Morgan breathes life to Toni Topaz, who began as the Serpent Queen of the Southside Serpents. However, she has undergone a transformative journey on the show, giving birth and transitioning into a guidance counselor at Riverdale High.

Standing at 5 feet and 2 inches (157.5 cm), the 31-year-old actress, born on March 23, 1992, joined the Riverdale cast during the show’s second season in October 2017, when she was 25.

Vanessa Morgan stuns in a sleek black mini dress with floor-length fringe detailingVanessa Morgan stuns in a sleek black mini dress with floor-length fringe detailing (Credit: Michael Simon / Startraksphoto / Cover Images)

Before embodying Toni Topaz, Vanessa, whose estimated net worth is $4 million, had notable roles in series such as My Babysitter’s a Vampire, Finding Carter, and The Shannara Chronicles.

Outside the spotlight, Vanessa Morgan announced her engagement to professional baseball player Michael Kopech in 2019. They tied the knot in January 2020, but the couple separated after six months.

In July 2020, she confirmed her pregnancy and welcomed her son, River, in 2021. Meanwhile, Michael expanded his family with his girlfriend, Morgan Eudy, and their son, Vander, who was born in 2022.

7. KJ Apa as Archie Andrews: From High School Football Star to Town Leader

KJ Apa is 5 feet and 10 ¾ inches (179.7 cm) tall and portrays the charismatic football jock named Archie Andrews, who dated Veronica Lodge. His character’s journey has led him to join the army and establish a fire department in his hometown.

Born on June 17, 1997, KJ first took on his role when he was 19. His notable performance earned him approximately $40,000 per episode, totaling about $800,000 per season, culminating in a net worth of $3 million.

KJ Apa makes a bold statement in a red corduroy suit paired with a printed shirt and white sneakers, blending casual and retro vibes at The CW eventKJ Apa makes a bold statement in a red corduroy suit paired with a printed shirt and white sneakers, blending casual and retro vibes at The CW event (Credit: John Nacion / Startraksphoto)

Before becoming Archie Andrews, the 26-year-old Samoan actor began acting by playing Kane Jenkins in the New Zealand soap opera Shortland Street.

Venturing overseas, he expanded his horizons in the film industry, appearing in projects like A Dog’s Purpose, The Hate U Give, I Still Believe, Dead Reckoning, and Songbird. In 2021, KJ took a musical step forward, releasing his debut album, Clocks.

His personal life also made headlines as he went public with his relationship with model Clara Berry in 2020. In September 2021, the couple welcomed their first child, a son named Sasha Vai Keneti Apa.

8. Casey Cott as Kevin Keller: From Loyal Friend to Town Mediator

Casey Cott plays the sweet and innocent character Kevin Keller, the voice of reason within the friend group, often mediating situations, and the son of Sheriff Keller, portrayed by Martin Cummins.

Born on August 8, 1992, the 30-year-old actor stands 5 feet and 11 ½ inches (181.6 cm). He was 24 when he first played Kevin in Riverdale’s debut season in 2017.

Casey Cott keeps it sleek and sophisticated in a black turtleneck paired with tailored pinstripe trousers, showcasing timeless style at a Broadway eventCasey Cott keeps it sleek and sophisticated in a black turtleneck paired with tailored pinstripe trousers, showcasing timeless style at a Broadway event (Credit: Adam Nemser / Startraksphoto)

Although he initially tried out for the part of Archie, Casey ultimately discovered his perfect fit as Kevin Keller. This pivotal role has significantly amassed his impressive fortune, which amounts to $3 million.

Since the show’s inception, Casey has delved into other TV projects, including roles in Instinct and a guest appearance on Katy Keene. He has starred in movies like All the Little Things We Kill and Asking For It.

In December 2020, Casey got engaged to Nichola Basara, married a year later, and announced in April 2023 that they were expecting their first child.