Rhys Darby reveals how his Kiwi accent ruined his romantic life – as he shares next career move after Our Flag Means Death was cancelled
He’s the New Zealand-born comedian who rose to fame as the clueless manager Murray in the HBO hit Flight of the Conchords.
Known for his exaggerated Kiwi accent, Rhys Darby says the sound of his voice was a career boost, but he now admits it wasn’t a hit when it came to romance.
The 50-year-old appeared on Friday’s episode of The Project and reflected on his attempts to woo women in his early days of dating.
“I always thought I was funny and unique, but a lot of ladies didn’t like that,” he admitted with a laugh.
However, the popular prankster said his thick New Zealand sound was an asset when it came to making people laugh.
‘I always knew I had a unique voice and I’ve always created funny, crazy character voices over the years… Inanimate Objects [and] always something bizarre.’
Rhys Darby (pictured), known for his exaggerated Kiwi accent, says the sound of his voice was a boost to his career, but he now admits it wasn’t a hit when it came to romance
Rhys, who lives in Los Angeles, will perform a series of stand-up shows Down Under later this year.
His Aussie tour kicks off in Melbourne on April 8 for a series of dates, before heading to Adelaide, Canberra and Newcastle.
Further shows will take place in Wollongong, Sydney and Perth before ending in Brisbane in May.
Meanwhile, it was announced earlier this week that Rhys will take part in a benefit concert for the victims of the Los Angeles fires.
The Inauguration Day Concert for America event will raise money for the California Community Foundation, an organization that supports wildfire recovery efforts to help those most in need.
Concert for America takes place at The Town Hall in New York City on Monday, January 20, 2025.
Talent includes Jon Cryer and wife Lisa Joyner (who are leading the LA effort), Melanie Lynskey and husband Jason Ritter, Matt Walsh, Rachel Bloom and Melissa Rauch.
Also in attendance are Abigail Spencer, DL Hughley, Jimmy O. Yang, Caroline Rhea, Ryan Hansen, Diane Farr, Paget Brewster, Rhys Darby and Trae Crowder.
The 50-year-old appeared on Friday’s episode of The Project and reflected on his attempts to woo women in his early days of dating.
Rhys, who lives in Los Angeles, will perform a series of stand-up shows Down Under later this year
They will livestream in the program.
There will be additional virtual performances from Julie Bowen, Tony Hale, Adam Scott and Kate Walsh.
Yellowstone star Piper Perabo and actress Rosie Perez have already been added.
Musical performances include Wayne Brady, Rachel Bay Jones, Carly Hughes and Cheyenne Jackson, accompanied by Michael Orland.
The livestream, which will include both NY and LA programming, will be available to “anyone who wants to tune in via StarsInTheHouse.com and the Stars in the House YouTube page,” according to a press release.
It comes after Darby’s hit show Our Flag Means Death was canceled last year after a two-season run on Max.
Set in the year 1717, creator David Jenkins’ show revolved around a fictional pirate named Stede Bonnet, played by Darby, who was captain of a ship called Revenge.
In the series’ storyline, Stede crossed paths with Captain Blackbeard, played by Taika Waititi, and the two began an unlikely romantic relationship.
It comes after Darby’s hit show Our Flag Means Death (pictured) was canceled last year after a two-season run on Max
The series also featured Samson Kayo, Leslie Jones, Joel Fry, Matthew Maher, Nathan Foad, Samba Schutte, Con O’Neill, Vico Ortiz, Kristian Nairn and David Fane.
The first two seasons of the series will remain available to viewers via the streaming service, Term reported.
A representative for the streaming service said in a statement: “While Max will not be moving forward with a third season of Our Flag Means Death, we are so proud of the joyful, hilarious and heartfelt stories that creator David Jenkins, Taika Waititi, Rhys Darby, Garrett Basch, Dan Halsted, Adam Stein, Antoine Douaihy and the entire fantastic cast and crew brought to life.
“We also thank the dedicated fans who have embraced these stories and built a beautiful, inclusive community around the show.”
Jenkins commented on the latest development on Instagram, saying he had “good news and bad news.”
The good news, Jenkins said, was that we spent two seasons “in a bizarre, beautifully rendered world, populated by some of the greatest actors and creatives working there.”
He said that “the second season was made possible by the enthusiasm of one of the most lovable fan communities in the history of this medium” as the supportive voices of fans “made a difference.”
The bad news was that the show “will not return for a third season,” Jenkins said.
He added, “We sailed at the pleasure of the fine people of Max, and it brought them no joy to see this voyage come to an untimely end.”
Jenkins said he was “very sad” that he “will no longer set foot at the Revenge with my friends, some of whom have become close with their families.