Matthew Rhys

Last updated on the 10 April 2025 by Maeve

Mini Biography

Born: 8 November 1974, Cardiff, Wales. 

Matthew Rhys Evans grew up in a Welsh-speaking household. His parents, both educators, instilled in him a deep appreciation for his cultural heritage and the arts. Rhys attended Welsh-medium schools, including Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf, where his passion for acting began to flourish. At 17, after a standout performance as Elvis Presley in a school musical, he was accepted into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, marking the start of his professional journey.

Rhys’s career took off with roles in Welsh-language productions, such as the film “Bydd yn Wrol” (“Be Brave”), which earned him a BAFTA Cymru Award. His versatility soon led him to international projects, including the colonial drama “Greenstone” and the Shakespearean adaptation “Titus”. However, it was his portrayal of Kevin Walker in the family drama “Brothers & Sisters” (2006–2011) that brought him widespread recognition.

Rhys further cemented his status as a leading actor with his Emmy-winning performance as Philip Jennings in the critically acclaimed spy drama “The Americans” (2013–2018). His film credits include “The Edge of Love” (2008), “The Post” (2017), and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” (2019). More recently, he starred in the HBO series “Perry Mason” (2020–2023).

In his personal life, Matthew Rhys shares a long-term partnership with actress Keri Russell, whom he met on the set of “The Americans”. They have a son, Sam, born in 2016 and reside in Brooklyn, New York. Rhys is known for his dedication to his Welsh roots, often advocating for the preservation of the language and culture that shaped his identity.

Suggested viewing

Death Comes to Pemberley (2013)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 7.1

Years after their marriage, Elizabeth and Darcy’s idyllic life at Pemberley is disrupted by a murder. The arrival of a mysterious figure from Darcy’s past casts a shadow, threatening to expose a secret and shatter their happiness. As Elizabeth delves into the puzzling murder, she must confront her own biases and fight to protect her family and their future together.

Top cast: Matthew Rhys, Anna Maxwell Martin, Matthew Goode, Trevor Eve, Jenna Coleman,Tom Ward, Eleanor Tomlinson, James Norton, Nichola Burley.

The Edge of Love (2008)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 6.1

Set against the backdrop of World War II, the film explores a complex web of love and friendship. A woman reconnects with her former flame, the charismatic poet Dylan Thomas, who is now married. Despite his marriage, their feelings reignite and an unexpected friendship forms between the woman and the poet’s wife. As the war intensifies and personal choices become crucial, the characters must face love, loss and the complexities of wartime relationships.

Top cast: Keira Knightley, Sienna Miller, Matthew Rhys, Cillian Murphy, Lisa Stansfield, Richard Dillane, Anne Lambton, Alastair Mackenzie, Camilla Rutherford.

The Scapegoat (2012)

Bftv 8.0 / IMDb 7.1

A down on his luck teacher stumbles into a bizarre situation when he encounters his exact double, a troubled businessman. After a night of drinking, the teacher wakes up impersonating the businessman, finding himself entangled in a failing family business and a strained marriage. As he traverses this unfamiliar world, he uncovers secrets and attempts to save the family from financial ruin, all while grappling with his own true identity and the consequences of his unexpected deception.

Top cast: Matthew Rhys, Jodhi May, Eileen Atkins, Sheridan Smith, Andrew Scott, Phoebe Nicholls, Anton Lesser, Eloise Webb, Pip Torrens.

Alternative version

The Mystery of Edwin Drood (2012)

Bftv 8.5 / IMDb 6.8

In a small English town, a young choirmaster disappears mysteriously, leaving behind many unanswered questions and suspicions. As investigations unfold, secrets about his relationships and inner turmoil surface, fuelling speculation about his fate. The community grapples with uncertainty, fear and intrigue surrounding the disappearance, with dark revelations altering their perceptions.

Top cast: Matthew Rhys, Freddie Fox, Tamzin Merchant, Rory Kinnear, Ron Cook, Janet Dale, Ellie Haddington, Amber Rose Revah, Sacha Dhawan, Julia McKenzie, Ian McNeice, Alun Armstrong.

Full filmography @ Wikipedia