SF Sketchfest 2025

Rhys Darby is an actor, writer, podcaster and stand-up comedian originally from New Zealand.

Darby first captured US audiences as Murray, the loveable, but ultimately inept manager in HBO’s "Flight of the Conchords". He has gone on to star in a plethora of TV and film roles, from "Yes Man" and "Pirate Radio" to Nigel in the "Jumanji" reboots. Most recently he starred as the gentleman pirate, Stede Bonnet in "Our Flag Means Death".

Darby first hit the standup stage in University in Christchurch, New Zealand in the mid 90s, and has never looked back. Now recognised as one of NZs most successful comedy exports. His stand-up has been described as a sensational blend of sound effects, characterizations and askew observations. A consummate storyteller, Rhys is known for his silly stories and light hearted take on the world.

Rhys has five stand-up specials’, "Imagine That!" (2008), "It’s Rhys Darby Night!" (2011) and "This Way to Spaceship", (2012) and "I’m a Fighter Jet" (2017) and "Mystic Time Bird" (2021).

Darby has written four books, a loosely autobiographical end of world companion, "This Way to Spaceship", as well as three Buttons McGinty books for kids (or adults that like to laugh)

Rhys’ love of the weird is seen in his stand up and writing, and for ten years he has had first a radio show, then a podcast on cryptozoology, "The Cryptid Factor".

A prolific voice over artist, kids all over the world hear him in "Voltron: Legendary Defender", "Spirit", "TMNT", "Kiff", "Monsters at Work" and many more. Darby is excited to lend his voice to the upcoming film "That Christmas" and the classic story, "Badjelly the Witch".

In between his huge adventures Darby is based in Los Angeles with his family where they like to hike, eat tacos and explore the world.

You can follow Rhys' life, Facebook.com/rhysdarby or Instagram @rhysiedarby.
Photo credit: Robyn Von Swank

Hosted by Hunaid Shakoor.