Rose Matafeo, the multi-talented New Zealand-born comedian, writer, director, and actress, has carved a unique space for herself in the entertainment industry. From her early days in stand-up comedy to creating and starring in the critically acclaimed BBC/HBO Max rom-com series "Starstruck," Matafeo has consistently explored themes of love, identity, and the complexities of modern relationships with humor and vulnerability. This article delves into Matafeo's journey, her perspectives on romantic comedies, and her experiences navigating the challenges of fame and creative expression.
Early Life and Comedy Beginnings
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, to a Samoan father and a Scottish-Croatian mother, Matafeo discovered her passion for comedy at a young age. At 15, she began her comedy career, honing her skills and developing a distinct voice that blended observational humor with personal anecdotes. Her early experiences in the New Zealand comedy scene, where female comedians were often seen as "variety acts," shaped her determination to create more inclusive and representative stories.
Matafeo's move to London in 2015 marked a turning point in her career. She quickly gained recognition on the UK comedy circuit, captivating audiences with her candid introspection and "flamboyant sense of her own ridiculousness." In 2018, her stand-up show "Horndog" won the prestigious Edinburgh Festival Fringe award for best comedy show, solidifying her status as a rising star.
"Starstruck": A Rom-Com with a Twist
The success of "Horndog" paved the way for Matafeo to bring her unique vision to the world of romantic comedies with "Starstruck." The series, which she created, co-wrote, and stars in, subverts traditional rom-com tropes by exploring the complexities of a relationship between Jessie, a down-to-earth New Zealander living in London, and Tom, a famous movie star.
"Starstruck" draws inspiration from classic rom-coms like "Notting Hill," "Moonstruck," and "When Harry Met Sally," but it also challenges the genre's conventions. Matafeo's character, Jessie, is a relatable and flawed protagonist who is both drawn to and skeptical of the romantic ideals presented in these films. The show delves into the realities of dating a celebrity, the challenges of maintaining a sense of self in a relationship, and the pressures of societal expectations surrounding love and marriage.
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Exploring Fresh Themes
Matafeo's experiences and observations have shaped the themes explored in "Starstruck." Having spent 10 years in and out of relationships, she is now coming to unexpected realisations. As she gets older she's asking: why did she feel through her 20s that finding romantic love and settling down was such a motivation in life? Maybe she doesn’t want to be adding to that pressure and expectation of romantic love being the be all and end all, she adds. Maybe she want to encourage younger women like herself to aspire to other things.
The Characters
The show's success also lies in the chemistry between Matafeo and Nikesh Patel, who plays Tom. Matafeo says it took "a very long casting process" to find someone who could pull off Tom’s charm and humor without “being a dick.” According to Matafeo, the hardest part was landing on “a guy you genuinely believed found a woman funny.”
Creative Process
Each season has been co-written by Matafeo and her best friend Alice Snedden, while season three also sees the pair take on the task of directing. To date, Starstruck has been broadcast in 96 countries, with more to come. Critical praise was matched with award nods: there was a Bafta nomination for Matafeo’s performance, plus a host of others, and inclusion on countless must-watch lists.
Navigating Fame and Creative Expression
The success of "Starstruck" has brought Matafeo increased recognition and exposure, but she remains grounded and committed to her creative vision. She acknowledges the challenges of fame and the importance of staying true to oneself in the face of public scrutiny.
Personal Touch
Writing her first full hour of standup since 2018 has thrown up some confronting questions. “Any situation where you tie up a lot of your sense of self-worth in the work you make can fuck you up,” she says. “Especially when it’s a reflection of your thoughts, feelings and personality, even if slightly curated.” Standup comedy done her way, Matafeo says, is to tie a piece of your being and personality into something you give away.
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Impact of New Zealand Heritage
Matafeo has stated that being from New Zealand affects that. There’s an embarrassment to playing the game. There’s just this voice inside your head going, Who do you think you are? Oh, you think you’re fancy, eh? They cited tall-poppy syndrome, a term common to Australia and New Zealand, which describes how people who achieve too much are punished for their success. “Weirdly, being humble is a matter of national pride,” Matafeo concluded. “When you get too tall, they have to chop you down. So you have to stay humble.”
Future Projects
Matafeo continues to explore new creative avenues, including stand-up comedy, writing, and directing. She is currently working on future projects with Alice Snedden, including one series and one feature.
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