Matthew Rhys Celebrates Welsh Heritage with Youngest Son Sam

Cardiff, Wales – Matthew Rhys, 51, has expressed pride in his Welsh heritage while sharing a close bond with his youngest son, Sam. The actor, known for his role in ‘The Americans,’ aims to raise Sam as a Welsh speaker. Sam approaches his eighth birthday as Rhys fulfills his dream of having a child who speaks Welsh.

In 2016, Rhys welcomed Sam into his family with partner Keri Russell, who has two children from a previous marriage. Rhys emphasized the importance of language within their family during a recent interview, noting that while Russell has not fully learned Welsh, her understanding has improved. Rhys shared a humorous moment: ‘Every now and then, she’ll go, ‘I know what you’re saying,’ which is funny.’

Rhys gave insight into living in the United States as a Welshman, noting the varied reactions people have when they learn about Wales. ‘It’s always interesting – the spectrum of reactions is wild. Some people are like, ‘Wait… Wales? That’s a country?’ Then they find out it has its own language, and their minds are blown,’ he explained.

The couple met in 2002 while filming the Disney musical ‘The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band.’ They began dating after co-starring in ‘The Americans’ from 2013 to 2018. Rhys jokingly recalled how they required personal space after working closely together, stating, ‘She has the patience of a saint, so that helps.’

Rhys also shared lighthearted remarks about navigating parenthood with Russell. He thanked her for her support, saying, ‘Alcohol. The great leveller, the great equaliser. Everything is so much better after a good, solid half-bottle of red wine!’

As Rhys continues to raise Sam with a strong connection to Welsh culture, he highlights the joys of family life intertwined with the challenges of parenthood.