What is Matthew Rhys' net worth? Fortune explored after Welsh actor makes history at Emmys for roles in The Beast in Me and Widow's Bay

78th Primetime Emmy Awards - Press Room - Source: Getty
Matthew Rhys, winner of the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series Award for "Widow's Bay" and winner of the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie Award for "The Beast in Me," poses in the press room during the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California (Source: Getty)

Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has an estimated net worth of $12 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. The outlet puts his per-episode salary at $100,000.

Rhys made Emmy history on September 14, 2026, becoming the first performer to win two lead acting prizes in a single night. He took home Best Lead Actor in a Limited Series for The Beast in Me, then won Best Lead Actor in a Comedy for Widow's Bay, the BBC reported.

Rhys already had an Emmy to his name, playing Philip Jennings in The Americans back in 2018. That earlier win, combined with the September 14 wins, makes him the first actor to win lead acting Emmys across the drama, limited series and comedy categories, according to The New York Times.


More about Matthew Rhys's career and net worth

Matthew Rhys was born Matthew Rhys Evans on November 8, 1974, in Cardiff, Wales. He's built a career across television, film, and theater spanning nearly three decades, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

According to reports, the actor first drew wide notice playing Kevin Walker on ABC's Brothers & Sisters from 2006 to 2011. His most acclaimed role came later, as KGB agent Philip Jennings opposite Keri Russell on FX's The Americans, which earned him an Emmy and two Golden Globe nominations.

Rhys has also appeared in films like The Post, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle. Furthermore, he has spent two seasons playing the title role in HBO's Perry Mason, from 2020 to 2023.

Outside of acting, Rhys' charity work includes serving as a patron of the UK spinal injuries charity Trust PA, alongside fellow Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd. The actor is also a patron of Asylum Justice, a Welsh charity supporting migrants and refugees, and an ambassador for Bobath Children's Therapy Centre Wales, which treats children with cerebral palsy.

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Source: Getty)
Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell attend the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards at Peacock Theater on September 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Source: Getty)

Matthew Rhys has been with his The Americans co-star, Keri Russell, since the two met on set in 2014. They have a son together, born in 2016.


More about Matthew Rhys's historic Emmy wins

Matthew Rhys's dual Emmy places him alongside actors including Alan Alda, Sally Field, John Goodman, Elisabeth Moss and Ted Danson, who have all previously landed nominations in two lead acting categories in the same year. However, none had won both until Rhys, per the BBC.

Accepting the Widow's Bay award, in which he plays a small-town mayor, Rhys dedicated the honor "to the great and good people of Wales," adding in Welsh, "Diolch yn fawr iawn"- thank you very much. He also thanked The Beast in Me co-star Claire Danes, calling her "an intimidating scene partner."

The 2026 Emmy Awards were a record night for Widow's Bay overall: the show won 14 Emmys total, breaking the previous record for a comedy series, as per The Hollywood Reporter. That haul helped push Apple TV to its best-ever Emmys showing, with 28 wins across the night, ahead of HBO Max's 21 wins and Netflix's 16 wins.

Rhys's co-star Kate O'Flynn also won best supporting actress in a comedy for her role as Patricia, while The Pitt took home best drama series honors for the second consecutive year.

Edited by Rajarsi Chakraborty