Matthew Rhys discusses his career, new comedy-horror role, and experiences in acting

Matthew Rhys, the acclaimed Welsh actor known for his compelling performances on US television, opens up about his career journey, challenges, and latest role in the comedy-horror series Widow’s Bay. Now 51, Rhys reflects on his early struggles post-RADA, including a period out of work that even led him to consider joining the army. He has since established a remarkable career, earning an Emmy for The Americans and performing in notable films such as The Post and A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood. In Widow’s Bay, Rhys plays Tom Loftis, a well-meaning mayor of a New England island town, providing him the opportunity to explore comedy alongside darker themes. He draws parallels between his character and his own experience as an outsider, both in Wales and in the US, noting how age has enriched his acting. Known for roles that combine charm with menace, Rhys recounts a memorable scene in Girls involving a prosthetic penis, humourously expressing curiosity about its fate. Overall, he embraces the slow, detailed storytelling of television, appreciating the depth it allows him to bring to complex characters. Widow’s Bay will be available on Apple TV from 29 April.