On the heels of her Emmy-nominated turn as a Russian spy in The Americans, Keri Russell has found similar success in the London-based Netflix drama The Diplomat.

For years, Keri Russell was recognized as the quintessential all-American girl, known for her fresh-faced beauty and her beloved portrayal of the title character in the hit TV series Felicity, which concluded in 2002.

This image, however, became something of a double-edged sword. Despite roles in films like Waitress, Mission: Impossible III and Austenland, Russell struggled to find a part that captivated audiences in the same way as Felicity.

That all changed with her critically acclaimed work in the dark, subversive series The Americans. Over five seasons, Russell delivered a standout performance as Elizabeth Jennings, a ruthless KGB agent living undercover in the U.S. as an ordinary suburban mom.

Starring alongside Welsh actor Matthew Rhys, who she went on to marry and have a son with, Russell portrayed a character who was worlds away from her previous roles. Rhys played her on-screen husband, Phillip, as they navigated life as Soviet spies posing as an American couple.

Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona, and Denver, Colorado, Russell grew up with her two siblings, guided by her father David, an auto executive, and her mother, Stephanie. She got her start in the entertainment industry as a cast member of Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club, where she worked for three years.

In 2014, she separated from her then-husband, contractor Shane Deary, with whom she shares two children, River, 17 and Willa, 12. It was around that time that Russell and Rhys developed their off-screen relationship, with Sam born in 2016 and the couple marrying in 2021.

Russell’s career has continued to evolve and on Oct. 31, she returns in the second season of The Diplomat on Netflix, where she stars as the lead, playing an American diplomat navigating the complexities of international relations in London.

Let’s talk about The Diplomat on Netflix, where you’ve taken on a new role in the last couple of years. Now we’re onto a second series, due out at the end of October. How has that experience been?
The Diplomat has been an incredible project. I play an American diplomat in London and it’s been a great challenge to step into a political drama. The stakes are high, but the character is really nuanced and human. I’m thrilled that it’s been renewed for a second season and I think fans can expect even more intrigue and personal conflict as we dive deeper into the story.

The show deals with intense political issues. How do you approach playing a character navigating such high-stakes situations?
I love that my character has to balance personal and professional challenges while facing huge diplomatic crises. It’s all about finding her humanity in these intense moments—showing her vulnerability while still portraying someone who’s incredibly capable and resilient in the face of pressure.

What drew you to the role of Kate Wyler?
I was immediately intrigued by Kate’s complexity. She’s smart, tough, but also deeply conflicted. The show explores not only the political stakes but also her personal struggles and relationships. That blend of high-stakes diplomacy and her messy, very human side was what really drew me to the role.

What was the biggest challenge filming?
I would have to say that it was in handling the dense, fast-paced dialogue, especially during the political scenes. There’s so much technical jargon and delivering it while keeping the emotional weight of the moment was tricky. Balancing Kate’s personal vulnerabilities with the high-stakes professional environment was both demanding and stirring.

It’s a role that is a world away from the part as the sweet, all-American girl in Felicity that made you a household name, but far closer to playing a Russian spy in The Americans. What has that overall shift been like?
It was exciting. Initially, it was amazing to jump into a role so drastically different from what I’d done before. The character flip was really interesting—imagining that we, as Americans, are living in a foreign country trying to defend our nation. Sometimes, you have to do a mental switch. But I love that in The Americans, the Russians are portrayed as the “good guys” and the hero isn’t what you typically expect—flawed and layered in ways that keep you on your toes.

How does The Diplomat compare to The Americans in terms of tone and content?
While both shows involve high-stakes drama and complex characters, The Diplomat focuses more on political intrigue and international diplomacy, whereas The Americans delves into espionage and Cold War tensions. The Diplomat has its own unique flavor, blending political maneuvering with personal drama, offering a fresh, contemporary take compared to the historical context of The Americans.

Playing a spy who undertakes dangerous missions while also living as a regular suburban mom must have been a unique experience. How did that contrast affect your portrayal?
That’s what I loved most about the character. It’s so ironic. One minute, she’s out risking her life in covert operations and the next, she’s stressing out in the car over her teenage daughter’s behaviour—just like any normal mom. It’s such a fun, relatable contrast [laughs].

Do you prefer working on television over films?
Honestly, I’ve never had a role in a film as rich and complex as the one I have in The Americans. The writing for TV, especially on cable, is just incredible. It’s where the best drama is being done right now. And I love the schedule—we filmed for five months and only did 13 episodes a year, which left time for me to focus on my kids or do a film if the right one came along. It’s an ideal balance for me. Because of the writers’ strike, this took longer to film despite being renewed in April 2023, so that’s why there was a bit of delay. That gives a bit of free time, but you don’t get to sit on your hands for long as other casting directors send you stuff to see if that free time works well with your adjusted schedule.

Do you feel your film career didn’t meet the expectations set after Felicity?
I think there were moments of good work, but it’s tough to find meaty parts for women in film. Too often, you’re cast as the wife or girlfriend, with little to do other than look worried or sad. On TV, I’m constantly challenged with deep, nuanced material and that’s what keeps me engaged. It’s been one of the most fulfilling roles I’ve ever had.

The Diplomat isn’t based on a true story but references real-world events. Just explain a bit about how that works and with regards to realism, how it means the show is more authentic.
The show is crafted around fictional narratives, but it combines elements inspired by real-world politics and historical incidents, such as COVID-19, the war in Ukraine and Brexit. This blend of fact and fiction helps create a sense of authenticity and relevance and I think it works really well. By grounding the dramatic storylines in actual geopolitical issues, the series feels both believable and impactful, even though the specific events and characters are products of imagination.

The show’s creator, Debora Cahn, and her team interviewed diplomats, intelligence agents and journalists, and even consulted a retired CIA officer to ensure accuracy. Did this depth of research attract you to the role?
Oh, absolutely. The extensive research and attention to detail really drew me in. Knowing that Debora and her team went to great lengths to consult with experts and ensure accuracy added incredible gravity to the show. It was exciting to join a project that didn’t just rely on fictional scenarios but was also grounded in real-world insights. This commitment to authenticity not only enriched my role but also made the storytelling feel more impactful and relevant.

How did this level of research influence your portrayal of Kate?
It deeply influenced my approach. Understanding the nuances of diplomacy and the pressures faced by real-life professionals helped me create a more nuanced and authentic character. The detailed background gave me a solid foundation to portray Kate with the complexity and depth she deserved, making her personal and professional struggles feel genuine and engaging.

You’ve also become part of the Star Wars universe, playing Zorii Bliss in The Rise of Skywalker. How was that?
It was a dream. Joining the Star Wars family was an incredible experience. Even though Zorii wore a helmet most of the time, just being a part of that world felt surreal. It’s such an iconic franchise, and the fans are so passionate—it was a total thrill.

And of course, we can’t forget you were in Bon Jovi’s “Always” music video back in 1994! What was that like?
[Laughs] Oh my God, yeah! That was one of my first gigs and I didn’t realize how iconic it would become. It’s so fun to look back on—it was a great introduction to the industry, and Bon Jovi was such a cool band to be a part of in that moment.