Comedian and actor Matt Rife, who recently appeared in the film “Rolling Loud: The Movie,” shared insights into his lifestyle and creative process. The project was filmed during the 2024 Rolling Loud music festival in Miami, known for its high-energy hip-hop performances. Rife, who plays a dim-witted sidekick to Owen Wilson’s character, described the experience as chaotic, noting how festival attendees would often stop the guerrilla-style filming to take pictures.
Rife, who resides in Rhode Island with his dog Hammer, detailed several personal routines and preferences that support his demanding career. Among his daily essentials, he highlighted his reliance on Uncrustables, a convenient source of nutrition amid his irregular eating schedule. He also pointed to his frequent visits to Levi’s stores, linking his affinity for the brand to his modest upbringing where clothing was limited.
His dog, Hammer, a pit bull rescue found at a gas station in Arkansas, brings him comfort and companionship. Rife described the dog as both intelligent and needy, providing a source of emotional support.
Fitness and wellness practices play a significant role in Rife’s routine. He maintains a home gym in Rhode Island and prioritizes access to quality fitness facilities like Life Time and Equinox when traveling. Alongside regular workouts, he commits to a daily five- to six-minute cold plunge in water chilled to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Rife cited the plunge as essential for mental and physical resetting, boosting serotonin and endorphin levels despite the initial discomfort. Complementing the cold plunge, he uses a sauna that can reach temperatures of up to 230 degrees, aiming for 12 to 15 minutes per session based on research suggesting sauna use may reduce heart attack risk.
Rife also pays close attention to hydration and electrolyte balance, incorporating LMNT electrolyte drink mixes into his mornings and workout sessions. These provide sodium, potassium, and magnesium, which he considers vital for hydration and kidney function.
Reflecting on his career, Rife acknowledged the challenges of a performance hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. He explained that after four and a half months without performing, he developed anxiety, underscoring how integral regular creative output has been to his sense of purpose since he began performing at age 15.
Among his personal interests, Rife enjoys listening to folk-country or Americana music by Missouri artist Sam Barber during his cold plunges, and he is an avid fan of horror films—a passion rooted in childhood experiences watching the Syfy channel with his grandmother.
Rife’s reflections shed light on how he balances the demands of his work with wellness and personal enjoyment.