Matthew Rhys Highlights Wales' Role in US History
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys has stated that the United States "owes" Wales for its significant contributions to American history. As the US prepares to celebrate 250 years of independence this summer, Rhys humorously remarked that the anniversary "rests squarely on [Wales'] shoulders," encouraging Americans to observe St David's Day on 1 March.
Rhys, known internationally for his role as a Russian spy in the drama series The Americans, noted that he is frequently mistaken for being American or Russian due to his extensive on-screen roles.
The Cardiff-born actor relocated to the US to advance his Hollywood career and currently resides in New York with his wife, actress Keri Russell.
Welsh Contributions to American Culture and History
In a lighthearted video produced by the Welsh government-funded website wales.com, Rhys emphasized Wales' longstanding influence on American culture and history.
"Some say that the United States were discovered by a Welshman, Madoc, way, way before Columbus,"
According to Welsh legend, Prince Madoc is believed to have discovered America in 1170 after sailing from north Wales, over 300 years prior to Christopher Columbus's arrival.
Rhys further detailed various ways Wales has shaped modern America, citing early signatories of the Declaration of Independence with Welsh heritage and even referencing "the liquor you drink"—alluding to bourbon Jack Daniels and its purported Welsh connections.
He also acknowledged US President Thomas Jefferson, revolutionary Francis Lewis, and Griffith Jenkin Griffith, described as "one of the true pioneers of Los Angeles," for their Welsh ancestry.
"You owe us, America.
Yes, we'll help you celebrate your 250 years, but you should really help us."
Encouraging St David's Day Celebrations
Rhys urged Americans to commemorate St David's Day by embracing the patron saint's motto, "gwnewch y pethau bychain" or "do the little things," on 1 March.
"Wear a leek, eat a leek. Wear a daffodil. Eat a Welsh cake. Share a cwtch (a cuddle). Dydd Gŵyl Dewi Hapus iawn, have a very happy St David's Day."
Celebrations are planned across Wales and internationally, including an event in Los Angeles for celebrities with Welsh connections, such as Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob Mac.
Matthew Rhys' Career and Cultural Ties
Alongside marking St David's Day, Rhys will attend the Actors Awards in Los Angeles, where he is nominated for Best Actor in a Limited Series for his role in the Netflix psychological drama The Beast in Me.
Portraying property tycoon Nile Jarvis, Rhys revealed that he incorporated some traits from Sir Anthony Hopkins' Oscar-winning performance in The Silence of The Lambs into his character.
Despite residing in the US for several years, Rhys has expressed efforts to maintain his family's connection to Welsh culture by sharing traditions with his wife and children and attempting to speak to his son exclusively in Welsh.
