Keri Russell Says Marriage Is Unnecessary to Her Partnership

Keri Russell said she and Matthew Rhys do not consider marriage necessary to their long-term partnership, describing the institution as antiquated during an October 8 episode of the Dear Chelsea podcast. She said they have children together and regard their commitment as lasting, while explaining that she does not want another wedding or a change to her last name. Russell said she had already had a wedding celebration and enjoys dressing up for work. She also noted that women no longer need to be married to obtain a credit card, contrasting present-day circumstances with earlier expectations. Her remarks reflected her own view of marriage, rather than a claim that the couple’s relationship lacks commitment. The actors have been together for nearly 13 years and share a son, Sam. Russell also has two children, River and Willa, from her previous marriage to Shane Deary. Russell and Rhys played a married couple on the television drama The Americans before becoming partners in real life. Russell also discussed Rhys’s recent Emmy acceptance speeches during the podcast.