Rose Matafeo: Family, Ethnicity, Parents, and Religion


New Zealand comedian Rose Matafeo is a multi-talented individual, excelling in comedy, acting, and television hosting. Her career took off when she received the Best Newcomer Award in 2010, and since then, she has achieved significant success in the comedy industry. Matafeo’s solo standup comedy performances elevated her popularity at the festival, and she further solidified her presence by winning the prestigious Billy T Award for “The Rose Matafeo Variety Hour” in 2013, solidifying her position as a rising star in New Zealand’s comedy scene.

Rose Matafeo actress
Rose Matafeo actress

She extended her skills by participating in the sketch comedy program “Funny Girls” from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, Matafeo made a noteworthy US debut on Conan O’Brien’s chat show and directed her own HBO Max comedy special, “Horndog.” Alongside her comedy career, Matafeo also played significant roles in films like “Baby Done” and produced the rom-com series “Starstruck.”

Rose Matafeo’s Family, Parents, and Ethnicity

Rose Matafeo was born on February 25, 1992, in Auckland. Her father hails from the Pacific island of Samoa, while her mother has roots in Scotland and Croatia. During her childhood, Matafeo’s family used to attend a unique gathering known as the Twelve Tribes of Israel every month, where they would partake in a lengthy ritual before coming together for dance and food. Matafeo’s father, John, was an active member of the Polynesian Panthers, striving to promote equality for individuals from diverse backgrounds in New Zealand. Despite his significant accomplishments, John rarely spoke about them, possibly influenced by the dangers he faced during his lifetime.

Rose Matafeo family
Rose Matafeo family

Rose Matafeo’s Religion and Upbringing

Rose Matafeo and her family adhere to Rastafarianism, a religion with roots in Jamaica that worships a single deity known as “Jah.” Matafeo often expresses her contentment with her carefree upbringing within her familial faith. She has gained substantial fame through her show “Starstruck,” where Matafeo’s portrayal of the character Jessie has garnered high praise for its authentic representation of romance. The latest season of “Starstruck” is now available on HBO Max, reflecting Matafeo’s satisfaction with the show’s outcome and her hope for the audience to enjoy it.

Background of Rose Matafeo’s Family

In terms of Rose Matafeo’s family, her close relationship with her father is frequently discussed. Growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, with a Samoan father and a mother of Scottish and Croatian descent, Rose blossomed in a household with two brothers. She attended Auckland Girl’s Grammar School, where she also served as the head girl. Matafeo’s passion for performance emerged at an early age, as she began performing stand-up comedy on various platforms at the age of 15.

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