Rhys Darby
New Zealand actor and comedian (born 1974) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Rhys Montague Darby (born 21 March 1974)[1][2] is a New Zealand actor and comedian. He is known for his energetic physical comedy routines, telling stories accompanied with mime, and sound effects[3] of things such as machinery and animals.[4] He was nominated for the Billy T Award in 2001 and 2002[5] and won the 2012 Fred (Dagg) Award for best NZ show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.[6]
Rhys Darby | |
|---|---|
_(54100566838)_(cropped)_(cropped).jpg) Rhys Darby at the 68th BFI London Film Festival premiere of That Christmas on 19 October 2024 | |
| Born | Rhys Montague Darby 21 March 1974 |
| Occupations | |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Spouse | Rosie Carnahan (m. 2004) |
| Children | 2 |
| Website | rhysdarby |
Darby is best known for playing Murray Hewitt, the band manager of Flight of the Conchords in the television series, a role he originally played in the BBC radio series under the name Brian Nesbit.[7] He has appeared in films such as Yes Man (2008), The Boat That Rocked (2009), Love Birds (2011), What We Do in the Shadows (2014), Trolls (2016), Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017), Guns Akimbo (2019), Relax, I'm from the Future (2022), Uproar (2023) and Next Goal Wins (2023). From March 2022 to October 2023, he starred as Stede Bonnet alongside Taika Waititi in the HBO Max period romantic comedy series Our Flag Means Death.[8]
Early life
Darby was born on 21 March 1974 in Auckland and was brought up in the suburb of Pakuranga. He attended Edgewater College.[9] A former soldier, he left the New Zealand Army in 1994 and began studies at the University of Canterbury.[10] In 1996 he formed a comedy duo, Rhysently Granted, with Grant Lobban.[11] After winning an open mic contest at Southern Blues Bar in Christchurch, the duo began performing at local venues.[12]
Career
Summarize
Perspective
Rhysently Granted performed at two international comedy festivals which led to Darby moving back to Auckland to seek more solo stand-up experience.[13] After performing his first solo show at the 2002 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Darby moved to the UK to pursue his career further.[5]
In 2004, he appeared in the Flight of the Conchords BBC radio series as the band's manager Brian Nesbit alongside comedy stars such as Rob Brydon, Andy Parsons and Jimmy Carr.[7] Darby's character was renamed to Murray Hewitt, the band's manager, for the Flight of the Conchords TV show. He provided vocals for the track "Leggy Blonde" on their self-titled first album and also in the second series of the show on the track "Rejected" during the episode "A Good Opportunity" alongside tenor Andrew Drost.[14]
Darby played the role of Norman, the boss of Jim Carrey's character in Yes Man.[15] In July 2008 he appeared in a Nike advertisement featuring Roger Federer; he played an impostor posing as Federer's coach.[16][17]
He appeared on a British children's television programme The Slammer during its first series. He also appeared in several advertisements for New Zealand mobile phone company 2degrees. He appeared on Soccer AM on 18 October 2008 and on Never Mind The Buzzcocks on 23 October.
Rhys Darby's hair colour is self-described as Electric Copper in the episode of Flight of the Conchords entitled Murray Takes It to the Next Level. He refers to this in his stand-up show It's Rhys Darby Night which he performed at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe from 6–15 August 2009,[18] The Bloomsbury Theatre in London from 27 July – 1 August and toured around New Zealand with in October and November that year.
