ART AFICIONADO: Matthew Rhys

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Matthew Rhys

Acting Appreciation

After putting our child to bed, my ex-wife and I would unwind by watching "Brothers and Sisters," an ABC family drama that followed the lives of the Walker family. The show had an impressive cast, including Sally Field, Calista Flockhart, Rob Lowe, and the talented Welsh actor, Matthew Rhys.

Born on November 8, 1974, Matthew Rhys is renowned for his remarkable acting range and captivating presence on screen. His journey into the world of television and film commenced when he was just 17, while he was a student at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). While at RADA, he made his debut in the BBC police series "Backup" and the Welsh film "House of America." In 1996, he clinched the Welsh BAFTA for Best Actor for his performance in the Welsh film "Bydd yn Wrol."

In 1998, Rhys starred in "Greenstone," an eight-part miniseries set in the South Pacific, and then found himself cast in the Shakespearean adaptation film "Titus." Along the way, he appeared in various romantic comedies and horror films before landing a prominent role as Kevin Walker in "Brothers & Sisters" in 2006.

Yet, one of Rhys' most remarkable portrayals was that of Philip Jennings in the critically acclaimed television series "The Americans," which aired from 2013 to 2018. His depiction of a deep-cover KGB spy living in the United States during the Cold War earned widespread acclaim, culminating in a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2018.

Notably, his on-screen chemistry with co-star Keri Russell blossomed into a real-life romance.

Rhys also graced the big screen, appearing in movies like "The Post" alongside Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks, as well as "A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood" with Tom Hanks.