Matthew Rhys

Matthew Rhys is a Welsh actor known for his work in television and film. After playing Elvis Presley in a school musical at age 17, Rhys was accepted to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. He returned to Cardiff to act in the Welsh-language film "Bydd yn Wrol" (Be Brave), earning Best Actor at the BAFTA Cymru. He later appeared in "Titus," Julie Taymor's adaptation of Titus Andronicus, alongside Anthony Hopkins and Jessica Lange.

Rhys gained recognition for his role as Kevin Walker in the family drama series "Brothers & Sisters" and as Philip Jennings in the spy drama series "The Americans." In "The Americans," he starred opposite Keri Russell as a Russian KGB sleeper agent in a Cold War-era drama, a performance that earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, two Golden Globe nominations, and the Critics' Choice Television Award for Best Actor in a Drama Series.

In film, Rhys portrayed Dylan Thomas in "The Edge of Love" and Daniel Ellsberg in "The Post." He played the lead role in the HBO period series "Perry Mason," earning a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actor in a Television Series Drama and a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Rhys also starred as Nile Jarvis in Netflix's miniseries "The Beast in Me" and played Richard Burton in the one-man play Playing Burton at the Welsh National Theatre.

Rhys received two Emmy nominations in different categories for his performances in a single TV season for his performances in "The Beast in Me" and "Widow's Bay." Aberystwyth University recognized Rhys as a fellow, and he was accepted as a member of the druidic order of the Gorsedd of the Bards at the Welsh National Eisteddfod for his contributions to the Welsh language and culture. Rhys is known for his advocacy of Welsh culture and language, and for his portrayals of complex characters in drama, television, and film.