Actors Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys head into the Emmy Awards with a combined five nominations, according to reporting from outlets including Variety and Page Six. The longtime partners, who met on the set of the FX series “The Americans” in 2012, have built a quiet domestic life in Brooklyn while maintaining prolific television careers.
Emmy Nominations Highlight a Rare Couple Achievement
Russell, 50, earned a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as ambassador Kate Wyler in Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” alongside an executive producer nomination for the show, according to the provided sources. Rhys, 51, secured two individual acting nominations: one as a small-island mayor in Apple TV+’s horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay” and another as a wealthy mogul suspected of killing his wife in Netflix’s “The Beast in Me,” plus an executive producer nod for “Widow’s Bay.” According to Variety, couples such as Tracy Letts and Carrie Coon, Sarah Paulson and Holland Taylor, and Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz have received Emmy nods in the same year, but few match the combined tally of five nominations earned by Russell and Rhys for distinct projects.
A Romance Forged on “The Americans”
The couple met in 2012 while playing married KGB spies on “The Americans,” which filmed in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. According to Page Six, Russell was still married to contractor Shane Deary when production began, and their split was announced in December 2013. Industry sources cited by Page Six indicated the timeline of the off-screen relationship overlapped with the show’s early seasons. Rhys and Russell publicly confirmed their romance in March 2014 when they were spotted holding hands at a New York City theater. Although they share a son, Sam, and live in Brooklyn with Russell’s two children from her previous marriage—River and Willa—the couple have never married. Rhys joked to Variety that a public proposal would prompt Russell to punch him “clean in the mouth.”
Domestic Life Away From the Spotlight
Despite their high-profile careers, the couple maintains a low profile in Brooklyn Heights. According to a source who spoke with Page Six, neighbors frequently see them at local coffee shops and farmers markets, and Rhys has volunteered as an auctioneer for the annual Brooklyn Bridge Park Gala. Both actors have expressed anxiety regarding red carpet events. Russell told Variety that awards shows feel “unnatural,” while Rhys admitted to the outlet that he never enjoys the events because he feels constantly nervous.
Did you know?
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Emmy nominations do Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have combined?
According to Variety and Page Six, the couple holds a combined five nominations for the upcoming Emmy Awards across “The Diplomat,” “Widow’s Bay,” and “The Beast in Me.”
Do Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have children?
Yes, they share one son, Sam, and live in Brooklyn with Russell’s two children, River and Willa, from her previous marriage to Shane Deary, according to source records.
Are Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys married?
No, the couple has been together for over a decade but has never married, with Rhys noting in interviews that public marriage proposals are strictly off the table.
Explore more entertainment news and television updates by subscribing to our newsletter and joining the conversation in the comments below.
Keep reading