5 Shocking Details About Kate Beckinsale And Matt Rife's 'Complicated' Romance, Including Their 2025 Reunion Rumors

The relationship between actress Kate Beckinsale and comedian Matt Rife remains one of Hollywood's most talked-about, yet shortest-lived, romances. While their initial 2017 fling was notable primarily for its significant age gap, the narrative has been dramatically refreshed by recent events, most notably a rumored reconciliation at a high-profile industry event in early 2025.

This article, updated for December 2025, dives into the full timeline of their "complicated" romance, the controversial post-breakup comments, and the definitive truth behind the speculation that the pair might be rekindling their connection years later. From a 22-year age difference to a public apology, their story is anything but simple.

Complete Profile: Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife

To fully understand the media frenzy surrounding their pairing, it is important to first establish the distinct career trajectories and personal backgrounds of both stars.

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Kate Beckinsale Biography Profile

• Full Name: Kathrin Romary Beckinsale
• Born: July 26, 1973, in Finsbury Park, London, England
• Parents: Richard Beckinsale (actor, deceased) and Judy Loe (actress)
• Profession: Actress, Model, Producer
• Notable Works: Much Ado About Nothing (1993), Pearl Harbor (2001), the Underworld film series (2003–2016), Van Helsing (2004)
• Relationship History: Previously in a long-term relationship with Michael Sheen (1995–2003), married to Len Wiseman (2004–2016), and later linked to comedians Matt Rife, Jack Whitehall, and Pete Davidson.

Matt Rife Biography Profile

• Full Name: Matthew Steven Rife
• Born: September 10, 1995, in Columbus, Ohio, United States
• Profession: Comedian, Actor
• Career Start: Began performing stand-up comedy at age 14.
• Rise to Fame: Gained massive popularity in the early 2020s through viral clips on TikTok and other social media platforms, leading to his self-produced specials.
• Notable Works: Comedy specials *Only Fans* (2021) and *Matthew Steven Rife* (2023), and his highly successful global stand-up tours.

The 2017 Romance: A Short-Lived, High-Profile Fling

Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife first began dating in 2017, immediately catching the attention of the entertainment world. Their relationship was brief, lasting approximately a year, but it generated a disproportionate amount of media coverage due to one key factor: the age difference.

The 22-Year Age Gap Controversy

When the pair met, Kate Beckinsale was 43 (turning 44) and Matt Rife was 21. This 22-year age differential became the defining characteristic of their public narrative. Beckinsale, who has frequently dated younger men following her divorce from director Len Wiseman, faced intense scrutiny from tabloids and the public. The relationship quickly became a flashpoint in the ongoing conversation about Hollywood's double standards regarding age-gap relationships, where older men dating younger women is often normalized, but the reverse is heavily scrutinized.

The couple was frequently photographed together on PDA-filled dates, but the pressure and media attention ultimately led to their separation. Matt Rife later described the romance as "complicated" and "short-lived," reflecting the difficulty of navigating a high-profile, scrutinized relationship at the beginning of his career.

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From Shady Comments to a Public Apology

After their 2017 breakup, the story of Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife faded until 2019, when the actress began dating comedian Pete Davidson, who was also significantly younger. This new relationship prompted a public reaction from Rife that brought his past romance with Beckinsale back into the spotlight.

The Pete Davidson Drama

In 2019, Matt Rife made headlines for making "shady comments" directed at Pete Davidson regarding his new relationship with Beckinsale. Rife reportedly gave Davidson some "advice" about the relationship, which many interpreted as a veiled jab at Beckinsale. This incident further cemented the perception of a complicated and perhaps unresolved dynamic between the former couple.

However, as Matt Rife's career exploded into viral stardom in the early 2020s, the comedian adopted a more mature and apologetic stance. He later issued a public apology to both Kate Beckinsale and Pete Davidson for his past remarks, suggesting he was trying to move past the drama of his earlier career.

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The Truth Behind the 2025 Golden Globes Reunion Rumors

The most recent and compelling update in the Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife saga occurred in early 2025, several years after their initial split and Rife's public apology. The two were spotted interacting at a major industry event, immediately sparking rumors of a romantic rekindling.

The Afterparty Speculation

Reports surfaced suggesting that Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife had reunited at a 2025 Golden Globes afterparty, with some outlets even claiming the pair were seen kissing. The sight of the two friendly exes engaging in a seemingly "steamy" conversation at the Netflix-hosted event quickly went viral, fueling a new wave of speculation about their relationship status.

Kate's Representative Sets the Record Straight

Despite the intense media speculation and the viral photos, a representative for Kate Beckinsale swiftly moved to shut down the rumors of a romantic reunion. The official statement clarified that reports of the two kissing were "incorrect." The representative confirmed that the interaction was limited to a "lighthearted chat" and that they are simply "friendly exes having fun conversations."

As of December 2025, both Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife appear to be focused on their respective, highly successful careers. Beckinsale continues her work in film and television, while Matt Rife is a global stand-up sensation, selling out massive venues. The brief, friendly reunion at the Golden Globes afterparty serves as the latest chapter in their complex history, confirming that while the romance is over, the curiosity surrounding the iconic age-gap pairing remains high.