Skip to Content Michael Kovac // Getty Images Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys had incredible on-screen chemistry on The Americans , playing a married couple with more than a few secrets.
If you thought the Cold War was tense, wait until you hear about the off-screen chemistry between Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys during the filming of FX’s hit series “The Americans.” In a recent episode of Chelsea Handler’s podcast, Russell shared some rather scandalous details about her time on set, revealing that she and Rhys had intimate encounters while dressed in character disguises. Yes, you heard that right—wigs and pearls were not just for the show, but also for a little behind-the-scenes fun.
Now, before your imagination runs wild, let’s clarify: this wasn’t just a case of two actors getting carried away. They met on the set of “The Americans,” which aired from 2013 to 2018, and their on-screen partnership blossomed into something more. It’s like a modern-day Shakespearean love story, minus the tragic ending and with a lot more espionage.
Keri Russell, who portrays Elizabeth Jennings, and Matthew Rhys, who plays her husband Philip, were tasked with portraying a couple of Soviet spies living undercover in the U.S. during the Cold War. I guess you could say they took method acting to a whole new level. I mean, who needs a romantic getaway when you have a fully furnished set and a bunch of wigs?
Imagine the behind-the-scenes antics: “Oh, darling, let’s sneak away for a quick rendezvous in this corner of the soundstage while wearing these fabulous 80s wigs!” Talk about commitment to the craft! And let’s be honest, the idea of having a secret tryst while in character sounds like something out of a rom-com, only with more espionage and fewer awkward family dinners.
The couple’s relationship reportedly intensified as the series progressed, proving that sometimes art really does imitate life. In a world where relationships can be as complicated as a spy’s double life, Russell and Rhys found genuine love amidst the chaos of their characters’ turbulent lives. Perhaps the wigs served as a metaphor for their ability to navigate the complexities of love and secrecy—because nothing says romance quite like a good disguise.
Of course, the juicy details about their on-set escapades add a layer of intrigue to the show, which was already filled with suspense and drama. It’s not every day you hear about co-stars who couldn’t keep their hands off each other, especially while pretending to be Soviet spies. It’s like a plot twist that you never saw coming, and it makes you wonder what else might have gone on behind the scenes.
So, what can we take away from this scandalous revelation? Perhaps it’s a reminder that sometimes, love can bloom in the most unexpected places—even on a set designed for Cold War intrigue. Or maybe it’s just a fun story to share at your next dinner party, where you can casually drop in that Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys had sex on set while wearing wigs. You know, just to spice up the conversation.
Ultimately, Keri Russell’s candidness provides a delightful glimpse into the personal lives of actors that we don’t often see. Who knew that a show about espionage would lead to such a romantic story? So the next time you watch “The Americans,” just remember: behind every intense scene, there might be a little bit of wig-wearing romance happening just off camera. Now that’s some serious method acting!
Inspired by: “Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys had ‘sex all the time’ in disguises on ‘Americans’ set” (r/Entertainment)