Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys: Love on and off the Screen

NEW YORK — Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, known for their compelling roles in the critically acclaimed series The Americans, have transformed their on-screen chemistry into a lasting love off-screen. Their relationship began in 2013, and they now share one son, Sam, born in 2016.

The couple’s romantic journey started long before they were cast as the lead characters, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, in The Americans. Their first encounter occurred at a 2002 kickball game, where a drunken Rhys asked for Russell’s number. Russell later recalled, ‘As soon as you said that, I went, “Of course I remember that!”’ when they met again almost a decade later during lunch before filming the series.

Russell was initially married to Shane Deary when she began working with Rhys in 2012. However, after Russell and Deary separated in early 2013, rumors of Russell and Rhys as a couple started to circulate. Their chemistry was evident when they were spotted together enjoying lunch in Brooklyn, sparking speculation among fans and friends.

In 2014, the romance was confirmed after the duo attended a play together in New York. Sources noted their affectionate behavior and closeness, stating, ‘Seeing the way they are together, I could have sworn they were a couple.’ By January 2016, the couple was rumored to be expecting their first child together.

Russell, who is also a mother of two from her previous marriage, joked about the challenges of filming while pregnant. ‘There was a lot of winter-coat wearing. We justified it, like, ‘My mind is full of so many things, and I’m so worried that I just keep my coat on, even in the bedroom,’’ she shared.

In May 2016, Russell and Rhys welcomed their son, Sam. The couple opened up about the dynamics of filming intimate scenes while in a relationship. Rhys stated, ‘There’s that immediate thing where, like, physically you’re comfortable together, and so that’s fine,’ while Russell noted the empowering connection their roles brought to their relationship.

Both actors have managed to blend their professional lives with parenting. Russell discussed the importance of maintaining balance, saying, ‘They say you can have everything—just not all at once.’ They often trade off filming commitments to ensure one parent is always available for their child.

Russell has emphasized that their relationship has grown through shared experiences, including taking their son to Cardiff to meet Rhys’s family. Rhys has maintained a strong cultural connection with their child and speaks to him solely in Welsh.

As both actors continue to thrive in the industry—Russell starred in the recent film Cocaine Bear, directed by their friend Elizabeth Banks—they remain committed to nurturing their son’s development and balancing their personal and professional lives.

During the 2023 Golden Globe Awards, Russell received a nomination, prompting Rhys to express pride in her achievements. He stated, ‘I’m incredibly proud. Always—but especially tonight.’

Despite their public personas, they keep their family life private, focusing on instilling values of hard work and resilience in their children while sharing their journey through various projects.