Matthew Steven Rife born September 10, 1995 is an American comedian and actor from North Lewisburg, Ohio. He is widely recognized for his self-produced comedy specials Only Fans (2021), Matthew Steven Rife (2023), and Walking Red Flag (2023), along with his Netflix specials Natural Selection and Lucid (2023). Rife also gained popularity through his recurring role on the sketch comedy and rap show Wild ‘n Out.
Matt Rife Biography 2025
In 2017, Matt Rife hosted the short-lived reboot of Total Request Live and appeared on MTV’s The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars. In 2018, he had a role in the B-movie slasher Black Pumpkin. Rife is also a paranormal investigator featured on the YouTube channel “Overnight”. He gained further exposure in 2019 with his appearance on Bring the Funny, where he made it to the Semi-Final Showcase before being eliminated in week 8, and also featured in the Netflix special Natural Selection. Rife has self-produced comedy specials such as Only Fans (2021), Matthew Steven Rife (2023), and Walking Red Flag (2023). He has made guest appearances on the sketch comedy show Wild ‘n Out, played Brandon Bliss on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and portrayed Logan on Fresh Off the Boat. The New York Times described him in 2022 as a “struggling road comedian” who gained significant popularity through TikTok in the following year.
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Matt Rife Biography Details
Birth name
Matthew Steven Rife
Born
September 10, 1995 (age 29)
North Lewisburg, Ohio, U.S.
Medium
Stand-up
television
film
Years active
2010–present
Genres
Observational comedy
Improvisational comedy
sketch comedy
black comedy
insult comedy
satire
Subject(s)
American culture
pop culture
recreational drug use
current events
Website
Official website
Matt Rife Early Life
Matt Rife was born in North Lewisburg, Ohio, and grew up there as well. He also spent time living in New Albany and Mount Vernon. Rife developed an interest in comedy at the age of 13, inspired by his grandfather, with whom he would watch comedies. His grandfather was very supportive of his budding interest. At 15, Rife began performing professionally, just two years after discovering his passion for comedy. He has four siblings: three older stepsisters and one younger half-sister.
Matt Rife Career Overview
Career Milestone
Details
Total Request Live
Host on the short-lived reboot (2017)
MTV’s The Challenge
Appeared on The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars (2017)
Black Pumpkin
Played Flash in the B-movie slasher film (2018)
Bring the Funny
Semi-Finalist on NBC’s comedy competition (2019)
Matt Rife Comedy Specials
Special Name
Release Year
Only Fans
2021
Matthew Steven Rife
2023
Walking Red Flag
2023
Matt Rife Netflix Specials
Special Title
Release Year
Natural Selection
2023
Lucid
2023
Matt Rife Television Appearances
Show Name
Role
Wild ‘n Out
Cast member
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Brandon Bliss
Fresh Off the Boat
Logan
Matt Rife Influences in Comedy
Influence
Details
Dave Chappelle
Considered a mentor, Rife performed at Chappelle’s birthday show
Ricky Gervais
Influenced Rife’s style and delivery in observational humor
Jim Carrey
Inspired Rife’s physical comedy and expressions
Matt Rife Personal Life
Detail
Information
Residence
Rhode Island
Previous Relationships
Briefly dated Kate Beckinsale and Lucy Hale
Mental Health
Open about struggles with depression and anxiety
Matt Rife Filmography
Year
Film Title
Role
2018
Black Pumpkin
Flash
2021
After Masks
Wolf
2022
The Curse of Wolf Mountain
James
Matt Rife TV Appearances in Detail
Year
Show Title
Role
2017-2018
The Challenge
Self (Guest Role)
2021
Burb Patrol
Alex (Lead Role)
2025
That ‘90s Show
Travis
Matt Rife Comedy Specials and Writing Credits
Special Title
Notes
Only Fans
Executive producer, writer
Matthew Steven Rife
Executive producer, writer
Walking Red Flag
Writer, focuses on crowd-work
Matt Rife Upcoming Projects
Project Name
Details
Lucid
Netflix crowd work special
Karma’s a Bitch
Upcoming film (Post-production)
Trapped Inn
Executive producer, upcoming film
Matt Rife Film Roles in Detail
Film Title
Year
Role
Candy Flip
2023
Nathan
The Private Eye
2023
Mort Madison
Don’t Suck
2023
Ethan
Stand-Up Career Timeline
Year
Event
Details
2020
ATL Comedy Arts Fest
Also writer
2021
Only Fans Special
Self-produced, YouTube special
2023
Walking Red Flag
Crowd work-based special
Matt Rife Personal Life Insights
Aspect
Detail
Mental Health
Talks about anxiety and depression
Religious Views
Identifies as Christian but not religious
Dating Life
Brief relationships with public figures
Relationship with Comedy Legends
Mentor/Influence
Impact on Rife
Dave Chappelle
Mentored Rife and influenced his comedic style
Jim Carrey
Inspired Rife’s physical comedy elements
Rising Popularity and TikTok Influence
Platform
Details
TikTok
Viral success, contributing to his rise in popularity
Matt Rife Film Appearances: A Breakdown
Film Title
Year
Role
Black Pumpkin
2018
Flash
Death Link
2021
Darrin
Matt Rife Career Development Over Time
Milestone
Details
Sign with CAA
December 2022
Netflix Specials
Released in 2023
Matt Rife Net Worth
Matt Rife’s net worth is estimated to be $25 million.
Matt Rife Summary
Matt Rife journey from a small-town comedian to a rising star in stand-up comedy and acting demonstrates his unique comedic voice and versatility. With numerous self-produced specials, acting roles, and viral TikTok fame, Rife continues to establish himself as a key figure in modern entertainment. His career is marked by personal growth, comedic influences, and an ever-expanding list of projects that showcase his diverse talent. Whether through his stand-up specials or acting roles, Matt Rife’s presence in the entertainment world is unmistakable, and his future looks promising.
