The Unbelievable Timeline: 4 Key Moments In The Matt Rife And Kate Beckinsale Saga, From 22-Year Age Gap To 2025 Kissing Rumors

The public fascination with comedian Matt Rife and actress Kate Beckinsale shows no signs of slowing down, especially after a dramatic public reunion that kicked off the current year. What started as a brief, under-the-radar 2017 romance has evolved into a recurring media spectacle, fueled by a significant age gap, controversial post-breakup comments, and, most recently, a highly-publicized—and swiftly denied—rekindling rumor at a major awards show. As of December 18, 2025, the dynamic between the two stars remains a hot topic, forcing both to occasionally address their complicated history. The latest chapter in their story unfolded dramatically at the 2025 Golden Globes after-party, where reports of the two "friendly exes" sharing a kiss quickly circulated. While one insider claimed the interaction was "steamy," Beckinsale's representative was quick to shut down the speculation, clarifying that the reunion was nothing more than a friendly conversation and a laugh. The incident, however, served as a powerful reminder of why their connection—however brief—continues to dominate entertainment headlines years later.

The A-List Profiles: Matt Rife and Kate Beckinsale Biography

To understand the enduring interest in their relationship, it is essential to first look at the separate, yet equally compelling, careers of the two stars.

Matt Rife: The Stand-Up Sensation

Matt Rife, born Matthew Steven Rife on September 10, 1995, in Columbus, Ohio, has rapidly become one of the most talked-about names in modern comedy. Rife began performing stand-up at the remarkably young age of 14, showcasing a dedication that would eventually lead to global fame. His early career included a stint on MTV’s *Wild 'n Out*, where he gained initial recognition.

His career truly exploded with the rise of his self-produced comedy specials and viral clips on social media platforms like TikTok. Rife's specials, including *Only Fans* (2021), *Matthew Steven Rife* (2023), and *Walking Red Flag* (2023), have propelled him from a club comic to a global touring phenomenon.

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• Full Name: Matthew Steven Rife
• Born: September 10, 1995 (Age: 30 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Columbus, Ohio, USA
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer
• Notable Works: *Wild 'n Out*, *Only Fans* (2021), *Matthew Steven Rife* (2023), *Walking Red Flag* (2023)

Kate Beckinsale: The English Screen Icon

Kathrin Romary Beckinsale, born July 26, 1973, in Finsbury Park, London, is an acclaimed English actress with a career spanning over three decades. The daughter of actors Richard Beckinsale and Judy Loe, she made her film debut in 1993 while studying at Oxford University.

Beckinsale is celebrated for her versatility, effortlessly transitioning between romantic comedies and major action franchises. She achieved international stardom with her roles in films like *Pearl Harbor* (2001) and, most notably, as the vampire death dealer Selene in the *Underworld* film series (2003–2016). Her personal life has frequently been scrutinized by the media, particularly her history of dating younger men.

• Full Name: Kathrin Romary Beckinsale
• Born: July 26, 1973 (Age: 52 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Finsbury Park, London, England
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Notable Works: *Pearl Harbor*, *Underworld* series, *Serendipity*, *Click*

The 2017 Romance: An Unexpected Age Gap Relationship

The initial relationship between Matt Rife and Kate Beckinsale began in June 2017. The pairing immediately captured public attention, primarily due to the significant age disparity. Beckinsale was 43 years old at the time, while Rife was just 21, marking a 22-year age gap.

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They were reportedly introduced through mutual friends shortly after Beckinsale's divorce from director Len Wiseman was finalized. Their short-lived romance was often photographed by paparazzi, but it was generally kept low-key by the stars themselves.

The relationship lasted only a few months before they parted ways. While the details of the breakup were not widely publicized at the time, their connection would resurface in a much more controversial light two years later.

The Controversial Aftermath: Matt Rife’s Public Comments

The Matt Rife and Kate Beckinsale saga gained its most enduring notoriety not from their time together, but from Matt Rife's comments following their split. The controversy began in 2019 when Beckinsale started a highly publicized relationship with comedian Pete Davidson, who was also significantly younger than her.

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When asked for advice for Davidson, Rife made a now-infamous remark to TMZ, advising the *Saturday Night Live* star to "run." He elaborated that the relationship was "complicated" and expressed his opinion that Davidson should "enjoy it while you can."

This comment was widely interpreted as a dismissive and shady jab at Beckinsale, cementing the public narrative of a messy breakup. Rife later issued an apology, stating he didn't take life too seriously, but the comment continued to define his connection to Beckinsale for years.

Rife's humor style, which often involves edgy or controversial takes, has periodically brought his past relationship with the actress back into the spotlight, especially as his fame has skyrocketed. The "age gap" and "dating younger men" tropes have been frequent targets of both Rife’s comedy and public discussion surrounding Beckinsale’s dating life.

The 2025 Golden Globes Rumors: Are They Really 'Friendly Exes'?

The most recent and compelling twist in their story occurred at the 2025 Golden Globes after-party, reigniting the "on-again" speculation across all major news outlets.

Reports surfaced claiming that Beckinsale and Rife were spotted engaging in a "steamy" interaction, with some sources even suggesting they were seen kissing. This rapidly led to speculation that the former couple was reconciling, potentially turning their complicated history into a new romance.

However, the rumors were quickly and definitively denied by Kate Beckinsale's representative. The official statement clarified that the interaction was simply a friendly chat between ex-partners who maintain a cordial relationship.

This event highlights a key theme in their dynamic: the public's intense desire for a dramatic celebrity narrative. Despite the denial, the mere possibility of a reunion between the two stars—who represent a convergence of viral comedy fame and classic Hollywood stardom—was enough to generate a massive wave of news coverage. The status of "friendly exes" appears to be the reality, but the shadow of their brief, controversial past ensures that any public interaction will be analyzed for signs of a deeper connection. The enduring saga of Matt Rife and Kate Beckinsale proves that sometimes, a short-lived romance can create a long-lasting, headline-making legacy.