Matt Rife

Laughing it up with the handsome Matt Rife

Playing on NBC’s “Bring the Funny,” the handsome comedian, Matt Rife, will leave you laughing as he takes his personal experiences and uses them to create hilarious content. Comedy has always been a part of his life, but he realized it was a true skill at the age of 14. Also starring on Lifetime’s “Stalked by My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare,” Matt enjoys stepping into a new character which allows him to continue his growth as an actor. Keep an eye out for Matt Rife as he continues to put the fun in funny.

Tell me more about your role on NBC’s “bring the funny.”
My role in Bring The Funny has been a life-changing opportunity. It is my first nationally televised standup performance, and I’m so happy with how I have been perceived so far.

How do you usually prep for a show? What inspires you to write your acts?
I don’t have too much of a pre-show prep. I like to relax, listen to some music maybe, go over my set list. The majority of my material comes from first-hand experiences, so sometimes it just has to come to me, I can’t force it. 

You also star on Lifetime’s “Stalked by My Doctor: A Sleepwalker’s Nightmare.” What would you say is the biggest challenge you have adapting to a role in a film like this compared to comedy?
The movie was so much fun. In standup, I’m very much just myself, so it was fun to put myself in the mindset of someone else. Acting is a growing passion of mine, so it was a great opportunity to grow as a performer.

Have you always been into comedy?
I have always been into comedy; I grew up on Adam Sandler, Jim Carrey, Jim Varney, David Spade, and Robin Williams. Most kids were watching cartoons while I was watching some of the greatest comedians of all time. It has always been a love of mine.

Do you recall one of your first experiences making a group of people laugh?
I do not know that I can recall my first time making a large group of people laugh. I think I was always a pretty funny kid, making my family, friends, and classmates laugh. But I never realized it was an actual “skill” until I was about 14. 

Who do you look up to in your life (whether it be for your career or just what kind of person you want to be) ?
 I look up to a lot of people for different reasons. A significant influence and idol of mine is Dave Chappelle. I admire how he is always true to himself and stands up for what he believes in. I appreciate how he speaks about real issues and experiences and does not conform to anyone else’s guidelines. He is just funny.

Most embarrassing moment you’ve experienced: go!
I broke my tooth and spat up my food in front of a girl on a first date.

What would be the ultimate dream?
I want to be in more movies than Ludacris. 

Photographer NATALIE WALSH @nataliewalshphoto
Styling ERIC OWES @ericowes
Grooming DANNI KATZ @dannidoesit
Creative Direction ALEKSANDAR TOMOVIC @alekandsteph
Production @BELLOmediaGroup x @MaisonPriveePR_LA

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Full Digital Preview of BELLO September issue featuring Matt Rife: