Matthew Rhys Says Keri Russell Is “Always Really the Winner” After His Historic 2026 Emmy Wins

1. Matthew Rhys, the 51-year-old actor, made history at the Emmys by winning two lead acting prizes in one night for his roles in The Beast In Me and Widow's Bay. He is the first person to achieve this feat.

2. Rhys's career took an uncertain turn when he considered joining the British Army due to limited work opportunities. He even met with an army officer who, although suspicious of his acting ambitions, later rejected him and sent a rejection letter in return.

3. Rhys relocated to Hollywood in 2006, where he forged close relationships with fellow Welsh actors Michael Sheen and Ioan Gruffudd. They formed a tight-knit group called the "LA Tafia," which included regular Welsh language conversations, seafood cravings, and rugby matches in British pubs.

4. Rhys and actress Keri Russell, with whom he has a daughter named Sam, began a relationship in 2013 while working together on The Americans. Russell and Rhys have maintained a close connection through the years, with Rhys speaking Welsh to their son Sam to ensure he maintains the language.

5. Rhys owns a 1939 wooden cruiser boat named Rarebit, inspired by a Welsh dish, and has expressed his desire to transform it into something more suitable for Brooklyn and New York. Rhys is also the voice of Han Solo in a new Welsh language adaptation of Star Wars for the film's 50th anniversary.