Matt Rife, the rising name in the world of comedy, has often caught the spotlight for his humor, charm, and relatable storytelling on stage. But fans are just as curious about the man behind the jokes, especially when it comes to his roots and upbringing. One of the most searched topics around him? “Matt Rife parents.” So, what exactly do we know about the comedian’s mom and dad? Let’s explore the emotional and often untold story of the people who helped shape his early life.

While Matt doesn't open up about his childhood too often, there’s a lot we can piece together from interviews, social media posts, and available records. His journey, from growing up in small-town Ohio to making it big on stage, has always had a deep connection to his family—especially his mom. His dad’s tragic passing early on left a lasting impact on him, and it's something he’s reflected on in both his personal and professional life.

In this article, we’ll walk through the key moments that shaped Matt Rife’s family dynamics. We’ll talk about his biological father, his stepfather, and the strong bond he shares with his mom. If you're wondering what role his parents played in his comedy career, or just want to know the truth behind the headlines, you're in the right place.

• Teryl Rothery

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Matt Rife’s Parents: Full Details
• Early Life and Childhood
• Matt Rife’s Relationship with His Mom
• Loss of His Father: A Tragic Chapter
• The Role of His Stepfather
• How Family Influenced His Comedy
• Frequently Asked Questions

Biography

Matt Rife was born on September 10, 1995, in Columbus, Ohio. He grew up in the small village of North Lewisburg, later spending time in New Albany and Mount Vernon. He started his comedy journey at just 14 years old and turned pro by 15. Known for his sharp wit and storytelling, he's become a name that draws laughs across the country.

Personal Details

Matt Rife’s Parents: Full Details

Matt Rife is the son of April Rife and Michael Eric Gutzke. His parents were both young when he was born, around their late teens. Tragically, Michael took his own life when Matt was just 17 months old. After that, April raised Matt as a single mom for a while before remarrying to Jason Sievers, who became Matt’s stepfather.

So, the full list of parents includes his biological mother, April Rife, his late father Michael Eric Gutzke, and his stepfather Jason Sievers. Each of these figures played a part in shaping Matt’s upbringing, even if in different ways.

• Robert Charles Chien

April, in particular, has been a constant presence in Matt’s life. She’s often mentioned in interviews, though he rarely talks about his biological father. He has shared old photos of his dad on social media, showing that he holds those memories close, even if the topic is a sensitive one.

Early Life and Childhood

Matt Rife was born in Columbus, Ohio, but spent most of his early years in North Lewisburg, a small village that shaped his small-town upbringing. He also lived in New Albany and Mount Vernon during his childhood. Growing up, he was surrounded by a close-knit family and community, which played a big role in how he saw the world.

He was only a few months old when his father, Michael Gutzke, passed away. That left his mom, April, to raise him alone. She worked hard, often balancing life as a nurse while making sure her son had what he needed. It wasn’t always easy, but she made it work.

As a kid, Matt was naturally funny. His mom noticed it early on and encouraged him to use that humor as a way to connect with others. That early support is probably why he started performing so young—by the time he hit high school, he was already on stage, cracking jokes for a live audience.

Matt Rife’s Relationship with His Mom

April Rife has been a big part of Matt’s journey, both personally and professionally. She raised him on her own for a long time and played a big role in helping him find his voice. From what he’s shared publicly, it’s clear that the bond between them is strong.

She’s often mentioned in interviews, sometimes even in passing jokes about how she helped shape his humor. He’s talked about how she always encouraged him to be himself, even when things got tough. That kind of support really matters when you're growing up without a dad around.

There are times when he’s shared heartfelt messages about her on social media, showing just how much she means to him. It’s not hard to see that she’s been his rock through it all—especially during the early days of his career when he was just starting out.

Loss of His Father: A Tragic Chapter

Matt Rife was just 17 months old when his biological father, Michael Eric Gutzke, passed away by suicide. That left a huge gap in his life, one that he’s carried with him for years. He rarely talks about his dad in interviews, but when he does, it’s usually with a sense of quiet respect.

In a 2023 interview, he opened up a bit more about that loss, explaining how it affected him even at such a young age. He mentioned that while he doesn’t remember much about his dad, the memories he does have are meaningful to him. He’s shared old photos on social media, showing that he keeps his father’s memory close.

It’s not something he discusses often, but it’s definitely something that shaped him. The pain of losing a parent so early in life has influenced how he sees the world and how he tells stories on stage. Some of his jokes, while funny, often have a deeper layer of emotion tied to his personal experiences.

The Role of His Stepfather

After Michael Gutzke’s passing, April Rife eventually remarried Jason Sievers, who became Matt’s stepfather. Jason stepped into a role that wasn’t easy, but from what’s been shared, he’s been a positive presence in Matt’s life.

Jason worked as a teacher before retiring, and he’s been part of Matt’s life for years. While Matt doesn’t often mention his stepdad in interviews, there are hints that the two have a decent relationship. He’s been included in family events and has supported Matt’s career from the sidelines.

It’s not clear how close they are, but it seems like Jason filled a role that was missing after Matt’s father passed away. He’s not the biological dad, but he’s been a part of the family dynamic that helped raise the comedian into the person he is today.

How Family Influenced His Comedy

Family plays a big role in shaping who we are, and for Matt Rife, that’s no different. His early loss, the bond with his mom, and the presence of his stepfather have all played a part in his comedic storytelling.

He often talks about growing up in small-town Ohio, drawing on his experiences for jokes and relatable moments. His mom is sometimes mentioned in passing, usually in a light-hearted way that shows how much she’s influenced his life. He’s even hinted at how growing up without a dad shaped his outlook on life and relationships.

It’s not all serious, though. His comedy is full of humor and energy, but there’s often a layer of truth underneath the jokes. That’s what makes him so relatable—he’s not afraid to talk about real stuff, even if it’s wrapped in a punchline.

His mental health struggles, which he’s opened up about in the past, also tie back to his early life and family dynamics. The loss of his father, the pressure of growing up in a small town, and the challenges of making it in comedy have all influenced his journey. And through it all, his mom has been right there with him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Matt Rife have any siblings?

No, Matt Rife is an only child. He was born to April Rife and Michael Eric Gutzke, and there’s no public record of him having any brothers or sisters.

Who is Matt Rife’s biological father?

Matt Rife’s biological father is Michael Eric Gutzke. He passed away when Matt was just 17 months old, and the comedian rarely talks about him in public.

Has Matt Rife spoken about his father’s death?

Yes, Matt has opened up about his father’s passing in a few interviews, including a 2023 sit-down. He’s also shared old photos of the two together on social media, showing that he keeps his father’s memory close.

If you're looking for more about Matt Rife's early life and influences, you can Learn more about his journey here. Also, for a closer look at his personal story, check out his full bio page.