Keri Russell Says She Had Sex ‘all the time’ With Matthew Rhys While Filming TV Show

Inside the Early Romance of Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys on ‘The Americans’

Keri Russell has offered candid insight into the passionate beginnings of her relationship with longtime partner and former co-star Matthew Rhys. Speaking on Chelsea Handler’s podcast Dear Chelsea, the 50-year-old star of The Diplomat looked back at the covert moments shared between the two while filming the acclaimed Cold War espionage series The Americans. Russell and Rhys, who have now been together for 13 years, developed their bond amid the demanding shooting schedules and elaborate undercover wardrobes required for their roles as Soviet KGB officers living in suburban Washington, D.C.

Recalling that intense formative period, Russell described how the unique nature of their production environment merged with their blooming connection. “We were falling in love and staying up all night and having sex all the time and just wearing disguises, like, I’m ******* crazy wigs and wearing pearls,” the actress recounted during the conversation. She added: “When have you ever worn pearls and [been] ******* in trailers and ******* everywhere. I mean, it was insanity. It was so fun and sneaky, and sexy, and so good.”

Why Marriage Remains Off the Table After 13 Years Together

Despite their enduring partnership and raising their 10-year-old son together, Russell clarified why making their union legal is not a priority. When discussing the subject with Handler, Russell emphasized that conventional markers of marriage hold little appeal for her current lifestyle and career.

Explaining her perspective on traditional matrimonial ceremonies and legal status, Russell stated: “I’ve had a big party, you know. I get to dress up all the time, and I know for a lot of people, marriage is something different.” She continued: “People used to be married to have a credit card. We can have credit cards now. I don’t need my last name to go away.”

The Real Reason Matthew Rhys Left Russell Out of His Emmy Speeches

During the episode, Russell also addressed public curiosity regarding Rhys’s high-profile appearances at the 2026 Emmy Awards. The 51-year-old actor claimed two major acting honors at the ceremony: the award for lead actor in a limited or anthology series or movie for The Beast in Me, along with the lead actor award for comedy series for Widow’s Bay. Observers noted that Russell was not thanked directly during either appearance at the podium.

According to Russell, the omission was completely intentional and arranged at her insistence to alleviate his stage anxiety. “Take me off your plate. You don’t have to thank me; I know you love me, take me off your plate,” she remembered telling Rhys before the event. With Russell’s blessing to skip spousal acknowledgment, Rhys utilized his second victory to honor his homeland instead, dedicating his win ‘to the great and good people of Wales, who were as much a nurturer as anyone else’. On stage, the Welsh actor celebrated his roots, saying: “We are a small but mighty nation. This is incredible,” before concluding his address with ‘Diolch yn fawr iawn’.

Why This Matters

The candid reflections from Keri Russell highlight the evolving public discourse surrounding modern relationships among high-profile creative collaborators in Hollywood. By rejecting traditional marital conventions and celebrating financial and identity autonomy, Russell presents an authentic, contemporary view of long-term partnership outside standard celebrity expectations. Furthermore, her explanation regarding Rhys’s double Emmy triumphs dispels speculative Hollywood award-season gossip, underscoring the strong, supportive communication underpinning one of the entertainment industry’s most respected acting couples.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long have Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys been together?

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have been in a relationship for 13 years, having first fallen in love while starring together on the television drama The Americans. They share a 10-year-old son.

Do Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have plans to get married?

No. Russell explained on the Dear Chelsea podcast that she does not feel the need to marry, noting that she enjoys dressing up for work, values retaining her own last name, and appreciates modern financial independence.

Why didn’t Matthew Rhys thank Keri Russell at the 2026 Emmys?

Rhys did not thank Russell because she explicitly told him not to worry about mentioning her. Knowing he gets nervous giving speeches, she instructed him to remove her name from his list so he could speak comfortably, leading him to dedicate his comedy series award to the people of Wales.