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Matt Rife is a U.S. Stand-up comedian best known for his self-produced comedy specials
Only Fans (2021), Matthew Steven Rife (2023) and Walking Red Flag (2023), as well as his Netflix specials Natural Selection’ (2023) and Lucid (2023). Earlier, he had a recurring role on the sketch improv comedy and rap show Wild ´n Out.
Rife´s ProbleMATTic World Tour took place in 2023-2024, covering cities in North America, Australia, and Europe. After part of the tour was completed, Rife needed to take a break due to exhaustion, but he later resumed touring.
In the past, Rife has made guest appearances on popular TV shows such as “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Fresh Off the Boat,” and “The Challenge.” His performances on these shows have showcased his versatility as an actor and comedian, further solidifying his place in the entertainment industry.
Matt Rife’s journey from the comedy clubs of Ohio to the national stage is a testament to his talent, determination, and ability to connect with audiences.
Early life and background
Matthew Steven Rife was born on September 10, 1995, in Columbus, Ohio, and raised in the village North Lewisburg. Later on, Rife would often include observations from village life in his comedy. In In the year 2000, 1,588 people lived in North Lewisburg, and today the population is just slightly larger. Rife has also lived for some time in the small towns New Albany and Mount Vernon, both in Ohio.
Rife has three older stepsisters and one younger half-sister. His father, Michael Gutzke, died by suicide when Rife was 17 months old.
From a young age, Rife displayed a natural talent for humor, which led him to pursue stand-up comedy as a teenager. When he was 14 years old, he participated in a talent show at his high school, and he began performing as a professional comedian at the age of 15. Rife quickly gained attention for his sharp wit and relatable humor. Growing up in a modest environment, Matt often drew from his personal experiences to craft his comedic material, resonating with audiences from all walks of life.
Comedic influences
Rife has named Dave Chappelle, Dane Cook, and Ricky Gervais as his largest influences in comedy. He performed at Chappelle’s 50th birtday celebration show at Madison Square Garden and considers Chappelle a mentor.
Other examples of comedians that Rife have mentioned having an influence on him are Robin Williams, David Spade, Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler, and Jim Varney.
Career
After honing his skills at comedy clubs, Matt Rife joined the cast of MTV’s “Wild ‘N Out” in 2015. At just 20 years old, he became one of the youngest comedians on the show, where his quick improvisational skills and charismatic presence made him a fan favorite. His success on “Wild ‘N Out” opened doors to other opportunities in television and comedy.
In addition to his television work, Matt Rife continued to pursue on-stage stand-up comedy in front of live audiences, performing at major comedy clubs across the United States. His comedy often revolves around personal anecdotes, relationships, and social observations, delivered with a mix of charm and self-deprecating humor. Over the years, Rife has built a loyal fanbase who connect with his contemporary and relatable style.
Rife has released several comedy specials and toured extensively, sharing the stage with well-known comedians and headlining his own shows. His ability to connect with audiences through humor has made him a rising star in the world of comedy. Online, clips of his crowd work – where he engages with the audience during comedy shows – have gone viral and helped him reach new audiences within and outside the U.S.
Matt Rife is known for his down-to-earth personality and openness about his personal life, which often features prominently in his comedic material. He has used his platform to discuss issues such as mental health and the challenges of growing up in a small town, resonating with fans who appreciate his honesty and vulnerability.
Despite his relatively young age, Rife has already made a significant impact in the comedy world. He continues to evolve as a performer, exploring new avenues in entertainment while staying true to his roots in stand-up comedy. With a strong presence on social media and a dedicated fanbase, Rife is poised to expand his influence in both television and live comedy. His journey from a small-town kid to a nationally recognized comedian serves as an inspiration to aspiring performers everywhere.
Personal life
Rife lives in Los Angeles, California.
In the past, he has been romantically linked to English actress Kate Beckinsale (in 2017-2018) and British-Canadian acress Jessica Lord (2023-2024).
In his comedy special Only Fans (2021), Rife mentioned having clinical depression and an anxiety disorder.
Rife identifies as a Christian and is frequently seen wearing a cross around his neck during performances, but he also considers himself non-religious. He has critizesed certain aspects of organized religions, considering them more man-made and divinely inspired.