Hollywood is weird. One day you’re an indie comedian working the club circuit, and the next, you’re splashed across every tabloid on the planet because you’re holding hands with an A-list movie star. That is basically the origin story of the public’s fascination with Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife. Long before Matt was selling out arenas and sparking discourse over Netflix specials, he was the "hot 21-year-old" dating the Underworld star.
It was 2017. Kate was 43. Matt was barely legal in some countries.
People lost their minds. The age gap—a whopping 22 years—was all anyone could talk about. But if you look past the easy headlines, the story of their relationship is actually a strange mix of genuine affection, a very public "run" warning, and a surprising 2025 reunion that had everyone wondering if the flame ever really went out.
How it All Started: The Summer of 2017
They met through a mutual friend. Simple enough, right? At the time, Kate Beckinsale had recently finalized her divorce from director Len Wiseman after 12 years of marriage. She was ready for some fun. Enter Matt Rife.
He wasn't a household name yet. He was a regular on Wild 'N Out and a struggling actor with a few credits, but he had this "old soul" vibe that apparently hooked Kate immediately. Insiders told People at the time that she was smitten. The age gap didn't bother her at all. Honestly, why should it? She’s Kate Beckinsale.
The paparazzi first caught them in June 2017, making out in a West Hollywood parking lot. It wasn’t a "maybe they’re dating" situation; it was a "they are definitely into each other" situation. For a few months, they were inseparable. Then, as quickly as it started, it sorta fizzled.
By August 2017, reports surfaced that they had called it quits. Sources claimed it wasn't anything dramatic—just two people at different life stages realizing they weren't a forever match. But celebrities are rarely "done" the first time they break up. They were spotted together again in 2018, proving that the physical attraction Matt was famous for wasn't just a one-time thing.
The Viral "Run" Comment and the Pete Davidson Drama
Things got spicy in 2019. This is where the Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife narrative turned from a quiet fling into a legendary piece of pop culture messy-ness.
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Kate started dating Pete Davidson.
Pete, fresh off his engagement to Ariana Grande, was the king of the "BDE" era. When TMZ caught up with Matt Rife to ask for his thoughts on his ex-girlfriend's new man, he didn't hold back. He scratched his neck, smirked, and gave Pete three words of advice:
"Man to man? Run."
Ouch.
He told Pete to "enjoy it while you can" but warned him to "be careful." It felt petty. It felt bitter. It went viral instantly. For years, that comment defined Matt's public relationship with Kate. He later admitted to Elle that he was being a "petty a—hole" and officially apologized to both of them. He explained that his warning came from his own experience of realizing they weren't compatible, but the damage was done. The internet doesn't forget a diss that sharp.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Age Gap
Everyone focuses on the 22-year difference. It’s the low-hanging fruit. Critics called her a "cougar" and him a "boy toy." But if you actually listen to how they spoke about each other later, the age wasn't the issue.
Matt was 21, but he’d been doing stand-up since he was 15. He was a "road dog," traveling the country and living an adult life while his peers were still in college. Kate liked that maturity. On the flip side, Kate has always been notoriously sharp-witted and hilarious—something Matt, a professional comedian, clearly respected.
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The real conflict wasn't the birth years; it was the lifestyle.
- Kate's Life: High-profile events, a daughter (Lily Sheen) who was only three years younger than Matt, and a massive career.
- Matt's Life: Trying to break into the industry, constant touring, and the insecurity that comes with being a rising star.
It’s hard to build a foundation when one person is a legend and the other is still building the house.
The 2025 Golden Globes: A Shocking Reunion?
Fast forward to January 2025. The world had moved on. Matt Rife was now one of the biggest (and most controversial) comedians on the planet. Kate was still the reigning queen of Instagram glam.
Then, the rumors started flying again.
At a Golden Globes afterparty at Spago, reports broke that the two were "cozy." Page Six claimed they were seen kissing in a corner, with Kate’s arms around his neck. The internet went into a tailspin. Was it a reboot? A "vengeance" romance?
Kate’s rep was quick to shut it down, telling People that they are just "friendly exes" having a fun conversation. Whether they actually locked lips or were just laughing at old times, it proved one thing: there is a genuine connection there that spans nearly a decade. You don't hang out with an ex you genuinely hate at a high-pressure industry party.
Why We Are Still Obsessed With Them
Part of it is the aesthetic. They are both objectively very attractive people. But the deeper reason is the power dynamic. In Hollywood, we’re used to older men dating younger women. It’s a trope as old as film itself. When a woman like Kate Beckinsale flips the script, it challenges people’s internal biases.
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She doesn't care about the "rules."
She dates who she wants.
She’s dated Pete Davidson, Goody Grace, and Matt Rife.
She likes comedians. She likes people who make her laugh. Matt, for all his polarizing humor, is undeniably funny to his target audience.
Actionable Insights: Lessons from the Beckinsale-Rife Saga
If you've been following this saga for years, there are a few things we can actually take away from how they've handled the spotlight.
- Public apologies matter. Matt’s career actually benefited when he grew up and apologized for the "run" comment. It showed a level of growth that fans appreciate.
- Exes can be friends. The 2025 reunion shows that you don't have to stay in a "toxic" loop. Sometimes "not compatible" just means you’re better off as party buddies than partners.
- Ignore the "timeline." People will always judge age gaps. Kate’s refusal to explain herself or stop dating younger men is a masterclass in living for yourself rather than the comments section.
The story of Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife isn't just about a summer fling in 2017. It’s about how two people navigate fame, mistakes, and the weird reality of seeing your ex-boyfriend become a household name years after you broke up. Whether they’re "just friends" or something more in 2026, they’ve managed to keep us talking for nearly ten years.
If you're looking for the "why" behind their lasting bond, look at their careers. Both are professionals at capturing an audience's attention. Together, they were a PR powerhouse, even if they didn't mean to be. If you’re following Matt’s current tour or Kate’s upcoming projects, expect more "friendly" run-ins. This is a Hollywood friendship that isn't going away anytime soon.
For those tracking the latest updates on Matt Rife's 2026 tour or Kate's latest film releases, the best way to stay informed is to follow their official social channels, as they both tend to address rumors directly when things get too loud. Keep an eye on the trades for any official project collaborations, though a professional pairing seems less likely than more social sightings.