“Widow’s Bay” Star Kingston Rumi Southwick Reveals ‘Close’ Bond with TV Dad Matthew Rhys: ‘We Text All the Time’ (Exclusive)

**Kingston Rumi Southwick Forms Special Bond with Co-star Matthew Rhys in Apple TV’s ‘Widow’s Bay’**

In a recent interview, Kingston Rumi Southwick, the 18-year-old star of Apple TV’s hit series *Widow’s Bay*, expressed his gratitude for the close relationship he developed with his onscreen father, Matthew Rhys. The young actor portrays Evan, the rebellious son of Mayor Tom Loftis, a character played by Rhys. Southwick shared that their connection extends beyond the confines of the set, revealing that they frequently communicate through texts.

Southwick highlighted the uniqueness of his relationship with Rhys, stating, “A lot of times I’ve worked on projects, and it feels like I’m just the kid on set.” However, he found that Rhys treated him with the respect typically reserved for adult actors. “He really treated me like an actor,” Southwick said, appreciating the freedom and space Rhys provided him during their on-screen collaboration. This supportive environment allowed Southwick to explore his character fully, making the experience both enjoyable and enriching.

In *Widow’s Bay*, Evan and Mayor Tom Loftis initially share a complicated dynamic marked by tension and misunderstanding. Despite this on-screen conflict, Southwick and Rhys fostered a strong friendship throughout the series’ production. Their strong camaraderie is likely influential in enhancing the authenticity of their father-son relationship in the narrative.

The duo discovered common ground beyond their roles in the series. Southwick revealed an intriguing hobby of his: after dedicating four years to building a car, a remodel of an old MG, he found a kindred spirit in Rhys, who has a passion for restoring boats. Their shared interest in rebuilding and crafting has deepened their bond, with Southwick mentioning, “He loves my car, and we talk about that all the time.”

The connection blossomed during the filming of *Widow’s Bay*, where Southwick enjoyed working alongside Rhys, expressing relief at how their friendship has continued beyond the production. “Every time I work with actors, we’re really close on set, and then when we’re off set we don’t really become close,” he observed. Southwick’s relief at maintaining his friendship with Rhys is palpable as he says, “I’m still really close with Matthew, which is like — thank God!”

Matthew Rhys, a seasoned actor with an Emmy under his belt, previously spoke about the joy he experienced while working with the cast of *Widow’s Bay*. He remarked on the humour and talent of the ensemble, recognising both the perks and challenges of being part of such a vibrant group. It appears that the fun atmosphere contributed positively to the co-stars’ performances and relationships.

As the comedic horror series gains popularity, audiences are keen to see how the evolving relationship between Evan and his father unfolds. The series juxtaposes humorous elements with darker themes, ensuring a captivating viewing experience. Southwick’s performance as the rebellious teenage son adds depth to the narrative, complemented by Rhys’s portrayal of a determined father striving to save their cursed island town.

Southwick’s emergence as a promising talent in the acting world is noteworthy, especially as he transitions from projects like the 2024 series *Presumed Innocent*. His collaborative spirit and ability to forge meaningful connections with more experienced actors like Rhys may propel him to further success in the industry.

In closing, Kingston Rumi Southwick’s reflections on his friendship with Matthew Rhys reveal the often-overlooked connections that form behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. As *Widow’s Bay* continues to resonate with audiences, the personal bond between the two actors serves as an undercurrent, enriching their performances and enriching the overall narrative of the series.