Our interview with 21-year-old stand up comedian Matt Rife.
Matt has gained the respect of stand up veterans and audiences alike. He is currently the youngest performer at The World Famous Laugh Factory, and has opened for comedians such as Mike Epps, D.L. Hugely, Ralphie May, Dane Cook, Tommy Davidson, and DeRay Davis.
Matt can be seen also as one of the newest members of MTV’s hit show WILD N’OUT.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Outgoing. Ambitious. Silly.
We’re sure you have been asked this million times but how did you get in the industry?
I was just a huge fan of movies and acting my entire life, so it was always in the back of my mind. But where I’m from, you don’t really have many options other than being a farmer or mechanic. So it wasn’t looking good, but then I became really into watching standup comedy. I was always class clown in school, making all my friends and family laugh. So I found this comedy club about an hour from my home and begged my mom to let me start doing the open mic there every week after school. That little hobby snowballed into bigger opportunities and became my number one passion. I’ve been blessed enough to have that passion lead to where I am today.
Best advice ever given?
“Just do you. Nobody else can do that. Not everyone is going to like you or what you do, but being yourself at all times will keep YOU happy.”
Do you have a role model?
My role model would probably have to be Jim Carry & Robin Williams. Both were brilliant comedians who transitioned into a couple of the greatest actors of all time, dramatically and comedically.
What is the best part of doing comedy?
I’d have to say it’s making a room or stadium full of strangers laugh at just an observation that I have on life, just being me.
Do you still get nervous?
Not anymore. Unless there’s a hot mom in the crowd or something.
What is the feeling to be the youngest performer at The World Famous Laugh Factory?
It’s an honor. The Laugh Factory is a historic, iconic venue where some of the greatest comedians of all time started and and still perform today. So to be able to perform along side of them every week at the age I am now, is incredible.
Now tell us about MTV’s WILD N’ OUT?
Wild N’ Out is the best thing to happen to my career so far. It’s so much fun being on a show I grew up watching, before I even started standup comedy. And I get to perform with some of my closest friends in comedy. The growth in my fans has been amazing since being on that show. I’ve received so much love and support from so many people and I think it’s a fan base that’ll grow with me and be there forever.
What is you favorite song? And why?
My favorite song is “Can We Talk” by Tevin Cambell. My reasoning? Come on……have you heard it?! It’s beautiful.
Any future plans you want to share with us?
I’ll be touring all over the country in 2017, so make sure to come out and laugh with me! 🙂
Any loves other than comedy?
I love sports. Especially football. Anything outdoorsy, like camping and hiking, I’m down anytime. And animals.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Hopefully, I’ll be the star of my own TV show and in a number of feature films. All while being happily married to my celebrity crush.
Who is your celebrity crush?
Kate Beckinsale.
What actor/actress do you admire the most, and why?
I’d have to say Ryan Reynolds. I think it’s amazing how he transitions so well from being the funny guy to the action/drama star. Not a lot of actors/actresses can do that. And that’s definitely a career path I’d love to follow……minus Green Lantern. 😉
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
My Phone, fruit snacks, and the stage.
Name one your strengths?
Listening and reading people, their actions and how they talk. It sometimes makes me overanalyze things but helps with acting because I’m actually listening to what the other person is saying.
How is a normal day in your life?
Wake up, kiss my two kittens, go to the gym, come home and shower, write, go to a few meetings, run a couple errands, and then go to one of the local comedy clubs to perform.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
On the beach, with some friends, playing some volleyball, listening to music.
What do you think of Social Media?
It’s extremely too powerful. And leads people to focus on the wrong things, like followers, instead of who a person actually is or what they do.
Where we can follow you?
Twitter: @ItsMattRife Instagram: @MattRife
Quote: “You’re only given a little spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it” -Robin Williams
Book: “Misery” by Stephen King
Movie: The Wolf Of Wallstreet
Actor/Actress: Ryan Reynolds/Amy Adams
Food: Italian
Tv Series: The Walking Dead
Travel Destination: Italy
Restaurant: Canters Deli
Sports Team: Ohio State Buckeyes
