Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys Evans (/riːs/ REESS; born 8 November 1974) is a renowned Welsh actor known for portraying Kevin Walker in the family drama series Brothers & Sisters (2006–2011) and Philip Jennings in the spy drama series The Americans (2013–2018). In 2018, Rhys was awarded the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series for his superb performance in The Americans. He also earned Emmy nominations for his guest role in Girls (2017) and for playing the title role in the period series Perry Mason (2020–2023). In the world of film, Rhys appeared as Dylan Thomas in The Edge of Love (2008), Daniel Ellsberg in The Post (2017), and essayed a cynical journalist in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019). He has also lent his voice to several characters in animated series, such as The Owl House (2020–2023). Rhys' love for the dramatic arts began at a young age as he enrolled in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London at 17 after playing Elvis Presley in a school musical. Rhys returned to his home city of Cardiff to act in Welsh in the film Bydd yn Wrol (Be Brave). His portrayal earned him the award for Best Actor at the BAFTA Cymru (Welsh BAFTAs).

In January 1998, Rhys moved to New Zealand to star in Greenstone, a colonial costume drama for television. After returning to Wales, he engaged in two films with Jonathan Pryce and eventually starred in the lead role in Metropolis. Rhys starred as Benjamin in the 2000 world premiere of the stage adaptation of The Graduate, alongside Kathleen Turner in London's West End. In 2013, Rhys starred in the television adaptation of P. D. James's novel Death Comes to Pemberley as Jane Austen's hero Fitzwilliam Darcy. Off-screen, Rhys is an accomplished business owner, owning and renting a charter boat named Rarebit in New York City. He also set up his production company, Patagonia, in 2011. Off-camera, Rhys is committed to his Welsh heritage, actively supporting Welsh independence, and has also been celebrated for his contributions to the Welsh language and culture.