Net Worth Ranker
What Is Matthew Rhys’s Net Worth?
Matthew Rhys, a celebrated Welsh actor known for his captivating performances in television dramas and films, has accumulated a substantial net worth of $12 million. This wealth is primarily derived from his successful acting career, marked by prominent roles in television series like “Brothers & Sisters” and “The Americans,” as well as appearances in various films such as “Titus,” “Fakers,” “The Post,” and “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.” His recent role in HBO’s “Perry Mason” (2020-2023) further solidifies his financial standing.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1974, Matthew Rhys’s early life was deeply rooted in Welsh culture and language. He received his education in Welsh-speaking schools, attending Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Melin Gruffydd in Whitchurch and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf in Llandaff North. His passion for acting ignited at the age of 17 when he portrayed Elvis Presley in a school musical. This early success led to his acceptance into the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, a pivotal moment that set the stage for his professional career. During his time at RADA, Rhys gained valuable experience through appearances in the BBC police procedural series “Backup” and a starring role in the British independent film “House of America.” He also briefly returned to Cardiff to act in the Welsh-language film “Bydd yn Wrol,” earning him the Best Actor award at the Welsh BAFTAs, a testament to his early talent and dedication.
Television Career Highlights
Rhys’s foray into television began in early 1998 when he traveled to New Zealand to star in the costume drama series “Greenstone.” This marked the beginning of a diverse and successful television career. In 2000, he secured another lead role in the eight-part British series “Metropolis,” which chronicled the lives of six 20-somethings in London. Following this, Rhys returned to New Zealand for a supporting role in the BBC television movie “The Lost World,” an adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s novel. In 2003, Rhys made an appearance in the final episode of the long-running series “Columbo” and featured in an episode of the six-part series “POW.”
His breakthrough role came in 2006 when he was cast as gay lawyer Kevin Walker in the ABC family drama series “Brothers & Sisters.” This role required him to relocate to Santa Monica, California, where he filmed the show for five seasons until its conclusion in 2011. After “Brothers & Sisters,” Rhys appeared in the BBC’s two-part “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” an adaptation of the unfinished Charles Dickens novel. In 2013, he starred in another literary adaptation, P. D. James’s “Death Comes to Pemberley.”
The same year, Rhys landed one of his most critically acclaimed roles in the FX spy drama series “The Americans,” co-starring with Keri Russell. His portrayal of Philip Jennings, one half of a married pair of KGB agents, earned him an Emmy Award and two Golden Globe Award nominations. This role significantly boosted his profile and earning potential, although specific salary details for “The Americans” have not been publicly disclosed.
Rhys’s later television credits include roles in “The Bastard Executioner,” “Death and Nightingales,” and “Perry Mason,” where he played the titular character. His role in “Perry Mason” marked a significant career milestone, providing him with a leading role in a high-profile HBO series. While the exact salary figures for “Perry Mason” remain confidential, it is reasonable to assume that Rhys commanded a substantial fee, commensurate with his experience and the show’s prestige. His ability to secure leading roles in such series is a testament to his marketability and contributes significantly to his overall net worth.
Film Career Overview
Rhys’s film career began in the late 1990s with roles in the British thriller “Heart,” the Shakespeare adaptation “Titus,” and the comedy “Whatever Happened to Harold Smith?,” all released in 1999. The following year, he co-starred in the thriller “Sorted” and appeared opposite Jonathan Pryce in the literary adaptation “The Testimony of Taliesin Jones.” Rhys reunited with Pryce for the 2001 musical comedy “Very Annie Mary,” which also featured his future “Brothers & Sisters” co-star Rachel Griffiths. Following this, Rhys went to Ireland to star in the period adventure film “The Abduction Club.” Subsequent credits in the 2000s include the horror war film “Deathwatch”; the crime drama “Shooters”; the comic caper “Fakers”; and the romantic comedy “Love and Other Disasters,” in which he starred opposite Brittany Murphy.
