Who Is Keri Russell Married To? Keri Russell, the Golden Globe-winning actress known for her roles in Felicity, The Americans, and The Diplomat, has captivated audiences with her talent and charm for over three decades. Beyond her on-screen success, fans are often curious about her personal life, particularly her romantic relationships. So, who is Keri Russell married to? Let’s dive into her love story, from her early days to her current partnership, and explore the details of her family life.
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Keri Russell’s Early Relationships
Born on March 23, 1976, in Fountain Valley, California, Keri Russell grew up in a close-knit family, moving around due to her father’s job as an automotive executive. Her career began early, with a stint on The All-New Mickey Mouse Club alongside future stars like Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. As her acting career blossomed, so did her romantic life, though she’s always been private about it.
In the 1990s, Russell was linked to a few notable figures. She dated musician and fellow Mickey Mouse Club alum Tony Lucca from 1991 to 1999. Their relationship was a significant part of her early years, though it remained low-key. Later, during her time starring as the titular character in Felicity (1998–2002), she was romantically involved with her co-star Scott Speedman from 1999 to 2001. Their on-screen chemistry as Felicity Porter and Ben Covington spilled over into real life, delighting fans of the show. However, the relationship ended amicably, and Russell moved on to new chapters in her life.
Marriage to Shane Deary
In 2006, Keri Russell met Shane Deary, a Brooklyn-based contractor, through mutual friends. The two hit it off, and their relationship quickly progressed. They got engaged that same year and tied the knot on February 14, 2007, in a romantic Valentine’s Day ceremony in New York. The couple welcomed two children: a son, River Russell Deary, born in June 2007, and a daughter, Willa Lou Deary, born in December 2011.
Russell and Deary’s marriage seemed grounded, with Russell often praising Deary’s down-to-earth nature. However, the demands of her career, including her starring role in the critically acclaimed series The Americans (2013–2018), may have put strain on their relationship. In early 2013, the couple announced their separation, and their divorce was finalized in mid-2014. Despite the split, Russell and Deary have maintained a cooperative co-parenting relationship for the sake of their children.
A New Love with Matthew Rhys
While filming The Americans, Keri Russell’s life took a dramatic turn, both professionally and personally. She played Elizabeth Jennings, a Soviet KGB spy, opposite Matthew Rhys, who portrayed her on-screen husband, Philip Jennings. Their chemistry was electric, earning them critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase. Off-screen, that chemistry blossomed into something more.
Interestingly, Russell and Rhys had met years earlier in 2002 at a kickball party hosted by actress Jennifer Grey. Rhys, a Welsh actor known for roles in Brothers & Sisters and Perry Mason, admitted to being smitten and drunkenly asking for Russell’s number, leaving her a voicemail she never returned. Russell had forgotten the encounter until Rhys reminded her during a lunch while working on The Americans in 2012. By then, Russell was still married to Deary, but after her separation in early 2013, she and Rhys began dating quietly.
Their relationship went public in 2014 when they were spotted together at The Public Theater in New York City. Fans were thrilled to see the on-screen couple become a real-life pair. In May 2016, Russell and Rhys welcomed their son, Sam, further solidifying their bond. The couple has since built a life together in Brooklyn, New York, where they raise their blended family, including Russell’s two children from her marriage to Deary.
Are Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys Married?
Here’s where things get a bit murky. Russell and Rhys often refer to each other as husband and wife in interviews, leading many to believe they’re married. For instance, in 2021, they casually used the terms during conversations, fueling speculation. However, in a 2025 interview with The Times, Rhys clarified, “We literally haven’t got round to marriage yet.” Despite not having an official ceremony, their commitment is evident. Russell, in a humorous 2024 interview with People, quipped, “I’ve been with Matthew for so long, I don’t remember other relationships,” highlighting the depth of their bond.
The couple’s relationship is grounded in mutual respect and shared experiences, both as actors and parents. Rhys has embraced his role as a stepfather to River and Willa, and the couple values their family time, often prioritizing low-key moments like reading Harry Potter to their kids or enjoying a glass of red wine together. Their ability to balance demanding careers with a grounded family life is a testament to their strong partnership.
Keri Russell’s Life Today
As of 2025, Keri Russell continues to shine in her career, starring as Kate Wyler in Netflix’s The Diplomat, a political thriller that has earned her Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. She and Rhys maintain a relatively private life in Brooklyn, where they focus on raising their three children. Russell has spoken about the importance of being present for her kids, choosing projects like The Diplomat that allow her to film close to home so her children aren’t “raised by wolves,” as she jokingly put it in a 2024 Fox News interview.
Russell’s journey from a Mickey Mouse Club star to a celebrated actress and devoted mother is inspiring. Her relationship with Matthew Rhys, whether officially married or not, is a beautiful example of life imitating art. Their love story, born on the set of The Americans, continues to thrive, blending professional admiration with personal devotion.
FAQs About Keri Russell’s Relationships
1. Is Keri Russell married to Matthew Rhys?
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys have been together since 2014 and often refer to each other as husband and wife, but Rhys confirmed in 2025 that they haven’t officially married. They share a son, Sam, and live together in Brooklyn.
2. Who was Keri Russell’s first husband?
Keri Russell was married to Shane Deary, a contractor, from 2007 to 2014. They have two children, River and Willa, and separated in 2013.
3. How did Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys meet?
They first met in 2002 at a kickball party, but their romance began in 2013 while filming The Americans, where they played a married couple. Their on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life relationship.
4. Does Keri Russell have children?
Yes, Keri Russell has three children: River (born 2007) and Willa (born 2011) with ex-husband Shane Deary, and Sam (born 2016) with Matthew Rhys.
5. Did Keri Russell date any of her co-stars before Matthew Rhys?
Yes, she dated Scott Speedman, her co-star from Felicity, from 1999 to 2001, and Tony Lucca, a fellow Mickey Mouse Club cast member, from 1991 to 1999.