Actor Matthew Rhys made television history at the recent Emmy Awards by securing two lead acting trophies during a single ceremony, an achievement that left his family celebrating wildly both in Los Angeles and back home in Wales.
Rhys, a native of Cardiff, triumphed in two distinct categories at the prestigious awards gala. He earned the best lead actor in a limited series prize for his performance in the psychological thriller The Beast In Me and claimed the best lead actor in a comedy trophy for his work in Widow's Bay. No performer had previously captured two lead acting accolades in the same night.
His older sister, Rachel Evans, attended the star-studded event in California and joined him on the celebratory circuit. Speaking during an interview with BBC Radio Wales, Evans admitted that she and her brother had spent the entire week pinching themselves in disbelief over the unprecedented double victory. She noted that seeing major Hollywood figures in person left her feeling thoroughly starstruck, singling out an encounter with screen legend Harrison Ford.
Evans confessed that as the older sister, she had given the actor some firm advice ahead of the ceremony. She told him that morning to take the possibility of winning seriously and to prepare his remarks rather than attempting to improvise on stage. During one of his acceptance speeches, Rhys publicly acknowledged her contribution by referring to her affectionately as the brains of the operation.
The moment victory was announced, Evans and Rhys's partner, Keri Russell, shared a look of utter astonishment. She praised Russell as the actor's most passionate supporter, noting that Russell spent the evening cheering enthusiastically with her hands in the air. Later, despite attending several post-ceremony gatherings, the siblings made sure to connect with their parents via video call. Their mother and father answered from home while wearing their dressing gowns, filled with pride over the historic milestone.
Evans mentioned that the reality of the achievement finally set in later when she unexpectedly burst into tears while watching the trophies being engraved. The family has since been overwhelmed by the congratulatory messages pouring in from supporters in Wales.
During his time at the podium, Rhys paid homage to his roots. He credited the people of Wales for helping nurture his talents, describing his homeland as a small yet mighty nation before concluding his remarks with a phrase in Welsh expressing deep gratitude. Evans emphasized that although her brother has resided abroad for a quarter of a century, Wales remains firmly in his heart and continues to be his true home.
Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.
