Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend

Matthew Rhys Returns Again

56 snips
Dec 1, 2025
Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, known for his Emmy-winning role in The Americans, returns for a lively chat with Conan. They explore beer preferences for autumn, with Matthew declaring Guinness a favorite. He candidly discusses his imposter syndrome while preparing for his one-man show Playing Burton and the nuances of performing for Welsh audiences. Their playful banter includes anecdotes about Matthew's chemistry read with Keri Russell, which led to their marriage, and a debate on what 'A-list' really means in today's celebrity culture.
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ANECDOTE

Contact-Lens Fitting Gone Wrong

  • Conan recounted a long, humiliating contact-lens fitting that left his eyes red and sore.
  • He doubled down out of pride and delayed wearing them to avoid admitting defeat.
ADVICE

Plan A Fail-Safe For Solo Stage Runs

  • When performing live alone, plan graceful failure covers like pretending to be ill.
  • Conan suggests using a program note that the character has a cold so missed lines feel intentional.
INSIGHT

Local Audiences Hold Icons Personally

  • Matthew Rhys fears playing national icons because locals hold intensely personal expectations.
  • He recognizes performing Burton in Wales risks harsh scrutiny from people with direct ties to the icon.
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