Matthew Rhys has praised Sally Field for the lasting influence she had on him while they worked together on Brothers & Sisters. In the 2000s, the show brought together Rhys and Field in one of the most well-received family dramas on television. Created by Jon Robin Baitz, the ABC series debuted in 2006 and tracked the Walker family through difficult situations. The series ran for five seasons, wrapping up in 2011 and becoming a staple on ABC’s drama lineup.

Their on-screen relationship in Brothers & Sisters became part of a family drama that left a lasting mark on both actors’ careers. 

Matthew Rhys has talked about his time working with Sally Field on Brothers & Sisters, saying that the veteran actress taught him a thing or two about professionalism. From showing up prepared to knowing and respecting the work of everyone on the crew, Rhys admitted that Field was a role model for how a leading actor should act on set. He respected her discipline, focus and dedication to the craft, saying her approach helped shape his own understanding. 

"This is the professional standard. You should be this," Rhys told Variety, praising  Field's professionalism and the high standard she set on set. 

Working alongside Field became an important part of Rhys’ development as an actor. He liked the way she approached each day with preparation, discipline and respect for the responsibility that comes with being a leading performer. He further told Variety that her impact has stayed with him throughout the show's five seasons. 

Rhys also compared Field to Keri Russell, as well as Claire Danes. He praised all three actresses for the exceptional preparation, professionalism and discipline they brought to their work. Rhys especially liked performers who led from the front on set and demanded the same commitment from those around them. 

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Beyond their performances, their time on the series gave Rhys a valuable lesson in what it takes to lead a production. 

In ABC’s Brothers & Sisters, Rhys played Kevin Walker, the fourth of the Walker children and a successful lawyer. On the other hand, Field played the family’s devoted, willful matriarch, Nora Walker. Nora was the emotional center of the family, dealing with her children's personal problems and the secrets left behind by her late husband, William. She further navigates relationships, conflicts, and personal struggles. 

Matthew Rhys’ praise for the Remarkably Bright Creatures star is a reminder of what a great co-star can mean long after the cameras stop rolling. Their time working on Brothers & Sisters was important in developing the story of the Walker family and was a major professional turning point for Rhys. Field’s preparation, discipline, and respect for the craft made a lasting impression on him, reinforcing the standards he would carry into future projects. Years later, their collaboration still stands out as a highlight of Rhys’ career since the series ended. 

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What made Sally Field’s professionalism leave such a lasting impression on Matthew Rhys? Let us know in the comments.