Darby played the role of Angus in the Richard Curtis film The Boat That Rocked[19] released in the UK on 1 April 2009. This film was released in some countries in November 2009 under the name Pirate Radio.[20]
In 2009, while home in New Zealand, he began filming TV ads for NZ's new mobile network 2degrees and appearing in NZ shows Rocked the Nation 2, Jaquie Brown Diaries and Intrepid Journeys. He has also branched out into producing live comedy with his wife and their company Awesomeness International. At the NZ International Comedy Festival they produced shows for local comedians. Darby became a climate ambassador for Greenpeace in its Sign On climate campaign[21] and published a poem and video in support of the campaign.[22]
In 2009 Darby became a part of the New Zealand TV ONE series Intrepid Journeys, Season 5, touring Rwanda. On 10 August 2010, Entertainment Weekly claimed that Darby was in consideration for a role in the television series The Office after Steve Carell left at the end of the 2011 season; however, this did not materialise.[23]
In May 2011, he also filmed a pilot for a Channel 4 sitcom in the UK, The Fun Police.[24] The pilot was broadcast on 16 September. In 2011, Darby and family moved to the US for Darby to take a role in the CBS sitcom How to Be a Gentleman.[25] Darby's second DVD It's Rhys Darby Night! was released in NZ on 12 December 2011.[20]
He wrote a self-described "autobiographical space novel" entitled This Way to Spaceship, which was released on 12 April 2012. On 20 May 2012, Darby was awarded the Fred Award by the New Zealand International Comedy Festival for his show of the same name as his book.[6]
In 2013, he was responsible for flying 'Cornish rappers' Hedluv + Passman to New Zealand for the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.[26] This was followed by an appearance on Seven Sharp, where he introduced 'his rappers'[26] to the New Zealand public.[27]
Since 2013, Darby has co-hosted the cryptozoology-focused podcast The Cryptid Factor with Dan Schreiber and David Farrier.[28]
Darby climbed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro in July 2013 as part of a World Vision team of celebrities that included Olympian Mahé Drysdale and musician Boh Runga. On 8 November 2013, Darby made an appearance and performed some standup comedy in his capacity as second guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. He portrayed Anton in the 2014 release comedy horror film What We Do in the Shadows.[29]
In February 2016, he played Guy Mann in the third episode ("Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster") of season 10 of The X-Files. Darby, a long-time fan of the show, was thrilled by his experience on set. He saw this as an opportunity that only comes around every so often and said he'd return to the set the first chance he received.[30]
In 2018, Darby participated in a video together with Prime Minister of New Zealand Jacinda Ardern as part of a tourism campaign for the country in which they discussed why New Zealand was being excluded from world maps so frequently.[31]
From 2022 to 2023, Darby starred in the HBO Max series Our Flag Means Death as pirate captain Stede Bonnet. The series received critical acclaim for its LGBTQ representation,[32] in part due to the romantic relationship between Bonnet and Blackbeard, played by co-star Taika Waititi.[33] Critics also praised Darby’s performance, calling it his “career-best” work.[34] IndieWire included his portrayal of Bonnet in their best TV performances of 2022.[35] His performance earned several award nominations, including Peabody,[36] Hollywood Critics Association[37] and Astra Award[38] nods. Darby has referred to Our Flag Means Death as “the best thing I’ve ever done”[39] and his favorite TV project,[40] with the role of Bonnet being the most challenging and complex of his career.[41]
Darby hosted the 51st International Emmy Awards in November 2023.[42] He later presented at the 75th Creative Arts Emmy Awards in January 2024[43] and the Art Directors Guild Awards in February 2024.[44]
In June 2024, Darby starred as the Interim Deputy Director of “Turalism” in a series of promotional videos for the fifth expansion of "Final Fantasy XIV", Dawntrail, taking the form of a tourism advertisement for the expansion's central setting, the continent of Tural.[45]
In November 2024, Darby announced he would be returning to stand-up comedy with a new show called The Legend Returns. The show is scheduled to tour in 2025.[46]
Personal life
Darby is the youngest of five children and was raised by a single mother. He had a close relationship with his sister Linda, who helped raise him after his father left.[47]
