The Charming, Amusing, Surprisingly Low-Confidence Matthew Rhys

Actor Matthew Rhys, 51, says Emmy success hasn’t cured his ongoing self-doubt. Despite two leading-role Emmy nominations in the same year, he describes himself as “always a nervous Nellie,” comparing his nervous energy to the calm, assured persona of David Niven, a Welsh-rooted actor he tries to emulate. Rhys is best known for playing Philip Jennings in The Americans, alongside Keri Russell, whom he has been with since meeting on the series. The article also highlights his standout recent momentum, including Widow’s Bay as the summer’s breakout hit and another Emmy-nominated performance in The Beast in Me. Rhys discusses Welsh identity, language, and how national insecurity shapes his doubts, while he references Richard Burton as another example of Welsh confidence.