Kate Beckinsale and Matt Rife: A trip down memory lane of Hollywood’s age-defying love

In 2017, whispers of their romance spread like wildfire. Kate Beckinsale, then 43, was spotted in the heart of West Hollywood, sharing an intimate moment with Matt Rife, a sprightly 21. The two were unapologetically open about their blossoming love, painting the town red with their affectionate outings. A little birdie, close to Beckinsale, chimed in on their story, revealing that the duo met through a mutual acquaintance and soon earned the labels of officially boyfriend and girlfriend.

Also read: 'I Kind of Hate Dating' - Matt Rife's journey through love: Lucy Hale, Kate Beckinsale, and now Jessica Lord 

Endorsements from team Beckinsale

Age-gap or not, Beckinsale's inner circle was smitten by Rife. The comedian, known for his stint on Nick Cannon's MTV show, Wild 'N Out, was not just a pretty face but also shared Beckinsale's enthusiasm for fitness. But beyond the toned physiques and charming looks, it was his character that won over the actress's close-knit group. "He really is the sweetest guy and makes her so happy! Her entire family thinks he is the nicest and most lovely person,” the insider shared.

While many relationships undergo scrutiny, especially when there's an evident age difference, Rife's witty take on the age topic was both cheeky and endearing. On his since-deleted Instagram post, he playfully shared a snap near a Senior Citizens Center sign, joking, "Age is just a number. Find someone you love, and take their breath away... even if that means putting a kink in their oxygen tank cord."

Also read: 'What a duo that would be': Kate Beckinsale's dream of Underworld-Blade crossover revisited 

On the career front, an interesting tidbit showcased Beckinsale embracing an art-imitates-life role. She was slated to play an older woman courting a younger man in her film, The Only Living Boy in New York. While love stories, especially in Hollywood, have their share of climaxes and conclusions, for Beckinsale and Rife, their tale was one for the books. The couple called it quits in 2018. As we sit in 2023 and flip back to this chapter, it reminds us of the unpredictability of love and the timeless allure of heartwarming romances.

(Several parts of the text in this article, including the title, were generated with the help of an AI tool.)