Keri Russell, the acclaimed star of the hit Netflix series “The Diplomat,” is revealing the realities of life in the entertainment industry. In a candid interview, the 48-year-old actress opens up about the best and worst parts of being a renowned performer.
“I hate being watched,” Russell confesses. “Oh my God, it’s the worst. Last week, I had to participate in two photo shoots, which necessitated the consumption of beer. I’m like, ‘Oh my God, they’re going to be watching me.’ It’s my nightmare.”
It’s a surprising admission from an actress who has captivated audiences for over two decades, first rising to fame with her breakout role in the beloved series “Felicity” in the late 1990s. But Russell has never been one to fully embrace the spotlight, preferring to maintain a level of privacy and anonymity that often eludes her Hollywood peers.
Russell explains, “A unique aspect of that show, and a little bit of ‘The Diplomat’ as well, was that I got to wear these big baggy sweaters, and I hardly”I would observe the girls who were, like, the guest stars—the beautiful girls who would come on and have to wear girl clothes?—and I would observe how anxious they would become.” s that makes them. It’s challenging to be beautiful; it’s much easier just to be in a big baggy sweatshirt and sneakers.”
This preference for comfort over glamour has been a consistent thread throughout Russell’s career, even as she has taken on more sophisticated and complex roles. Her turn as the skilled but icy Soviet spy Elizabeth Jennings in “The Americans” earned her widespread critical acclaim, but the actress admits that the process of inhabiting such a character was often taxing.
“I was in love with Matthew,” Russell says, referring to her “The Americans” co-star and now real-life partner, Matthew Rhys. “We were intensely in love, filming the spy scenes at night while wearing disguises and wigs.” I mean, it was such a fun, sexy time. So fun, oh my gosh.”
Despite the challenges, Russell’s dedication to her craft has never wavered. Her ability to transform herself and become one with her characters has long been a source of admiration for her peers and fans alike.
“She walked into the room, and it was almost ridiculous,” recalls “Felicity” co-creator J.J. Abrams, describing the moment he first met Russell for the role. “The character I penned was a reclusive individual without a romantic partner, timidly approaching a boy to request a yearbook signature.” It’s not Keri Russell, right? I mean, Keri Russell walks in, and she’s so beautiful—you know, the hair, the smile, the eyes—you’re like, ‘This is not someone who fits the job description.’
But Russell’s genuine talent and dedication soon won over Abrams and the rest of the creative team. “She was so genuine and so funny,” he says. “And whenever she would get emotional, Matt and I would literally cry.” It was like, ‘What the h—?’ It was a remarkable demonstration of mirror neurons. She was chosen for the role due to her genuine humor and honesty.
Russell’s work has consistently maintained its hallmarks of truthfulness and authenticity, even as she has taken on increasingly complex and challenging roles. In “The Diplomat,” Russell plays a brilliant but flawed career ambassador navigating the treacherous world of international politics, a character that has only further cemented her reputation as one of the most versatile and compelling actresses of her generation.
But despite her remarkable success, Russell remains grounded and wary of the trappings of fame. Her discomfort with the public scrutiny that comes with being a celebrity is palpable, and she readily admits that she would prefer to maintain a low profile.
“Look what we get to do!” says Debora Cahn, the creator of “The Diplomat,” marveling at the extraordinary experiences that Russell has been able to enjoy as a result of her work. “And it all comes from her. Everybody looks to her for guidance—everybody. And she shows up early, completely prepared and ready to be engaged and dynamic in the moment. And there’s no vanity in it. There’s just a sense of, ‘We come, we do this; it’s silly; it’s whatever it is. Hopefully, something positive emerges from the experience, but it’s not guaranteed.
It’s a sentiment that seems to capture the essence of Keri Russell—a talented, driven, and introspective artist who has found a way to navigate the challenges of Hollywood while remaining true to herself. As she continues to captivate audiences with her bold and compelling performances, one can’t help but admire her resilience and her unwavering commitment to her craft, even in the face of the “worst” parts of being a celebrated actress.