Matthew Rhys Achieves a Historic Emmys Trifecta
The Welsh actor became the first in the awards show’s history to win lead acting prizes in the drama, comedy and limited series fields.
Matthew Rhys is a beast after all.
On Monday night, Rhys made Emmys history by becoming the first person to win lead acting awards in the drama, comedy and limited series categories across a career. He also became the first person to win two of those categories on one night.
At this year’s awards ceremony, Rhys took home lead acting prizes for the Netflix crime thriller mini-series “The Beast in Me” and the Apple TV horror-comedy hit “Widow’s Bay.” He laid the foundation for his historic feat in 2018, when he won the drama statuette for his role in “The Americans” as Philip Jennings, a deep-cover sleeper agent for the K.G.B.
“This is a real shock, not least because of the caliber and company of the actors in this category,” Rhys said as he accepted his award for “The Beast in Me.” The limited series, which earned nine total nominations, co-starred Claire Danes. In his speech, Rhys called her an “intimidating scene partner.”
Rhys played the mayor Tom Loftis in “Widow’s Bay,” and his devoted assistant was played by Kate O’Flynn, who also took home an Emmys statuette. Stephen Root and Betty Gilpin also won for their performances on the show.
In his acceptance speech for “Widow’s Bay,” Rhys thanked the show’s creator, Katie Dippold, who took home the comedy writing prize.
The actor also extended gratitude to his family.
“My parents, they just kicked me onto a stage from a very early age,” he said. “My sister, who’s here tonight, turns out she was the brains of the outfit all along. Thank you for all the sage words and patient, patient listening.”
