As the new US ambassador to the United Kingdom in The Diplomat, Keri Russell’s character Kate Wyler must navigate a slew of highly sensitive social occasions. In the world of international diplomacy, a well-planned reception can determine the fate of millions, and monumental policy decisions are made over tumblers of expensive liquor. But even off-screen, Russell has had firsthand experience with high-stakes diplomatic soirees. In 2016, she and The Americans co-star Matthew Rhys (who’s Russell’s real-life husband) received a formal dinner invite from President Obama, who was a big fan of the series. “We got invited to his last state dinner,” Russell told Krista Smith in a new episode of the podcast Skip Intro. “It was so crazy.”
Once the initial shock wore off, Russell’s attention turned to the practicalities — a trait she shares with Kate. Two months after giving birth to her son, Russell had to sneak in an unexpected accessory. “I had just had our littlest guy and I had to bring a pump in because I was still nursing,” she said. “[But] we were like, ‘It’s Obama. We’ve got to go!’ ”
Going above and beyond for the job? Kate Wyler would approve.
The Diplomat is streaming on Netflix now. For more great celebrity interviews, check out Skip Intro on Apple, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