He met his future wife and manager, Rosie Carnahan, while performing stand-up comedy at her café in Christchurch. The couple married in 2004 and have two sons together.[48] As of July 2014, Darby and his family reside in Los Angeles, California.[49][50]
Darby has described himself as being on the spectrum and having ADHD.[51][52]
Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Yes Man | Norman "Norm" Stokes | |
| 2009 | The Boat That Rocked | Angus Nutsford | Titled Pirate Radio in North America |
| Diagnosis: Death | Specialist | ||
| Peacock Season | Galtrex Guy | ||
| 2011 | Coming & Going | Lee Leonetti | |
| Love Birds | Doug | ||
| Arthur Christmas | Lead Elf (voice) | ||
| 2014 | What We Do in the Shadows | Anton | |
| 2016 | Hunt for the Wilderpeople | Psycho Sam | |
| Trolls | Bibbly (voice)[53] | ||
| 2017 | Killing Hasselhoff | Fish | |
| Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle | Nigel Billingsley | ||
| 2019 | Guns Akimbo | Glenjamin | |
| Mosley | Deaver (voice)[53] | ||
| Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans | The Master of Games (voice)[54][53] | ||
| Jumanji: The Next Level | Nigel Billingsley | ||
| 2020 | 100% Wolf | Foxwell Cripp (voice)[53] | |
| 2022 | Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie | Hypno-Potamus (voice)[55][53] | |
| Relax, I'm from the Future | Casper | ||
| 2023 | Next Goal Wins | Rhys Marlin | |
| Uproar | Madigan | ||
| 2024 | That Christmas | Mr. McNutt (voice) | |
| 2025 | Love Hurts | Kippy Betts |
Television
| Years | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Who's Ya Mate? | Multiple | Television film |
| 2007–2009 | Flight of the Conchords | Murray Hewitt | 22 episodes |
| 2009 | The Jaquie Brown Diaries | Terence Ben'et | 1 episode |
| Comedy Showcase: The Amazing Dermot | Dermot Flint | ||
| 2010 | Radiradirah | Gavin Hoode, First Officer Rangi | 3 episodes |
| 2011 | How to Be a Gentleman | Mike | 9 episodes |
| Comedy Showcase: The Fun Police | Leslie | ||
| 2012 | Missing Christmas | Dennis Gob | Television film[53] |
| Jake and the Never Land Pirates | Percy | ||
| Life Stinks | Connor | Miniseries | |
| The Skinner Boys: Live at Mingara NSW | Professor Tinkerpuff | Television stage show | |
| 2013 | How I Met Your Mother | Hamish | Episode: "No Questions Asked" |
| Watsky's Releasing an Album | Flynn | 3 episodes | |
| The Aquabats! Super Show! | The Shark Fighter | ||
| Tiny Commando | Tony Turk (voice) | 2 episodes | |
| Keep Calm and Karey On | Television film | ||
| 2014 | Legit | Trevor | 1 episode |
| Short Poppies | Various characters | ||
| Modern Family | Fergus Anderson | Episode: "Australia" | |
| Comedy Bang! Bang! | Uncle Deckard | 1 episode | |
| Hot in Cleveland | Jack | 3 episodes | |
| The Millers | Martin | Episode: "CON-Troversy" | |
| It's a Date | Craig | 1 episode | |
| 2015–2016 | Thunderbirds Are Go | Langstrom Fischler | Voice, 3 episodes[56][53] |
| 2015 | Life in Pieces | Teddy | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | The X-Files | Guy Mann | Episode: "Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster" |
| The Barefoot Bandits | Dennis Gobb, Billy Bob Gobb | Voice[53] | |
| 2016–2019 | Mike Tyson Mysteries | Terry | Voice, 2 episodes[53] |
| 2016–2018 | Wrecked | Steve | Regular |
| Voltron: Legendary Defender | Coran | Voice, 27 episodes[53] | |
| 2017 | A Series of Unfortunate Events | Charles | 2 episodes |
| Fresh Off the Boat | Tony Wonder | Episode: "Living While Eddie" | |
| Dr. Ken | Charles Evans | Episode: "Ken and the CEO" | |
| The Lion Guard | Mwenzi | Voice, episode: "Ono the Tickbird"[53] | |
| Bajillion Dollar Propertie$ | Stevahn Rabren | Episode: "Dean's Legacy" | |
| Milo Murphy's Law | King Pistashion | Voice, episode: "Missing Milo" | |
| We Bare Bears | Kyle | Voice, episode: "Kyle" | |
| The Jim Jefferies Show | Jacko | Episode: "America’s Opioid Epidemic" | |
| Welcome to the Wayne | Isthotep | Voice, episode: "Flutch"[53] | |
| 2017–2023 | Bob's Burgers | Duncan / Quincy Cox | Voice, 3 episodes[53] |
| 2018 | Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles | Hypno-Potamus / Mezmer-Ron | Voice, recurring role[53] |
| Skylanders Academy | Crash Bandicoot | Voice, 2 episodes (Season 3) | |
| The Simpsons | Tag Tuckerbag | Voice, episode: "Heartbreak Hotel"[57] | |
| The Venture Bros | H.E.L.P.eR. Model Two | Voice, episode: "The Inamorata Consequence"[53] | |
| 2018–2019 | Star vs. the Forces of Evil | Eddie | Voice, 5 episodes[53] |
| 2019–2020 | Infinity Train | Randall | Voice, 4 episodes[53] |
| 2019–2020 | Carmen Sandiego | Neal the Eel | Voice, 2 episodes[53] |
| 2020 | Big City Greens | Life Guard | Voice, episode: "Shark Objects" |
