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New Zealand Rhys Darby is a versatile actor, writer, and comedian known for his energetic physical comedy and memorable roles in film and television.
Appeared in an advertisement featuring Roger Federer, portraying an impostor coach.
Appeared in several TV advertisements for the New Zealand mobile phone company.
Became a climate ambassador for Greenpeace's 'Sign On' climate campaign, publishing a poem and video in support.
Participated in a promotional video with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern to address why New Zealand was frequently omitted from world maps as part of a tourism campaign.
Joined Adweek for an interview about his creative approach to advertising roles and the power of humor in a campaign for Terminix.
Starred in a campaign demonstrating how Xero's products can help small businesses manage their finances.
Starred as the Interim Deputy Director of 'Turalism' in a series of promotional videos for the 'Dawntrail' expansion, taking the form of a tourism advertisement for the continent of Tural.
Born on March 21, 1974, in Auckland, New Zealand, Rhys Darby’s early life included a period of service in the New Zealand Army from 1991 to 1994, followed by studies at the University of Canterbury. His comedy career began in 1996 with the duo Rhysently Granted, performing at local venues in Christchurch. After gaining experience in local and international comedy festivals, Darby moved to the UK to further his career. This progression led to his role as Brian Nesbit in the BBC radio series of “Flight of the Conchords” in 2004, which later became the widely recognized character Murray Hewitt in the television adaptation from 2007 to 2009. His comedic talents, often characterized by mime and sound effects, quickly garnered international attention.
Darby’s career continued to expand with significant film roles, including Norman in the 2008 film “Yes Man” alongside Jim Carrey, and Angus Nutsford in Richard Curtis’s 2009 film “The Boat That Rocked” (released as “Pirate Radio” in some regions). He also made notable appearances in television commercials for brands like Nike (with Roger Federer) and the New Zealand mobile network 2degrees, showcasing his broad appeal. In 2011, he transitioned to American television with a role in the CBS sitcom “How to Be a Gentleman.” His written work includes the “autobiographical space novel” “This Way to Spaceship,” released in 2012, which also earned him the Fred Award for Best New Zealand Show at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival.
A significant turning point in his career arrived with his starring role as Stede Bonnet in the HBO Max series “Our Flag Means Death,” from 2022 to 2023. This role, which co-starred Taika Waititi, received critical acclaim for its LGBTQ+ representation and Darby’s performance, which he described as his “career-best.” Beyond acting, Darby co-hosts the cryptozoology podcast “The Cryptid Factor” and has hosted events such as the 51st International Emmy Awards in 2023. His consistent work across various platforms demonstrates his enduring presence in entertainment, with a new stand-up tour, “The Legend Returns,” scheduled for 2025.
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