Matthew Rhys Reveals the One Way His Boating Expertise Helped Him While Filming “Widow’s Bay ”(Exclusive)

Matthew Rhys, the acclaimed Welsh actor, has once again found a way to integrate his passion for boating into his latest television project, “Widow’s Bay.” In a recent interview, he spoke candidly about his lifelong relationship with the water and how it has shaped both his personal life and his acting career.

At the heart of “Widow’s Bay,” which follows the tumultuous events in a coastal town, is Rhys’s character, Mayor Tom Loftis. Unlike Rhys, who possesses a wealth of boating experience, Loftis is characterised by his infamous lack of sea legs. Rhys shared with PEOPLE that his enthusiasm for water activities greatly influenced a particular scene in the show. While he was keenly anticipating moments where his character would take to the water, production ultimately decided against filming on location at sea. Instead, they resorted to creating a boat scene on a soundstage.

“There was a lot of back and forth for me,” Rhys remarked. “Every chance I had, I wanted to ask, ‘When does Tom get on a boat?’” Despite the limitations, Rhys relished the opportunity to bring his boating skills to the screen. “I suppose the one thing that helped is, I didn’t get seasick,” he chuckled. The production team created an atmosphere of constant motion, which, while artificial, allowed Rhys to adapt somewhat to the nautical conditions.

Rhys’s love for the sea has deep roots that trace back to his childhood, when he attended sea cadet camp mentored by his uncle, a sea captain. This formative experience ignited a lifelong passion for boating that remains significant in his life today. Now residing in New York City, he values the calming presence of water amidst the city’s hectic pace.

“There’s something about the water that provides a sense of expanse,” he explained. “In New York, it feels like wilderness is right at your doorstep. You see nature as it should be, and you become part of that ecosystem, if only for a moment.” He believes that many in the city overlook their proximity to water, mentioning how urban dwellers frequently traverse it without engaging with it at all.

Rhys has become an advocate for increased access to New York’s waterways. He points out that while people hustle along the banks and through the underpasses, few seize the opportunity to interact directly with the rivers and seas. His commitment to improving waterfront access is reflected in his involvement with various charitable organisations designed to promote water-related activities.

Among these initiatives are partnerships with the Kayak Foundation, which provides free kayaking experiences, and with Brooklyn Boat Works that enables students to craft their own boats to launch on local rivers. Additionally, Rhys supports environmental efforts through organisations like the Billion Oyster Project and Riverkeeper, which work to improve the ecological health of aquatic environments.

Rhys expressed that upon moving to New York, he quickly recognized the city’s greatest asset as its surrounding waters. With his investments in accessible boating experiences, he hopes to encourage others to cultivate a relationship with New York’s aquatic resources. “It’s easy to overlook the water, but it’s right there,” he said, emphasising the significance of fostering a connection with the natural environment.

As “Widow’s Bay” makes its way to audiences on Apple TV, Rhys continues to intertwine his personal passions with his professional narrative, demonstrating that the enthusiasm for boating and the arts can coexist beautifully. Fans and critics alike now have an opportunity to see this interplay develop on screen in a story that reflects the charm and comedy of life in a fictional town shaped by its coastal waters.