Keri Russell recently opened up about the beginning of her relationship with partner Matthew Rhys. On the ‘Dear Chelsea’ podcast, the 50-year-old actress shared insights into their early days together during the filming of ‘The Americans.’
Russell described how their relationship blossomed while they worked on the early seasons. They spent long nights together on set, often wearing costumes for the spy drama. She recalled these times as fun, secretive, and filled with passion.
The couple’s relationship began to gather public attention in late 2013, after they reconnected in 2012 during the show’s first season. They made their relationship official in April 2014. Russell and Rhys share a son, Sam, born in May 2016. Russell also has two older children, River and Willa, from her previous marriage to Shane Deary.
Despite their long-term partnership, Russell expressed no desire to marry Rhys. Speaking to Chelsea Handler, she said, ‘I don’t need my last name to go away.’ She shared that sharing a child signifies ‘forever’ to her, and views marriage as outdated.
Russell is promoting the fourth season of her Netflix series ‘The Diplomat,’ where she plays Kate Wyler, the U.S. ambassador to the United Kingdom. The role challenges her with conflicts between countries, and she enjoys portraying a character that is intelligent yet flawed.
Handler teased Russell about Rhys’ omission of her in his Emmy acceptance speeches. Russell clarified she reassured Rhys he didn’t need to thank her, understanding the pressures of the moment. She told him, ‘Take me off your plate. I know you love me.’ This mutual understanding underscores their strong bond.