Matthew Rhys offered a characteristically blunt explanation for how he selects acting projects following the widespread acclaim of the Apple TV+ horror-comedy series Widow’s Bay, joking that financial compensation remains his primary motivator.
The Welsh actor, 51, addressed his decision-making process during a joint interview alongside his partner and fellow actor Russell. When asked what draws him to specific roles, Rhys quipped immediately, “Cash,” before adding, “Cash basis.” According to coverage from Inkl, the actor elaborated with typical dry humor while Russell laughed:
“Like what pays most wins. Very simple. Three children and a mortgage, I’ll get after it. I have no shame. I’ll whore myself to the best of them.”
Despite the punchline, Rhys acknowledged that the script for Widow’s Bay offered something genuinely distinct. “In fairness, Widow’s Bay is a script I’d never seen the like of,” he said in a more serious tone, adding that he was eager to sign on. As reported by Yahoo Entertainment, Rhys stars as a small-town New England mayor attempting to boost tourism on an island that local residents are thoroughly convinced is cursed.
Inside the Success of Widow’s Bay
Created by writer Katie Dippold, known for her work on Parks and Recreation, the Apple TV+ comedy-horror series earned a notable 19 nominations at this year’s Emmy Awards. Rhys explained that his enthusiasm for the project multiplied once he learned that acclaimed director Hiro Murai was attached to helm five episodes of the ten-episode series.
“And knowing Hiro Murai was going to direct, I was like, ‘oh my god,'” Rhys recalled, before finishing with one more characteristic jab: “And the cash.” Apple has not publicly disclosed the exact salary paid to Rhys for his Emmy-nominated performance.
Russell, 50, who stars in The Diplomat, noted that Rhys is typically quite skeptical of projects that he joins. However, she observed that Widow’s Bay was unique, marking the “only thing he’s ever come home and I was like, ‘Oh, he likes this.'”
The series features an ensemble cast that includes Stephen Root, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey, Kate O’Flynn, and Kingston Rumi Southwick. Upon its April premiere, the limited series secured a 100 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes, which has since adjusted slightly to 98 percent.
Critical Reception and Industry Praise
The show’s unorthodox blend of dark humor and horror has attracted high-profile endorsements across the entertainment industry. In May, Oscar-winning director Guillermo Del Toro posted a glowing review on X, describing the program as potentially the best streaming series in a long time and praising its narrative execution in the horror genre.
Guest star Betty Gilpin, who earned an Emmy nomination for her work in a single episode of the series, spoke with IndieWire about why the show resonated so strongly with viewers. Gilpin characterized the project as a direct rejection of formulaic, algorithm-driven television, stating that it delivered precisely what audiences wanted to see.
As industry figures and audiences continue to praise the series following its major Emmy recognition, production details for any potential subsequent seasons have not yet been announced by Apple TV+. Viewers interested in streaming the first season can find all ten episodes available on the platform.
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