Matt Rife on Netflix Special Lucid and Fame's Impact on Mental Health

Matt Rife, the rising star in the comedy scene, has recently captured the spotlight with his latest Netflix special, Lucid – A Crowd Work Special. In an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Rife opened up about his journey from aspiring comedian to a sought-after performer, the challenges of fame, and the impact of his success on his mental health. In this comprehensive blog post, we delve into his insights and experiences, offering a deeper understanding of his career trajectory and the personal challenges he’s faced along the way.

From Ohio to the Spotlight: Matt Rife’s Journey

Growing up in Ohio, Matt Rife never imagined reaching the heights of success he enjoys today. The comedian, now 28, reflects on how his initial dreams were modest compared to his current achievements. “The dream I had was, OK, if I could just sell out weekends at comedy clubs for 300-seat venues, I f–king made it,” Rife shares. “The level of being a Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, Kat Williams — these arena acts [and] top-tier entertainers — never even occurred to me. I’m from f–king Ohio, it doesn’t really seem fitting.”

Rife’s career took off with his appearances on MTV’s Wild ‘n Out and The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars. He also hosted the reboot of Total Request Live in 2017. His breakthrough came with self-produced comedy specials in 2021 that went viral on social media, amassing a substantial following on TikTok and Instagram. His success has reached unprecedented levels, including breaking Ticketmaster records alongside artists like Taylor Swift.

Navigating the Challenges of Fame

With success comes both blessings and burdens. Rife describes the shift from a period of unstructured days to a schedule packed with engagements. “For 11 straight years, I woke up pretty much every single day with nothing to do unless I created something to do,” he explains. “Now, I wake up and go, ‘Wow, I don’t know if I’ll ever have a free day for the rest of my life,’ which is a blessing and a curse.”

This drastic change in his daily life has led Rife to confront the paradox of having too much to do and missing out on enjoying his achievements. He notes, “I don’t ever want to be bored ever again — that used to drive me absolutely insane — [and] there’s nothing worse than your phone not ringing, but every now and then, I’m like, ‘OK, am I ever going to get a chance to enjoy the house I just bought?’”

Mental Health and Success: A Double-Edged Sword

Rife has been candid about his struggles with anxiety and depression. He admits that his mental health issues have not improved with success; in fact, they’ve intensified. “It’s gotten so much worse,” he says. “There’s no crash course on how to be famous.”

The comedian reveals the emotional toll of fame, including the difficulty of dealing with public scrutiny and the constant need to manage negativity. “Nobody tells you that you have to take on new battles [and] get used to people telling you things about yourself that only you thought about yourself,” Rife explains. “You have to learn to deflect so much negativity that’s thrown at you when so many people don’t understand the negativity you live with in your own head.”

Despite these challenges, Rife acknowledges that success has also alleviated some anxieties. “There’s a little less worry about ‘What if?’” he says. The stability and opportunities that come with fame can provide a degree of relief from financial and career uncertainties.

Lucid – A Crowd Work Special: A New Venture with Netflix

Rife’s new Netflix special, Lucid – A Crowd Work Special, is a significant milestone in his career. He describes working with Netflix as an exciting opportunity, particularly because the special aligns with his natural comedic style. “I’m super happy to get to work with [Netflix] in any capacity really, but to work with them on something that has been so natural and niche to me, and to what I do, is really cool,” Rife shares.

Filmed at The Comedy Zone in Charlotte, NC, the special features interactive crowd work, a format that could have been risky but ultimately paid off. Rife was concerned about the potential for disappointing interactions but was pleased with the outcome. “I was like, what if we get dud after dud after dud of an interaction?” he recalls. “Luckily, we got fire after fire.”

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q1: What inspired Matt Rife’s Netflix special Lucid?

A1: Matt Rife’s Netflix special Lucid was inspired by his natural comedic style, particularly his talent for crowd work. The special features interactive elements where Rife engages with the audience, showcasing his improvisational skills and ability to handle real-time interactions.

Q2: How did Matt Rife’s early career on MTV influence his comedy?

A2: Rife’s early career on MTV, including appearances on Wild ‘n Out and The Challenge: Champs vs. Stars, helped build his comedic presence and public recognition. These experiences provided him with valuable exposure and opportunities that contributed to his later success.

Q3: What challenges has Matt Rife faced as a result of his fame?

A3: Matt Rife has faced several challenges due to his fame, including increased public scrutiny, managing negativity, and dealing with heightened anxiety and depression. Success has brought a busy schedule and the pressure of maintaining a public persona, which has impacted his mental health.

Q4: How has Matt Rife’s mental health been affected by his success?

A4: Rife has shared that his mental health issues, including anxiety and depression, have worsened with success. The pressures of fame, public scrutiny, and the constant need to deflect negativity have exacerbated these challenges, although some anxieties have been alleviated by the stability and opportunities provided by his career.

Q5: What makes Lucid – A Crowd Work Special unique compared to other comedy specials?

A5: Lucid – A Crowd Work Special is unique due to its focus on crowd work, a comedic format where Rife interacts directly with the audience. This approach showcases his improvisational skills and ability to engage with live reactions, offering a fresh and interactive comedy experience.

Q6: How does Matt Rife balance his busy schedule with personal time?

A6: Balancing a busy schedule with personal time has been a challenge for Rife. He acknowledges the difficulty of finding time to enjoy his achievements and relax due to his packed calendar. Despite the demanding schedule, he strives to manage his time effectively and find moments to enjoy his personal life.

Q7: What advice does Matt Rife have for aspiring comedians?

A7: Rife’s advice for aspiring comedians includes staying true to oneself, embracing the process of building a career, and being prepared for the ups and downs of the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance and authenticity in achieving long-term success.

Q8: What future projects is Matt Rife working on?

A8: While specific future projects were not detailed in the interview, Rife is expected to continue leveraging his success and creative talents for new comedic ventures. Fans can look forward to more content and performances that align with his unique style and approach to comedy.

Matt Rife’s journey from an aspiring comedian in Ohio to a successful performer with a Netflix special highlights the highs and lows of fame. His candid reflections on the impact of success on his mental health offer valuable insights into the complexities of navigating a career in the spotlight. As he continues to evolve and entertain, Rife remains a compelling figure in the comedy world, balancing his personal challenges with professional achievements.