
Conan O’Brien Needs A Friend Matthew Rhys Returns Again
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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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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.
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.
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.





