Rose Matafeo 

Rose Matafeo is a talented New Zealand comedian, writer, and actress, renowned for her sharp wit and relatable storytelling. Born on February 25, 1992, in Auckland, she began her stand-up comedy career at just 15, quickly making a name for herself in New Zealand’s comedy scene. Her early work included hosting the youth show U Live, writing for Jono and Ben at Ten, and contributing to the sketch series Funny Girls.

Matafeo’s breakthrough came in 2018 when her stand-up show Horndog won the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award, making her the first person of color and the first New Zealander to win this honor. She later brought Horndog to an international audience by recording it as a special for HBO Max.

In television, Matafeo co-created and starred in Starstruck, a romantic comedy series that premiered in 2021 on the BBC, HBO Max, TVNZ, and ABC. The show received widespread acclaim for its fresh take on the rom-com genre and was quickly renewed for multiple seasons.

In 2024, Matafeo returned to stand-up with her special On and On and On, filmed during a sold-out run in London. The special, which explores themes of relationships, aging, and personal growth, is available on Max.

As of 2025, Matafeo continues to be a prominent figure in the world of comedy, recognized for her unique voice, emotional depth, and ability to combine humor with meaningful insights.