Matthew Rhys, who recently made history at the 78th Emmy Awards, first demonstrated his stage presence at the age of 18 when he portrayed Elvis Presley in a Welsh-language school production. His former music teacher, Delyth Medi Lloyd, recalled that the musical, titled 'Elfis,' was effectively built around Rhys due to his striking resemblance to the iconic singer.

Rhys achieved a significant milestone at the Emmys in Los Angeles, becoming the first man to secure two lead acting awards in the same ceremony. He won Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy for 'Widow's Bay' and Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Series Or Movie for 'The Beast in Me.' Additionally, he shared in the outstanding comedy series prize as an executive producer of 'Widow's Bay,' bringing his Emmy count to four.

More than three decades prior to his Hollywood success, Rhys was performing as Elvis at Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in Cardiff. Pictures from the 1993 production show an 18-year-old Rhys adorned in a gold suit and later a white cape, captivating the audience. A contemporary review noted that the young performer received a lengthy standing ovation.

"We chose the show because of him, really," Lloyd recounted. "He always stood out amongst the crowd and he had this black, wavy hair - he looked a bit like him! He stole the show, singing all the songs. I think the girls were swooning over him."

To prepare for the role, Rhys reportedly spent hours studying videos of Elvis to master his mannerisms. "He was so enthusiastic about everything. If he was doing something, he would give it 100 percent," Lloyd added. The costumes for the production were designed by Julie Morse, and Rhys's parents attended every performance.

Lloyd, who taught at Glantaf from 1989 to 2022 and served as head of music, first worked with Rhys on extracurricular shows in year nine. She observed that he was always involved in school productions and often central to the action. "We saw a different side to Matthew in his drama days because he was so much in his element. He had this twinkle in his eye," she said.

Rhys was accepted into the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1993, receiving the Patricia Rothermere Scholarship. Lloyd noted that Rhys has a strong singing voice, a quality often associated with Welsh performers, though he has not prominently featured it in his acting roles.

"I think Elvis was a big boost for him and his family in showing that he could do it," Lloyd stated. "We all tried to persuade him to go on because it was so clear that he had a very big talent."

Reflecting on his Emmy wins, Lloyd expressed pride and a lack of surprise. "When I saw 'The Beast in Me,' I was so in awe of all his talents. It was almost shocking to see that he could play someone so nasty. But he seems to be convincing in all styles."

Rhys has maintained connections to his roots, reportedly backing a campaign to save a local pub and spending four years restoring a vintage wooden boat. Lloyd has visited Rhys in Los Angeles and even sailed on his boat. She also had the opportunity to meet fellow actor Michael Sheen when she saw Rhys perform last year in 'Playing Burton' with the Welsh National Theatre. "Matthew has always remembered his roots and his old teachers - he has been wonderful with us whenever we've been out to see him. He remembers the good old days."