The Charming, Amusing, Surprisingly Low-Confidence Matthew Rhys

Overview

Matthew Rhys, the Emmy-nominated star of Widow's Bay and The Beast in Me, reflects on his career, his Welsh identity, his approach to acting, and his personal life with partner Keri Russell. The conversation delves into his struggles with self-confidence, his admiration for David Niven, his thoughts on method acting, and his experiences with dark, layered roles. Rhys also shares insights into his creative process, cultural identity, and the challenges of balancing work and family life.

Notable Quotes

- I just wish I could be that person and say the right thing and be gracious and effortless. – Matthew Rhys, on his admiration for David Niven's charm and composure.

- If you want something, get after it, go and do it, get it, you know, prove to them you can do it. – Matthew Rhys, on maintaining hunger and drive in his career.

- I want to get to a place where I just feel confident and... genuinely feel calm and confident in myself. – Matthew Rhys, on his ultimate life goal.

🎭 The Art of Acting: From David Niven to Hamlet

- Rhys describes himself as a nervous Nelly, constantly second-guessing himself, and admires the effortless charm and confidence of David Niven.

- He regrets turning down the role of Hamlet at 24, feeling he lacked the emotional maturity at the time. He now views it as a missed opportunity but acknowledges his low self-esteem played a role in the decision.

- Rhys reflects on his training at RADA, where he was influenced by American method acting, which emphasized emotional authenticity over pretense. He appreciates the toolkit approach to acting, which avoids the self-indulgence often associated with method acting.

🎭 Comedy and Horror: The Duality of *Widow’s Bay*

- Rhys discusses his Emmy-nominated role in Widow’s Bay, a blend of horror and comedy. He was initially unsure about taking on a comedic role but was reassured by the director's insistence on playing it as a drama.

- He credits his super objective approach—focusing on his character's overarching goal—as key to grounding his performance amidst the show's fantastical elements.

- On the rise of horror's popularity, Rhys suggests it reflects societal turbulence and a collective grappling with uncertainty and fear.

🌍 Welsh Identity and Cultural Roots

- Rhys speaks passionately about the survival of the Welsh language, recalling its suppression under British rule and the resilience of his parents' generation in preserving it.

- He finds performing in a Southern English accent challenging due to its colonial connotations, which he associates with inauthenticity and historical oppression.

- Rhys recently voiced Han Solo in the first Welsh-language dub of Star Wars, a project he found both surreal and deeply meaningful for Welsh cultural representation.

💔 Darkness and Complexity in Roles

- Rhys is drawn to characters with hidden depths, as they offer more layers to explore. He notes that playing roles with menace and rage can be surprisingly easy to fake, as they often rely on volume and passion.

- He reflects on his performance in Girls, where he portrayed a manipulative author accused of misconduct. Rhys worked closely with Lena Dunham to ensure the role honored her personal experiences while maintaining the character's complexity.

- Despite his seemingly happy upbringing, Rhys is fascinated by the shadows and complexities of darker roles, finding them more compelling and challenging.

❤️ Love and Life with Keri Russell

- Rhys shares the challenges and joys of falling in love with his The Americans co-star Keri Russell, despite his initial reservations about mixing work and personal life.

- The couple, both Emmy nominees this year, navigate their careers and parenting with careful planning, often turning down projects to support each other.

- Rhys admires Russell's authenticity as an actor, saying, I just believe her always. If I believe it, then I’m with you.