Get to Know Keri Russell’s Three Children: River, Willa, and Sam

Keri Russell at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘Cocaine Bear’ on Feb. 21, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.
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Keri Russell, well-known for her performances in “Felicity,” “The Diplomat,” and “Cocaine Bear,” embraces a different identity at home—simply “mom” to her three children: River, Willa, and Sam.

The actress shares her two older children, River and Willa, with her ex-husband Shane Deary and welcomed her youngest son, Sam, with current partner Matthew Rhys. River was born in 2007, shortly after her parents’ marriage, while Willa arrived in 2012. Russell and Deary separated the following year, and in 2014, Russell began dating Rhys. Sam was born in 2016.

Russell enjoys discovering the unique personalities of her children and has adapted her parenting style accordingly. “I think it’s just different [based on] the kid. You never know,” she remarked in a 2017 interview. “You get what you get, and they’re all so different and wild and weird and good in their own way.”

One of her steadfast parenting principles is to cultivate a respectful environment. “Don’t be a jerk,” Russell emphasized. “As they get older, [the lessons are] being a good friend, being a loyal friend and don’t talk about your friend.”

Russell approaches parenting with grace, particularly during difficult times. “You do the best you can every single day, and some days are bad days,” she noted, encouraging a more understanding perspective.

Notably, Russell has three children with distinct traits: River, Willa, and Sam.

### River, 18

Keri Russell during the 6th Annual Tribeca Film Festival.

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Russell welcomed River with Deary on June 9, 2007, after a grueling 38-hour labor. “It was intense,” Russell reminisced. “But it all worked out okay.”

The birth changed her perspective on life. “You instantly become less selfish,” she explained in 2013. “You can’t be the biggest person in the world anymore — they are. It really grounds you.”

Amid a demanding career, Russell prioritizes being an engaged parent. “I get to work really hard for three months, but then I get to be home for four months… putting him to bed every night,” she shared in 2012.

### Willa Lou, 13

Keri Russell and Shane Deary at the 80th Annual Academy Awards on Feb. 24, 2008 in Hollywood, California.

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Russell and Deary’s second child, Willa, was born on December 27, 2012. “Everyone’s happy and healthy,” her representative confirmed.

In 2023, Russell humorously described her dynamic relationship with Willa on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” She recalled introducing Willa to her iconic show, “Felicity.” “After about 15 minutes, she turned it off and went, ‘Ugh, mom, it’s so cringy,'” Russell laughed.

### Sam, 9

Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell attend Metropolitan Opera Opening Night Gala Premiere of ‘Tristan und Isolde’ on Sept. 26, 2016 in New York City.

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Russell and Rhys began dating in 2014 and welcomed their son Sam in May 2016. Russell announced Sam’s name and sex two months later, describing him as “big and fat and nice.”

Rhys quickly adapted to fatherhood, aided by Russell’s guidance. He remarked on “Live with Kelly and Ryan” that Russell’s older children instantly embraced Sam, claiming him as their own.

Rhys, who grew up in Wales, is committed to instilling his culture in Sam. “I only speak to him in Welsh, and he understands everything I say,” he shared in 2021.