Matt Rife is a comedian on a mission. He wraps up 2024 with a global tour, a new memoir, and plans to kick off 2025 with another highly anticipated tour.
Inside His Rise
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to live out this lifelong dream!” Rife said in a recent statement. “To tour the world, spreading laughter, with some of my best friends, is something I never thought would be possible. I’m so grateful to get this opportunity, and it’s even more fulfilling knowing that it’s all because of the incredible people who enjoy my comedy.”
Rife, whose viral TikTok reels consistently gain over one million views, recently released his memoir, “Your Mom’s Gonna Love Me,” in December. Earlier this year, he wrapped up the ProbleMATTIC World Tour, which included stops throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. With more than 100 dates, the tour sold 600,000 tickets in 48 hours. With the exception of Taylor Swift, Rife is the only entertainer to shut down the Ticketmaster website.
His next tour, “Stay Golden” is slated to begin in early 2025. The tour will include more than 30 shows throughout the United States including a headlining show at Madison Square Garden.
With a purported net worth of $400 million, Rife is making big inroads in Hollywood. The Ohio native first began appearing in television series in 2014 on shows such as “Average Joe” and “Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything.” After competing in the comedy competition “Bring on the Funny,” Rife appeared on the improvisational comedy show “Wild ’N’ Out” and earned a reported $1,000 per episode. The experience was an opportunity to flex his comedic chops but was also met with controversy when he grabbed actress Zendaya’s chin during a segment of the show. And while it is unclear if Rife was fired or left the show on his own accord, the comedian, whose sets include his perspective on relationships and intimacy, was ready for more.
“It is easy to get comfortable on the show and not leave,” Rife said in an interview with Jon Youshaei.
In 2021, he self-produced the comedy special “Only Fans.” Rife crowdfunded the special, earning almost $30,000. Filmed at a dance studio in North Hollywood, Rife shared that on average 40 people showed up to be in the audience. However, the special has gained more than 14 million views on YouTube. Other specials such as “Matthew Steven Rife” and “Walking Red Flag” followed. Rife also released the Netflix special “Natural Selection.” Despite receiving criticism from viewers for a joke about domestic violence, Rife’s special gained 10.3 million views within its first two weeks. As a result, the platform is partnering with Rife for two more specials and a sitcom.
In a career that took years to make, Rife shares that longevity and patience are key to his success.
“There are no shortcuts,” Rife said. “Take your time. You don’t have to be gigantic at the very moment.”
