
Rhys Montague Darby (born March 21, 1974) is a New Zealand actor and comedian. He served in the New Zealand army before embarking on a performing career. In 1996, he formed the comedy duo "Rhysently Granted" with Grant Lobban, quickly carving a niche for their unique brand of humor. Darby's solo stand-up routines, characterized by vibrant storytelling, mime, and sound effects, garnered him recognition and two Billy T Award nominations.
Darby's international breakthrough came in 2007 with his role as Murray Hewitt in the HBO comedy series "Flight of the Conchords." Since then, he's appeared in films like "Yes Man," "What We Do in the Shadows," and "Jumanji," often injecting his signature comedic flair into supporting roles. On television, he's had recurring roles in shows like "Short Poppies," "Wrecked," and animated shows such as "Voltron: Legendary Defender."
From 2022 to 2023, he starred in period romantic comedy series "Our Flag Means Death" as a fictionalized version of pirate Stede Bonnet. The show was praised for its LGBTQ+ representation, including the romantic relationship between Darby's Bonnet and fellow Kiwi Taika Waititi's Blackbeard. This was not only Darby's first role as a main protagonist, but also his first foray into dramatic acting.
Beyond acting, Darby is also an author. He has written three children's books for his "Buttons McGinty" series as well as an autobiography titled "This Way to Spaceship." Additionally, he's been the host of the cryptozoology podcast "The Cryptid Factor" since 2008, alongside Dan Schreiber, Leon 'Buttons' Kirkbeck, and previously, David Farrier.

The Sheep Detectives
2026 · as Wool-Eyes (voice)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle
2017 · as Nigel Billingsley

Jumanji: The Next Level
2019 · as Nigel Billingsley

Trolls
2016 · as Bibbly (voice)

Yes Man
2008 · as Norman

Jumanji: Open World
2026 · as Nigel Billingsley

Guns Akimbo
2020 · as Glenjamin

Love Hurts
2025 · as Kippy Betts

Arthur Christmas
2011 · as Lead Elf (voice)

What We Do in the Shadows
2014 · as Anton - Werewolf

Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Movie
2022 · as Hypno-Potamus (voice)

Hunt for the Wilderpeople
2016 · as Psycho Sam

That Christmas
2024 · as Mr. McNutt (voice)

Next Goal Wins
2023 · as Rhys Marlin

Teen Titans Go! vs. Teen Titans
2019 · as Master of Games (voice)

The Boat That Rocked
2009 · as Angus

100% Wolf
2020 · as Foxwell Cripp (voice)

Kiff Lore of the Ring Light
2025 · as Trollie (voice)