Matt Rife has amassed an extensive following since his 2022 TikTok viral video became viral, drawing praise for combining Midwestern earnestness and LA slickness into one remarkable performance style. A frequent visitor of Hollywood’s Laugh Factory as well as clubs across the US.
Natural Selection has caused him much disapproval since its debut. Due to this backlash he recently postponed performances at both Chicago Theatre and Tennessee’s Ryman Auditorium.
He grew up in a small town in Ohio
Matt Rife hails from North Lewisburg, Ohio – a small town roughly an hour west of Columbus – where he watched comedians on Comedy Central and attended live shows with his mother; early on he knew he wanted to pursue comedy as a career path.
At an early age, he made an impactful debut into the entertainment industry and quickly made waves with his quick wit and ability to connect with audiences. At 19, his big break came when he appeared on MTV’s Wild ‘N Out where his talent and audience rapport were showcased immediately making him an instantaneous success.
His latest joke about domestic violence provoked outrage on social media. Indiana University junior Sasha Ramos commented that when comedians try to appeal specifically to men through jokes that include sexual references such as making light of women’s clitorises or menstruation – that should be enough evidence that they should leave comedy altogether! Furthermore, she claimed he betrayed his fanbase which contributed significantly to his fame and success.
He started performing stand-up comedy at a young age
Matt Rife is an award-winning comedian and actor known for his natural comedic talent and hard work. His performances have sold out venues all across the United States and earned him millions of loyal fans. Additionally, Matt enjoys boxing as well as having an affinity for cats and dogs alike.
Rife recently recorded his second stand-up special, now available on YouTube under his own name “Matthew Steven Rife”. This special pays a touching homage to his late grandfather – whom Rife recently lost.
Rife’s comedy is a blend of observational humor and self-deprecating jokes that resonate with audiences. He uses personal storytelling to connect on an even deeper level with his audience. Alongside performing live comedy performances, Rife is also popular on social media as well as hosting several television shows such as Total Request Live reboot (short lived) and MTV’s The Challenge: Champs Vs Stars.
He has a large fan base
Before TikTok, Matt Rife struggled to break into comedy. He performed on various MTV variety shows and made guest appearances on sitcoms such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine; eventually his flirtatious stage presence and predominantly female fan base led Netflix to offer him his debut stand-up special called Natural Selection in 2023, and this caused an uproar of its own.
He made several controversial jokes in his special, including an opening line about domestic violence that was widely condemned on social media and making fun of plastic surgeon’s jawline, sparking heated discussion online about whether comedians can go too far before crossing over into offensive material.
Rife continues his tour despite controversy, selling out performances at both the Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa and IU Auditorium in Bloomington within hours. Unfortunately, his subsequent performances at Chicago Theatre and Ryman Auditorium in Tennessee have been postponed after developing health issues.
He has a unique style
Matt Rife stands out among other comedians with his distinctive comedy style. His jokes can often be bold and transgressive; yet they also possess a certain Midwestern earnestness that makes them accessible. Furthermore, Matt excels at storytelling and building genuine relationships with his audiences.
His comedy special, Natural Selection, was an unpleasant surprise for many fans. It lacked the lively audience interaction characteristic of his live shows and seemed to miss many jokes altogether. Furthermore, it deviated from his usual approach by including jokes regarding domestic violence and other sensitive topics in its comic routines.
Matt Rife maintains his right to say whatever he pleases; his fans deserve entertainment, and there is no change in style for him – as an accomplished performer and with a loyal following, Matt continues his legacy with relish.