Some on-screen romances are simply too good to leave on set. For Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, the chemistry they shared on The Americans eventually spilled over into real life—and more than a decade later, they’re still together.
In 2012, the actors were cast as undercover spies Elizabeth and Philip Jennings in the FX political drama, and they eventually developed a romance of their own. Fast-forward many years (and a series finale) later, and the real-life couple is still going strong. Since then, Russell and Rhys have welcomed a child together and kept much of their relationship out of the spotlight.
But The Diplomat actress recently offered a rare glimpse into the early days of her romance with Rhys during an appearance on Chelsea Handler’s Dear Chelsea podcast, recalling, “We were falling in love and staying up all night and having sex all the time.” She added, “It was so fun and sneaky, and sexy, and so good.”
Ahead, a look back at Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys’s relationship timeline.
They first meet at a kickball game party
2002
During a 2017 appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Rhys shares the story of the first time he met Russell—and failed to land a date with her. The actor says he and Russell first crossed paths at a kickball game in 2002: “I very drunkenly asked for her number,” he recalls.
According to Rhys, he left her a message, but she never returned his call.
They’re both cast on The Americans
2012
During a photocall for The Americans in October 2012.
A decade after their first chance encounter, Russell and Rhys reunite when they’re cast as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings in The Americans. Filming on the pilot begins in late 2012. At the time, Russell is still married to her first husband, Shane Deary, with whom she shares two children: a son, River, and a daughter, Willa.
Keri and Matthew spark romance rumors
2013
By early 2013, reports circulate that Russell has separated from her first husband, and their divorce is finalized a year later. Then, Russell and Rhys spark romance rumors when they’re spotted out together around New York City on multiple occasions.
They do a steamy photoshoot together
January 2014
Those romance rumors escalate when Russell and Rhys appear together in a very sexy photoshoot for GQ. The Americans costars channel major Mr. & Mrs. Smith energy for the photos, which feature Russell straddling Rhys in black lingerie. Their real-life romance is still not confirmed (or denied) at the time.
They’re confirmed to be dating
April 2014
In 2013, at the FX Upfront Bowling Event.
People confirms that Russell and Rhys are a real-life couple after months of speculation. The news comes as the two are spotted together at the Public Theater in New York City, where they see Steven Soderbergh’s play The Library. Bystanders see Russell stroking Rhys’s hair, and the two whispering closely during the date night.
They’re expecting a baby together!
January 2016
At the start of 2016, People reports that Russell is pregnant with her and Rhys’s first child together. A source says the couple is “thrilled.” Russell also has two children with her first husband.
Keri reveals how she hid her pregnancy on The Americans
March 2016
In an interview with The New York Times, Russell discusses being pregnant at 40 while filming The Americans. The actress jokes about how the show had to get creative to hide her pregnancy, “There was a lot of winter-coat wearing,” she reveals. “We justified it, like, ‘My mind is full of so many things, and I’m so worried that I just keep my coat on, even in the bedroom.’ I held a lot of giant salad bowls.”
The same month, she’s photographed biking in New York with Rhys, with her baby bump covered by layers of cozy basics.
Out in New York on March 9, 2016
They welcome their first child together
May 2016
Russell and Rhys welcome a son named Sam in May 2016.
They make their official Emmys debut as a couple
September 18, 2016
Russell and Rhys make their first major red-carpet debut as a couple at the 2016 Emmy Awards. For the occasion, Russell stuns in a sweeping white Stéphane Rolland gown, while Rhys keeps things classic in a black tuxedo.
Keri reflects on how The Americans changed her life
July 2017
In an interview with People, Russell reflects on the upcoming final season of The Americans and how the series has changed her life in “many many ways” from her and Rhys’s relationship to the birth of their son, Sam. “It’s all been good change, and I’m very, very grateful for it,” she says.
