Fans of Netflix have been taken by surprise after discovering that a Hollywood star, acclaimed for his American accent, is actually British. The revelation comes as viewers watch Matthew Rhys, who plays Nile Jarvis in the psychological thriller “The Beast In Me,” alongside actress Claire Danes. The series follows an author who retreats from her regular life following the devastating loss of her son, finding inspiration again when a new neighbor moves in.
Matthew Rhys has astonished audiences with his role, but what has truly shocked fans is the fact that he hails from Wales, revealed through a recent TikTok video. In the clip, he encourages students at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama to use the Welsh language, showcasing his natural Welsh accent. This has sparked a wave of reactions from viewers expressing their disbelief at his true heritage, with many commenting on how convincingly he adopts an American dialect in his performances.
Born and raised in Cardiff, Wales, Rhys’s journey to stardom began at a young age. He applied to the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) after impressively portraying Elvis Presley in a school musical at the age of 17. His sister, Rachel, a BBC broadcast journalist, also pursued acting at RADA. During his early career, Rhys appeared in the BBC series “Back-Up” and the film “House of America,” and he later earned recognition for his performance in the Welsh film “Bydd yn Wrol” (Be Brave), where he won Best Actor at the BAFTA Cymru awards.
Best known for his Emmy-winning portrayal as Philip Jennings on the acclaimed series “The Americans,” Rhys has also appeared in “Brothers & Sisters” as Kevin Walker and played poet Dylan Thomas in “The Edge of Love.” His close friendship with fellow actor Ioan Gruffudd, with whom he shared a home for a decade, further highlights a supportive network among Welsh talent in the industry.
As “The Beast In Me” continues to captivate audiences, Rhys’s surprising revelation about his Welsh roots adds an intriguing layer to his character and offers fans a new perspective on the talent behind one of today’s compelling performances. This discovery not only showcases Rhys’s versatility as an actor but also highlights the significance of embracing one’s cultural identity in a global industry.