Welsh actor ‘shook’ as he met his idol Spielberg
HE’S become best known as a cold-blooded undercover KGB agent who’s not averse to torturing, kidnapping and killing in the name of Mother Russia.
But, despite playing a steely sleeper spy hiding out in the US for the hit series The Americans, none of it could prepare Matthew Rhys for his biggest test of nerve so far – coming face-to-face with Hollywood legend Steven Spielberg.
The Cardiff-born 43-year-old admits he started “sweating and shaking” upon meeting his childhood idol, in whose upcoming new movie The Post he’s bagged a pivotal role.
“My scenes turned out to be the first day of actual shooting for the movie, so everyone was a bit tense,” says the star.
“Actually, tense is a slight understatement as to how I felt, and when I saw Spielberg standing there in that iconic baseball cap and bomber jacket of his, a large cigar in his hand, I went to bits.
“’Annnnnnd, action,’ he said softly, and my voice and hands began shaking and I started sweating.”
As a lifelong fan of the famed director, Rhys adds it was one of those “pinch me” moments he’ll never forget.
“The first film I ever saw was ET – at the Monico cinema in Rhiwbina – and since then my life has been punctuated by Spielberg films.
“So it’s little wonder I fell apart – but he quickly came over to offer some calm and gentle reassurance.
“Honestly, working with him was one of the true ‘box ticks’ of my life.”
In the film, Rhys plays Daniel Ellsberg, the former United States military analyst who, in 1971, leaked top secret documents regarding the United States government’s involvement in the Vietnam War.
Ellsberg’s brave actions in going to the newspapers – specifically The Washington Post – caused a massive national scandal and was a catalyst in bringing about the downfall of President Richard Nixon’s administration.
The film also stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep.
The Post is in cinemas on Friday, January 19.