Perry Mason star Matthew Rhys reveals why sex scenes are awkward
Actor Matthew Rhys opens up on his life with actress Keri Russell, why filming sex scenes is weird and why he nearly turned down the hit Perry Mason reboot.
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Welsh actor Matthew Rhys first came to prominence for playing Kevin Walker in the long-running drama, Brothers & Sisters. He also played Russian spy Philip Jennings on the critically acclaimed The Americans for which he won an Emmy in 2018. On film, he’s appeared in The Edge of Love opposite Keira Knightley, The Post, opposite Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep, and again alongside Hanks in A Beautiful Day in The Neighbourhood. He’s currently starring as a private detective-era Perry Mason in HBO’s re-imaging of the classic court procedural.
You and Keri Russell didn’t just co-star on TV show The Americans for seven years – you also fell in love and became partners. What was that like?
I think we were fortunate because we worked well together, like our characters on screen. There were days I’m sure I drove her up the wall, but I thought we worked incredibly well as a team in that we have the same goals, appreciate the same things and love the same elements of the show. It was just this incredible teamwork to do the best we could; it was a very special moment in time.
What are the positives of being in a relationship with another actor?
The obvious thing is that they understand the job you do. They understand that you have to … I was going to say go away, but it doesn’t look like that will be happening anytime soon. Keri wishes I would go away [laughs]. She’s like, “Aren’t you shooting somewhere?” And I’m like, “Um, no dear.”
They also understand the harder elements of what it is you do. But in the same vein, they’re also human and know you’ve got to film sex scenes and do those things, and it’s not easy in a relationship. But I think the understanding of it outweighs the negative, because you also know what goes into doing those scenes, so it’s not a complete mystery to you.
You and Keri have three children [their son, Sam, is four; River, 13, and Willa, 8, are Russell’s children from her previous marriage]. How have the past few months in lockdown been for the family?
Well, how are we all doing, really? Your kneejerk reaction is to go, “Great! I’m great! Fine, fine!” In all sincerity, we are very lucky, because we’ve been isolating up in the Catskills [in upstate New York].
Homeschooling has been a challenge. I realise I have no patience. Oh my God, it’s an exercise in imagination and how you can continue to find ways to entertain them. But on The Americans, Keri and I spent 20 hours a day together arguing over a scene, so we’re used to being together [laughs].
You star as the titular character in a new reboot of the classic TV series Perry Mason. What are your memories of the original show?
I knew it was a big show that was always on. You knew he was a lawyer. You had a vague recollection of people confessing on the stand. And that was about it. But [it’s] like yeah, he’s a bit of a do-gooder, isn’t he?
Initially, though, you weren’t going to take the role.
My agent said, “I need to talk to you about this remake of Perry Mason,” and I thought, “Oh God, who would remake Perry Mason? That sounds like a terrible idea.” But [then I discovered] it wasn’t going to be a remake, really. And the era really appealed to me – you know, 1930s Los Angeles during the Depression.
Which co-stars, besides Keri of course, have made the most impact on you?
I would say Sally Field [Brothers & Sisters] and Tom Hanks [A Beautiful Day In The Neighbourhood]. Both are double Oscar winners, and you understand why. They come at the job with the exact same attitude. When I worked with them [I realised], “Oh, that’s the level of work I have to put in.”
I mean, I knew it, but to see it up close is something. Their natural talent is enormous, but their work ethic is of an equal par. Sally gives 110 per cent and expects everyone else to do the same. She is very nice about letting you know you’re being slack [laughs]. It makes you want to up your game.
And is Tom Hanks really the nicest man in the world?
He really is. He’s aware of the effect he has on people. You see it when he walks on set – people are starstruck. I think it takes an inordinate amount of energy to put everyone at ease in order for everyone to perform at their best. He must be exhausted, because he’s forever making sure everyone is OK. To me, it just sounds bloody exhausting. But I don’t have two Oscars.
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Perry Mason airs at 11am and 8.30pm every Monday on Fox Showcase. Read the Matthew Rhys interview in the new issue of Stellar, featuring Natalie Barr on the cover.
Originally published as Perry Mason star Matthew Rhys reveals why sex scenes are awkward