Matthew Rhys, the acclaimed Welsh actor, recently opened up about his latest role in the Netflix limited series The Beast in Me, where he portrays the unsettling character of Nile Jarvis, a real estate mogul entangled in the mystery of his missing first wife. Rhys shared insights into his life, his acting career, and even some personal anecdotes during an engaging episode of the series Take Ten.
In The Beast in Me, Rhys stars alongside Claire Danes, who plays Aggie Wiggs, a bereaved author struggling with writer’s block. Together, they navigate the dark narrative surrounding Jarvis, whose sinister reputation raises questions about his past. Brittany Snow also joins the cast as Jarvis’ second wife, Nina, adding complexity to the unfolding drama.
Rhys revealed that his decision to accept the role stemmed from a simple yet profound question: “Do I want to turn the next page?” He emphasized the importance of being drawn into a script, indicating that his initial curiosity plays a significant role in his acting choices. “Who will be doing the catering? Those kind of important questions,” he joked, underscoring the lighthearted approach he maintains even while discussing serious topics.
Reflecting on the audition process, Rhys humorously recounted an unusual tactic he used to convince producers of his capability to portray a character with a creepy edge. He pretended to be “creepy” by parking outside Danes’ home, a move that he later described as “far more sinister.” In reality, he stated, the producers recognized something in him during their discussions that solidified his casting.
Rhys, who has often cited legendary actors like Marlon Brando and Robert De Niro as inspirations, expressed that his passion for acting was ignited during his teenage years. He recalled being captivated by the performances of these American icons, which led him to question his own potential in the field. “Not that I need to, but can I?” he remarked, highlighting the ongoing nature of his journey in the industry.
In a lighter moment, Rhys discussed his recent venture into boat ownership, admitting that it has not gone as planned. “The boat’s going terribly. It’s for sale, should anyone buy an old wooden boat,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of boat maintenance. Despite this setback, he finds joy in his other passion: horseriding, which he pursues whenever possible.
As the conversation shifted to his life beyond acting, Rhys reflected on an unexpected experience that shaped his youth—his rejection from the British Army. He shared how this pivotal moment influenced his path and led him to embrace acting more fully. He also mentioned a particular film he enjoys revisiting, although he did not disclose the title, preferring to keep some details private.
Fans of Rhys can catch him in The Beast in Me, which is currently streaming on Netflix. The series promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as it unfolds the dark secrets of Nile Jarvis and those around him.
For more insights from Matthew Rhys, the full conversation is available in the latest episode of Take Ten.
