Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are set to be prominent figures at the upcoming Emmy Awards, with the couple collectively nominated for five awards. Russell is recognized for her role in Netflix's "The Diplomat," earning nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series and as an executive producer. Rhys is nominated twice for individual acting performances: for his role as a small-island mayor in Apple TV+'s "Widow's Bay" and as a wealthy suspect in Netflix's "The Beast in Me." He also received an executive producer nomination for "Widow's Bay."
The couple, who have been together for over a decade, met on the set of the FX series "The Americans" in 2012, where they played a married couple. Their on-screen chemistry translated into an off-screen relationship, and they have since built a life together in Brooklyn with Russell's two children from a previous marriage and their shared son.
Despite their public profiles, Russell and Rhys have maintained a private personal life. Rhys has spoken about the anxiety associated with awards shows, describing them as "unnatural" and "not comfortable." Russell has echoed these sentiments, admitting to considering beta blockers before such events.
Russell, 50, plays Kate Wyler, a feisty U.S. ambassador to the U.K., in "The Diplomat." This nomination marks a significant moment for Russell, who has a long television career dating back to "The All New Mickey Mouse Club." Despite six previous Emmy nominations without a win, she recently received an Actor Award for her performance in "The Diplomat."
Rhys, 51, is recognized for his diverse roles, including a comedic turn in "Widow's Bay" and a role in the Netflix thriller "The Beast in Me." A double win for Rhys at the Emmys would be a rare achievement, a feat previously accomplished by only James Earl Jones.
Their relationship began to surface publicly in early 2014, with the couple tacitly confirming their romance later that year. While they have never married, they have spoken fondly of each other. Rhys once described Russell as "the woman who truly got me this award," and Russell has referred to him as "my Welsh guy."