Keri Russell is best known for her roles in Felicity, The Diplomat, and Cocaine Bear, but to her kids—River, Willa, and Sam—she’s simply “mom.” The actress shares her two eldest children with her ex-husband, Shane Deary, and her youngest son, Sam, with her partner, Matthew Rhys.River was born in 2007, just months after Russell and Deary tied the knot, and Willa followed in 2012. The couple separated in 2013, and by 2014, Russell confirmed her relationship with her The Americans co-star Rhys. In 2016, the couple welcomed their son, Sam.The August Rush star finds joy in discovering her children’s unique personalities and has learned to adapt her parenting style to suit each of them individually.
Keri Russell's Three Kids: Meet River, Willa, and Sam
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- UPDATED DECEMBER 27, 2024
by Tasha Mayberry
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River, 17
Keri Russell welcomed her first child, River, with her then-husband Shane Deary on June 9, 2007. The experience of becoming a mother was unforgettable, starting with an intense 38-hour labor. “It was a long time. But it all worked out okay,” the actress told PEOPLE that same year. From the moment River was born, Russell knew her life had changed forever. “You instantly become less selfish,” she shared with Parade in 2013. “You can’t be the biggest person in the world anymore—they are. It really grounds you. Balancing her thriving career and motherhood has always been a priority for Russell, who has worked hard to stay present in her son’s life despite her busy schedule. “I get to work really hard for three months.
Willa Lou, 12
Keri Russell and Shane Deary welcomed their daughter, Willa, on December 27, 2012, in New York City. At the time, the couple’s rep confirmed to PEOPLE, “Everyone’s happy and healthy.” Fast forward to 2023, Russell offered a hilarious glimpse into her relationship with Willa during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. My daughter, about a year ago—she’s kind of mature for her age, and she was bored one day—I said, ‘Hey, Willa, I did this show about this college girl, and you might think it’s cool. It’s really sweet,’” Russell shared, recalling how she introduced Willa to her iconic series, Felicity. After just 15 minutes, Willa shut it down. “She went, ‘Ugh, mom, it’s so cringy,’” Russell laughed.
Sam, 8
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, who starred together in The Americans, began dating in 2014 and welcomed their son, Sam, in May 2016.Two months after Sam’s arrival, Russell revealed his name and sex during an appearance on the Today show. “We had a boy,” she shared. “[His name is] Sam. He’s so good. He’s big and fat and nice.” Russell also praised Rhys for adjusting seamlessly to fatherhood. “He’s doing so well,” she said, noting that her experience as a parent and her “reassuring hand” helped guide him through the journey. Rhys took his new role in stride, even mastering diaper duty. During an appearance on Live with Kelly and Ryan in 2017, he proudly shared that Russell’s older children had warmly embraced their baby brother.
Keri Russell Jokes She’s Been with Matthew Rhys ‘So Long’ She Can’t ‘Remember Other Relationships’ (Exclusive)
In The Diplomat, Keri Russell takes on the role of U.S. ambassador Kate Wyler, who is married to fellow diplomat Hal, played by Rufus Sewell. While the premise might sound glamorous, the Wylers’ marriage is far from picture-perfect. Russell, 48, describes their relationship as “complex.” This season it feels kind of heartbreaking,” she tells PEOPLE. “It feels very mature and like the realities of knowing somebody for so long. But as far as Kate and Hal, there is not one without the other. It’s so enmeshed that it is a part of their attraction.” Reflecting on the dynamics of working closely with a partner, Russell adds, “It can be a really nice shorthand because they know what work means to you, but it can also feel like a lot at times.