Rhys Darby first captured 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 (The Boat that Rocked) to Nigel in the Jumanji reboots.
On the small screen, he has brought his talents to animations like Voltron Legendary Defender and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and shows like TBS’ Wrecked, The X Files and Lemony Snicket. Most recently he starred as the gentleman pirate, Stede Bonnet in Our Flag Means Death.
Rhys is never far from his stand-up roots. His stand-up has been described as a sensational blend of sound effects, characterisations and askew observations. 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). This Way to Spaceship was based on his debut novel of the same name, “A loosely autobiographical end of world companion” in 2012. It was number 1 in the international charts for 7 weeks. He is excited to finally return to the stage after almost a decade with his new show The Legend Returns.
His second book, this time for kids, was released in Australia and New Zealand in October 2018. It is called The Top Secret Undercover Notes of Buttons McGinty. Rhys wrote it for his then 8 year old son, a reluctant reader, and has been thrilled to hear from kids and parents that they love it! He went on to release another two Buttons books, which thrilled his legions of junior fans.
Rhys’ love of the weird is seen in his stand up and writing, and for 14 years he has had first a radio show, then a podcast on cryptozoology, The Cryptid Factor. Darby was thrilled when approached by Spotify to do a podcast about aliens, Aliens like Us. A regular attendee of alien conferences and star gazer, it was a dream come true.
A prolific voice over artist, kids all over the world hear him in Voltron: Legendary Defender, Spirit, TMNT, Boss Baby, Jake and the Neverland Pirates and many more. He also lends his voice to animated films like Trolls, Teen Titans Go, 100% Wolf and Mosley. Rhys is excited to lend his voice to the upcoming film That Christmas and the classic story, Badjelly the Witch.
In between his huge adventures Rhys is based in Los Angeles with his family where they like to hike, eat tacos and explore the world.
Talking Points
A storming performance... Astounding physical humour. ... keep reading Time Out, London
Rhys Darby is amazing.
Darby stands out in a funny crowd.
Rhys Darby does all his own stunts and special effects, and theme music ...and about a dozen characters.
Better than your average blockbuster.... Nobody does it better.
