Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are set to possibly decorate their beautiful Brooklyn Heights brownstone with new awards after the Emmy Awards on Sunday.
The couple is nominated for a total of five awards, which makes them somewhat like the unofficial prom royalty of the evening.
They first crossed paths in 2012 while portraying a married couple in the FX series “The Americans.” At the time, Russell was still married, but their connection soon blossomed off-screen.
Now, over a decade later, they have built a lovely life together in Brooklyn, becoming something of a power couple in the television world.
Russell, aged 50, is being acknowledged for her role as ambassador Kate Wyler in Netflix’s “The Diplomat,” earning a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Additionally, she is also nominated as an executive producer for the show.
On the other hand, Rhys, 51, has received two acting nominations—one for playing a small-island mayor in the Apple TV horror-comedy “Widow’s Bay,” and another for his portrayal of a wealthy mogul suspected of murdering his wife in Netflix’s “The Beast in Me.” He too is nominated as an executive producer for “Widow’s Bay.”
Despite all the attention, both have remained refreshingly grounded.
Speaking with Variety last month, Russell mentioned, “Attending awards shows is a bit unnatural.” She jokingly considered if she should take a beta blocker to calm her nerves, wondering if that might help or just lead to awkward situations.
Rhys chimed in with a light-hearted take on possible anxiety remedies: “Should I try Xanax?” They both acknowledged that they often tell each other to enjoy the moment, yet the nerves always seem to overshadow that intention.
“I still feel tense every time we go,” Rhys admitted. “It’s really not comfortable. No matter how much we say, ‘Let’s enjoy this,’ I can’t help but feel anxious.”
While they may be making a public appearance, they’ve largely kept their relationship private.
Back in early 2014, I had a casual encounter while watching rugby with friends at the Red Lion in NYC’s West Village when we spotted Rhys. As drinks flowed, I jokingly asked if he was seeing anyone, referencing a rumor about him dating his on-screen wife.
“I’m seeing someone,” he responded with a playful grin. “She’s in the costume department.”
The couple hasn’t publicly detailed their relationship timeline, but during a 2017 appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Rhys confirmed that they indeed fell in love while working together.
There’s been talk about when exactly their romance began, with whispers from sources indicating that Russell may have started seeing Rhys while she was still married. “It’s a timeline that makes sense,” one insider said.
Currently, Russell shares her life with Rhys and her two children from her previous marriage, alongside their son, in a beautifully renovated brownstone.
In a light-hearted remark, Rhys once said he still can’t believe he ended up with someone like Russell, joking about how he feels lucky to be with her.
Interestingly, their connection wasn’t instant attraction. They both recounted their first meeting back in 2002 on “Watch What Happens Live.” Rhys, recalling a drunken attempt to get Russell’s number, joked about a message she never returned.
Russell didn’t remember their first encounter until they reunited on the set of “The Americans.” “When you mentioned the kickball party, it instantly came back to me!” she said.
Ultimately, the role of two KGB spies in “The Americans” was what really brought them together. Their relationship remained largely a secret until they were spotted together in March 2014 during a public outing.
Today, they embrace a cozy, family-oriented life in Brooklyn, and they often appear together at local spots, fitting seamlessly into their community.
It’s noted that they seem very much in love, often seen enjoying each other’s company like a typical couple.
As for the Emmys, Russell is up against some tough competition, but many say she is long overdue for an award. She’s been acting since her teenage years and has been nominated multiple times but has never won.
Her rise to fame started as a fresh-faced student on “Felicity,” and she’s remained a notable presence since then. Although she once stepped away from acting, it was “The Americans” that brought her back into the spotlight.
This March, she received a significant recognition for “The Diplomat,” and her show gathered impressive nominations, making her a contender in the upcoming ceremonies.
Rhys is anticipated to do well as well, with “Widow’s Bay” potentially sweeping the night, and he’s in the running for multiple awards for his roles. Winning twice in one night is a unique achievement, with James Earl Jones being the only male actor to have accomplished it so far.
No matter the outcome of the awards, the true victory for them has been their love.
In his acceptance speech for “The Americans,” Rhys sweetly acknowledged Russell as the one who really supported him throughout his career. They’ve never tied the knot, and if ever they do, it seems any public proposals are off the table.
Rhys has humorously remarked that a public proposal would be met with Russell punching him. “It’s just not my thing,” she has said. “I would absolutely say no. Good night!”
