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The Charming, Amusing, Surprisingly Low-Confidence Matthew Rhys

Aug 15, 2026 · 47m

Summary

Matthew Rhys discusses his dual Emmy nominations for *Widow’s Bay* and *The Beast in Me*, revealing his enduring career insecurity despite recent success. He reflects on his Welsh heritage, the influence of method acting, and his attraction to complex, morally ambiguous roles. Rhys also opens up about his relationship with partner Kerry Russell, balancing their professional lives, and shares anecdotes from his early career, including regretting turning down the role of Hamlet.

Topics discussed

Intro: Love Story series and Matthew Rhys's recent hits Sponsor message for The New York Times app Rhys on David Niven, Richard Burton, and feeling like an outsider Regret over playing Hamlet at 24 and emotional maturity RADA training, method acting myths, and accents Approaching comedy in Widow's Bay and committing to the bit Why horror resonates in turbulent times Frustrations with TV renewal lag times The Beast in Me: playing a manipulative mogul and consent Dating Kerry Russell while filming The Americans Sponsors: SelectQuote and GoodRx Welsh pessimism, American confidence, and military rejection Welsh language history and dubbing Star Wars Navigating romance and career with co-star Kerry Russell Handling success, rejection, and the hunger to act Life's super objective: finding genuine calm and confidence Outro and preview of next episode with Priya Parker Sponsor message for Vanta AI security
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