Rhys Darby

Biography

Rhys Montague Darby, born on March 21, 1974, is a celebrated New Zealand actor and comedian. Before stepping into the entertainment world, he served in the New Zealand army, where he developed a distinctive perspective that would later influence his performances. In 1996, he teamed up with Grant Lobban to create the comedy duo "Rhysently Granted," quickly gaining popularity for their original humor. Darby’s solo stand-up routines, known for their lively storytelling and creative use of mime and sound effects, earned him significant acclaim, including two nominations for the prestigious Billy T Award.

Darby's major break came in 2007 when he portrayed Murray Hewitt in the HBO hit series "Flight of the Conchords." His film career has since flourished, with notable appearances in "Yes Man," "What We Do in the Shadows," and "Jumanji," where his comedic style has become a hallmark of his supporting roles. In television, he has also had recurring roles in series such as "Short Poppies" and "Wrecked," along with voice work in animated shows like "Voltron: Legendary Defender."

From 2022 to 2023, Darby took on the role of a fictionalized Stede Bonnet in the romantic comedy series "Our Flag Means Death," showcasing his talents in a leading capacity for the first time, particularly in the context of the show’s celebrated LGBTQ+ themes, especially his character's relationship with Taika Waititi's Blackbeard. In addition to acting, Darby is an accomplished author with three children's books under the "Buttons McGinty" series, an autobiography titled "This Way to Spaceship," and he has co-hosted the cryptozoology podcast "The Cryptid Factor" since 2008.