Netflix star Keri Russell wants to learn Welsh

A star of TV series The Diplomat wants to learn Welsh so she can speak the language with her son.

Keri Russell has been in a long-term relationship with Cardiff-born actor Matthew Rhys, who she met on the set of spy drama The Americans.

The 48-year-old said she learned the basics from hearing her other half speak to his family and her son Sam.

The actress told Lucy Owen: “I know, boring, no, I know how to count, normal, life-worthy things. But Math speaks to Sam almost exclusively in Welsh.”

Russell said she had to visit the Nant Gwytheyrn Welsh Learning Center in Llithfaen, Gwynedd, as she was fascinated by Welsh culture.

“Everything about Welsh culture from the Eisteddfod, everything is surrounded by poetry, dance and art in general,” she said.

“Exploring and learning about math is just part of who he is and how cool it is that kids are growing up in this ancient tradition of art, dance and song.”

In “The Diplomat,” Russell plays U.S. Ambassador to the United Kingdom Kate Wyler, who is being groomed to become vice president.

The second season started on Netflix this week.

Since the fight for the US presidency is still ongoing, Russell said that similarities with real US politics are not planned.

The writing and filming took place “so long ago,” but was interrupted and delayed by writer and actor strikes.

“Although this is extremely timely, we had done our show long before any of this,” Russell said.

“Although I have to say there is a lot of talk about the vice president. There’s a pretty juicy scene where my husband’s character says some pretty derogatory things about the Vice President’s character, and that’s from real life.”

She said she was grateful to play a strong and intelligent woman.

“There was a time for women in this industry where you were almost 50 and things were kind of coming to an end,” Russell said.

“So to have the opportunity to do a project like this that is as clever and as funny as I want it to be, I’m beyond grateful.”