What did Matthew Rhys think when he fell in love with co-star Keri Russell?
Matthew Rhys, 51, and Keri Russell, 50, have been married since 2013 after meeting on the set of the TV series 'The Americans.' In an interview with the 'New York Times' podcast, Rhys reflected on his initial reaction to falling in love with his co-star, saying he thought 'Oh no,' and did not recommend such a situation. He acknowledged that while he questioned the relationship at first, sometimes things are inevitable. The couple kept their relationship private initially but were spotted together in New York City in early 2014. They announced they were expecting their first child in January 2016, and son Sam Evans was born in May 2016. After six seasons of 'The Americans,' which ended in 2018, Rhys won an Emmy for his performance, while Russell was nominated three times but never won. Both actors are now being considered for Emmy awards this year for different projects.
Matthew Rhys, 51, and Keri Russell, 50, have been together for 12 years after meeting on the set of the television series The Americans. The pair confirmed their relationship publicly in early 2014, though initial reports about them dating emerged in late 2013. At the time, Russell was still married to her former partner, Shane Deary, with whom she had two children, daughter Willa, born in 2012, and son River, born in 2007. Their separation had already occurred, but the relationship with Rhys began during the production of The Americans, which ran for six seasons before concluding in 2018. In a recent interview with the New York Times podcast, Rhys reflected on his feelings when he fell in love with Russell while working on the show. He recalled thinking “Oh no” at the time, adding that he would not recommend such a situation. When asked whether he questioned the relationship, Rhys responded, “Of course.” Despite his initial reservations, he admitted that sometimes one cannot fight against fate. “It was destined,” he said, smiling. “It just had to happen, and it did.” Their relationship remained private until April 2014, when they were spotted on a date in New York City. They later announced in January 2016 that they were expecting their first child together, son Sam Evans, who was born in May 2016. The couple has since become known as an “Emmy power couple,” having both received recognition for their work in television. Rhys won an Emmy in 2018 for his performance in the final season of The Americans, while Russell was nominated three times for her role in the series, in 2016, 2017, and 2018, but did not win. She has been nominated eight times overall for her acting and producing work but has yet to take home an Emmy. When asked whether he felt competition with Russell, Rhys denied it, stating that they are very different people with contrasting approaches to acting. He added that he would work with her again at any time. For this year’s Emmy Awards, scheduled for September, both actors are being considered for different projects. Rhys is up for three categories across two shows: Best Actor in a Comedy Series and Outstanding Executive Producer for the Apple TV+ series Widow’s Bay, as well as Best Actor in a Limited Series or Motion Picture for the thriller The Beast in Me. Russell is nominated twice for her role in the Netflix series Diplomatic Relations: Best Actress in a Drama Series and Outstanding Executive Producer. She had previously been nominated in 2023 for Best Actress in a Drama Series and in 2025 for her role in the same show. If she does not win this time, Rhys joked that he will curse. Widow’s Bay has already been renewed for a second season and is regarded as a favorite in the Emmy race. Whether it will be named the best series of the year remains to be determined.
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