Rhys continued his run of romantic films with “Virgin Territory” and “The Edge of Love,” in the latter of which he portrayed poet Dylan Thomas. In 2010, Rhys starred in the Welsh-Argentine drama “Patagonia” alongside other notable Welsh figures such as Nia Roberts and Duffy. Next, he reprised Alec Guinness’s 1959 double role in a new adaptation of “The Scapegoat” by Daphne du Maurier. This was followed by roles in “Burnt,” “Come What May,” “The Post,” and the Netflix adventure drama “Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle.” In 2019, Rhys had two major roles as real-life reporters: in the Fred Rogers biographical film “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” and in the political drama “The Report.” While specific salary details for each film role are not publicly available, these appearances collectively contribute to his overall earnings and net worth.
Theatre Career Ventures
Rhys made his stage debut in 1997 in a production of “Cardiff East” at the Royal National Theatre. That same year, he also appeared in “Grace Note,” “One More Wasted Year,” and “Stranger’s House.” In 2000, Rhys starred as Benjamin Braddock in the world premiere stage adaptation of “The Graduate” on London’s West End. He went on to appear in “The Associate” and “Under Milk Wood” in 2003, and then starred in three Shakespeare adaptations in 2004: “King Lear,” “Macbeth,” and “Romeo and Juliet.” After a hiatus from the stage, Rhys was cast in the Off-Broadway revival of John Osborne’s play “Look Back in Anger” in 2012. While theatre roles typically do not provide the same level of financial compensation as television or film roles, they contribute to an actor’s overall profile and can lead to increased opportunities in other mediums.
Personal Life and Patronage
Since 2014, Rhys has been in a relationship with Keri Russell, whom he met while filming “The Americans.” The couple welcomed a son in 2016. Rhys is actively involved in several charitable organizations, serving as a patron of the UK spinal injuries charity Trust PA, alongside fellow Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd. He is also a patron of Asylum Justice, a Welsh charity that provides free legal advice and representation for migrants and refugees. Additionally, Rhys is an ambassador for Bobath Children’s Therapy Centre Wales, which treats children with cerebral palsy. While these activities do not directly impact his net worth, they reflect his commitment to social causes and community involvement.
Speculative Assets and Investments
While specific details regarding Matthew Rhys’s investments, property holdings, and other assets are not publicly available, it is common for individuals with a net worth of $12 million to have diversified their wealth through various means. These may include investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, and other ventures. Given his successful acting career, it is plausible that Rhys has made strategic investments to secure his financial future. Without access to private financial records, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive breakdown of his asset allocation. However, it can be reasonably inferred that a portion of his net worth is held in investment accounts and potentially real estate holdings.
The Americans: A Turning Point
Matthew Rhys’s role in “The Americans” was a pivotal moment in his career, significantly enhancing his visibility and earning potential. The series ran for six seasons (2013-2018), during which Rhys received critical acclaim for his portrayal of Philip Jennings. Although the exact salary figures for his role in “The Americans” have not been publicly disclosed, it is reasonable to assume that his compensation increased over the course of the series, commensurate with its success and his growing recognition. Lead actors in successful television dramas often command substantial salaries, and it is likely that Rhys’s earnings from “The Americans” constituted a significant portion of his overall net worth.
Beyond Acting: Potential Revenue Streams
In addition to his acting roles, Matthew Rhys may have other potential revenue streams that contribute to his net worth. These could include endorsements, commercial appearances, and investments in various ventures. Actors with a high profile often receive offers to endorse products or appear in commercials, which can provide significant additional income. While specific details about these activities are not publicly available, it is plausible that Rhys has engaged in such opportunities to further augment his earnings. His involvement in charitable organizations and his public persona may also attract partnerships and collaborations that generate additional income. However, the extent to which these activities contribute to his overall net worth remains speculative without access to private financial information.
Real Estate and Property Speculation
While specific details about Matthew Rhys’s real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is common for individuals with substantial net worth to invest in property. Given his residence in the United States and his international travels for work, it is possible that he owns property in multiple locations. Potential real estate investments could include residential properties in Los Angeles or New York, as well as properties in his native Wales. The value of these properties would contribute to his overall net worth. However, without access to private records, it is impossible to provide a comprehensive assessment of his real estate portfolio.
