Rose Matafeo Opens Up on Child-Free Life and Creative Fears

LONDON, England — Comedian Rose Matafeo, known for her sharp wit and candid humor, recently opened up about her decision to remain child-free and the anxieties that fuel her creative work. The 33-year-old New Zealand native, who stars in the hit series “Starstruck” and hosts the U.K. competition show “Junior Taskmaster,” discussed these topics during a candid interview on “Salon Talks.”

Matafeo, who also released her new Max comedy special “On and On and On,” revealed that societal expectations around motherhood have been a recurring theme in her life. “No one needs to care,” she said, addressing the assumptions often made about women who work with children. “That expectation that’s bestowed upon you when you’re born into a body that can have children is changing, but it’s still there.”

Her comedy special draws from a 16,000-word Notes app document she describes as an “unhinged manifesto.” The document, which she began during a period of personal upheaval, explores her fears about endings, relationships, and aging. “I’m very bad at endings,” Matafeo admitted. “Many things in my life were coming to an end, and I started documenting my thoughts as a way to process them.”

Matafeo also spoke about her struggles with stage fright, despite her energetic performances. “I’ve always had to gear myself up for being on stage because I find it quite uncomfortable, quite scary, and basically, awful,” she said. “A different version of yourself comes out a bit, but everyone’s like that.”

On the topic of her child-free stance, Matafeo emphasized the importance of personal choice. “It’s kind of no one’s business, and no one needs to care whether I have children or not,” she said. “For me, being able to see people talk about it in media or their work has been empowering.” She also expressed concern about the rollback of reproductive rights globally, calling it “so scary.”

Matafeo’s recent projects include hosting “Junior Taskmaster,” a role she described as “an absolute joy.” She clarified that her decision not to have children doesn’t mean she dislikes them. “It was so much fun,” she said. “I think you can enjoy kids even more when you know that you don’t have to take care of them.”

In addition to her comedy work, Matafeo has entered the Disney canon as a voice actor in “Moana 2.” Reflecting on the experience, she joked, “I need elderly healthcare from my nieces and nephew, so I need that cultural cachet.”

Matafeo’s career has taken her from New Zealand to the U.K., where she has become a fixture on British comedy panel shows. “I love turning on terrestrial television in any country that I’m in,” she said. “It really gives you the lay of the land.”

As she continues to navigate her career and personal life, Matafeo remains unapologetically herself. “Make that money,” she said with a laugh. “And spend it on yourself.”