| Moominvalley | Mysterious Fisherman | Voice, 3 episodes | |
| The Big Fib | C.L.I.V.E. | 30 episodes | |
| The Boss Baby: Back in Business | Happy Sedengry | Voice, 3 episodes | |
| Wild Life | Sam | Voice, 1 episode | |
| 2021 | Wellington Paranormal | Anton-Park Ranger | Episode: "Te Maero" |
| The Great North | Denny the Snowflake | Voice, episode: "Game of Snownes" | |
| Sweet Tooth | Hazmat #2 | Episode: "Big Man" | |
| 2022 | Pacific Rim: The Black | Bunyip Man | Voice, episode: "The Never Never" |
| Home Economics | Monroe Davies | Episode: "Book Deal, Terms Negotiable" | |
| Action Pack | Mr. Villainman | 2 episodes[53] | |
| 2022–2023 | Our Flag Means Death | Stede Bonnet | Main role, 18 episodes |
| 2023 | SpongeBob SquarePants | Krabby Patty (voice) | Episode: "My Friend Patty" |
| Kiff | Trollie (voice) | 2 episodes[53] | |
| Curses! | Stanley (voice) | Main role | |
| 2024 | Night Court | Alistair Tully, The Duke of Greybog | Season 2 Episode 12: "The Duke's a Hazard" |
| Monsters at Work | Roger Rogers (voice) | 9 episodes | |
| The Hungry Games: Alaska Big Bear Challenge | Narrator (voice) | 3 episodes | |
| Bluey: Minisodes | Monty (voice) | 1 episode | |
| Royal Crackers | Johnathan (voice) | Episode: "Dog" | |
| Chibiverse | Perry the Platypus (voice) | Episode: "The Roast of Dr. Doofenshmirtz" | |
| 2025 | The Z-Suite | Bennett Buffy | 4 episodes |
| Star Trek: Strange New Worlds[58] | TBA | Guest |
Television appearances as himself
| Year | Title |
|---|---|
| 2001–2002 | Billy T Award |
| 2005 | Mighty Truck of Stuff |
| 2006 | The Slammer |
| 2007–2008 | Sounds Like a Laugh |
| 2008 | Yo Gabba Gabba! |
| 2008 | The Comedy Store Live |
| 2009 | Rocked the Nation 2: 100 NZ Pop Culture Moments |
| 2009 | Spicks and Specks |
| 2009 | Thank God You're Here |
| 2009 | ROVE |
| 2009 | Intrepid Journeys |
| 2009–2012 | 7 Days |
| 2010 | The Qantas TV and Film Awards |
| 2011 | A Quiet Word With ... |
| 2011 | The Rob Brydon Show |
| 2012 | Mad Mad World |
| 2012 | Sunday Brunch |
| 2012 | The Comedy Marathon Spectacular |
| 2012 | QI |
| 2013–2017 | @midnight |
| 2013 | Late Show with David Letterman |
| 2014 | No, You Shut Up! |
| 2016 | The Café |
| 2016–2017 | Whose Line is it Anyway? Australia |
| 2018 | Drunk History Australia |
| 2020 | Rhys Darby: Big in Japan |
| 2021 | The Masked Singer NZ |
| 2021 | Patriot Brains |
| 2022 | Late Night with Seth Meyers |
| 2022 | Celebrity Family Feud |
| 2024 | After Midnight |
| 2024 | Expedition X |
Comedy specials
- Imagine That! (2008)
- It's Rhys Darby Night! (2011)
- This Way to Spaceship (2012)
- I'm a Fighter Jet (2017)
- Mystic Time Bird (2021)
Video games
| Year | Title | Voice role |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Voltron VR Chronicles | Coran |
| 2018 | Dr. Grordbort's Invaders | Gimble |
| 2019 | Jumanji: The Video Game | Nigel Billingsley[53] |
| 2020 | Half-Life: Alyx | Russell[59][53] |
| 2020 | Fortnite | Chapter 2, Season 3 Battle Pass voiceover |
| 2021 | Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy's Edge - Last Call | IG-88, Deek |
| 2023 | Jumanji: Wild Adventures | Nigel Billingsley[53] |
Accolades, awards and nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Billy T Award | Kiwi Comedian with "Outstanding Potential" | Himself | Nominated | [5] |
| 2002 | Nominated | ||||
| 2008 | Online Film & Television Association | Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Flight of The Conchords | Nominated | [60] |
| International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA) | Best Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series | Flight of the Conchords | Won | [61] | |
| 2012 | Fred Award | Best New Zealand Show | This Way to Spaceship | Won | [6] |
| 2022 | |||||
| Gold Derby TV Awards | Best Comedy Actor | Our Flag Means Death | Nominated | [62] | |
| Blood in the Snow Film Festival Jury Prize | Best Lead Performance | Relax, I'm from the Future | Nominated | [63] | |
| Tell-Tale TV Awards | Favorite Performer in a Cable or Streaming Comedy Series | Our Flag Means Death | Won | [64] | |
| Hollywood Critics Association Television Awards | Best Actor in a Streaming Series, Comedy | Our Flag Means Death | Nominated | [65] | |
| 2023 | Peabody Awards | Entertainment | Our Flag Means Death | Nominated | [36] |
| 2024 | |||||
| Tell-Tale TV Awards | Favorite Performer in a Cable or Streaming Comedy Series | Our Flag Means Death | Won | [66] | |
| Gold Derby TV Awards | Best Comedy Actor | Our Flag Means Death | Nominated | [67] | |
| Astra Awards | Best Actor in a Streaming Comedy Series | Our Flag Means Death | Nominated | [68] |
References
External links
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