Who is Sam Rhys? A Detailed Look at the Life of Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell’s Son
Introduction
The lives of celebrities often fascinate the public, not just because of their work on screen, but also due to the intimate glimpses we get of their families. One such figure who sparks curiosity is Sam Rhys, the beloved son of award-winning Welsh actor Matthew Rhys and acclaimed American actress Keri Russell. Born in 2016, Sam has grown up in the spotlight, albeit carefully shielded by his famous parents who value their privacy. Still, bits and pieces of his life story—from his multilingual upbringing to his place in a blended family—have reached the public domain.
This article provides a comprehensive portrait of Sam Rhys: who he is, his age, family relationships, the unique way he’s being raised, and his significance in the lives of Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.
Who is Sam Rhys?
At the core, Sam Rhys is the son of Matthew Rhys, best known for his roles in The Americans, Perry Mason, and Brothers & Sisters, and Keri Russell, celebrated for her performances in Felicity, The Americans, and The Diplomat. Sam was born in May 2016 in New York City, where the family has made their home.
Despite his parents’ fame, Sam has been largely kept out of the paparazzi spotlight. Unlike many Hollywood children who grow up in front of cameras, Sam’s appearances in public are rare. His parents have intentionally taken this route to ensure he enjoys as normal a childhood as possible.
Early Life and Birth
Sam was born into a household where culture, art, and performance thrive. His arrival marked a new chapter for both parents: Matthew, a proud Welshman far from his homeland, and Keri, who had already experienced motherhood through her two older children.
From interviews, Matthew has shared that the moment Sam was born was transformative, reshaping his priorities and heightening his emotions. Fatherhood, he admitted, made him “cry a lot easier” than before, a testament to the depth of connection he feels toward his son.
How Old is Sam Rhys?
Born in May 2016, Sam is currently 9 years old as of September 2025. These early years are foundational, and both Matthew and Keri have focused on giving him experiences that are enriching and balanced. Sam’s age also places him in a particularly curious stage of childhood, where learning, play, and cultural exposure intertwine seamlessly.
Family Relations and Blended Household
One of the defining aspects of Sam’s life is his blended family.
- Parents:
- Matthew Rhys, born in Cardiff, Wales, is not only a successful actor but also a proud advocate of Welsh heritage.
- Keri Russell, born in California, is an award-winning actress whose career spans television, film, and theater.
- Siblings:
Sam is the youngest in the family. He has two half-siblings from Keri’s previous marriage to Shane Deary:- River Deary, born in 2007.
- Willa Deary, born in 2012.
This dynamic creates a home filled with diverse experiences, where Sam interacts daily with siblings of different ages, learning from them while being the adored youngest child.
Cultural and Linguistic Upbringing
What makes Sam’s story unique is his multilingual upbringing.
Matthew Rhys has spoken openly about raising his son in Welsh. In fact, he insists on speaking only Welsh to Sam at home, preserving the language and passing it down through generations. This effort has been remarkably successful, as Sam can fully understand Welsh and occasionally speaks it back.
In addition to Welsh, Sam is also learning English (through his mother and the environment in New York) and Spanish, reflecting his exposure to diverse cultures. By the age of nine, being fluent or semi-fluent in three languages is no small feat—a skill that sets him apart from many children his age.
Is Sam Rhys Married?
This is one of the most searched questions online, but it’s worth clarifying: Sam Rhys is still a child. At 9 years old, he is not married and does not have children of his own. Searches about “Sam Rhys married to” or “Sam Rhys kids” likely stem from confusion with other public figures or simply from curiosity about his family background.
The Question of Marriage in His Household
While Sam himself is far too young to be married, his parents’ marital status has often sparked speculation.
- Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are not married, despite being in a committed relationship since around 2014.
- The two actors met years earlier but grew close while working together on the acclaimed series The Americans.
- In interviews as recent as 2025, Matthew joked that they simply “haven’t gotten around” to marriage, emphasizing that their bond does not require legal validation.
For Sam, this means growing up in a household that may not conform to traditional expectations but is nonetheless grounded in love, stability, and mutual respect.
Parenting Philosophy: Privacy and Balance
Keri and Matthew have consistently chosen to keep their children, especially Sam, away from the limelight. Unlike some celebrity parents who share frequent updates on social media, both actors have avoided exposing their son to public scrutiny.
Matthew’s decision to focus on passing down Welsh culture and Keri’s attention to ensuring a grounded childhood reflect a parenting style that prioritizes balance over fame. Sam’s experiences, therefore, are shaped less by Hollywood glitz and more by personal family values.
Public Appearances and Media Mentions
While Sam rarely appears in public, he has been referenced in interviews, especially when Matthew discusses his role as a father. These mentions often highlight Sam’s curiosity, intelligence, and the joy he brings to his parents’ lives.
For instance, Matthew has shared humorous anecdotes about teaching Sam Welsh in the middle of New York, or about how fatherhood has softened him emotionally. These glimpses reinforce the image of Sam as both loved and protected.
Why Sam Rhys Draws Public Interest
The curiosity around Sam is natural. Children of celebrity couples often capture attention because they represent the blending of two admired individuals. In Sam’s case, the intrigue is heightened because:
- He is the only child of Matthew and Keri together.
- He is growing up trilingual, an uncommon trait.
- His parents’ choice to remain unmarried while raising him sparks public discussion.
- Fans of The Americans and other works by the couple feel invested in their off-screen story, making Sam part of the larger narrative.
Looking Ahead: What the Future Might Hold
At 9 years old, Sam’s journey is only beginning. His trilingual upbringing could pave the way for global opportunities, whether in the arts, academia, or any other field he chooses. Being raised in a creative household, surrounded by storytelling and performance, may influence his path—but Matthew and Keri seem intent on letting Sam decide for himself.
For now, his future remains unwritten, but the foundation being laid is rich in culture, love, and strong family ties.
Conclusion
Sam Rhys, the son of Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, may be just 9 years old, but he represents an inspiring story of heritage, love, and modern family values. Who is Sam Rhys? He is a child growing up at the crossroads of American and Welsh traditions, nurtured in a household that balances fame with privacy. His age, his relationships, and the choices his parents make for him all add layers of meaning to his life story.
Though he is not married and does not have kids—given his young age—the questions about his life reflect the public’s fascination with celebrity families. At the heart of it all, Sam is simply a child being raised with immense care, curiosity, and love.
For more deep dives into celebrity families and lifestyle stories, visit fanzineblog, where we cover the personal sides of public lives.
