The Americans Cast on Their Favorite Wigs and Disguises

FX's The Americans expertly shows off an impressive understanding of espionage, the Cold War and family dynamics under duress. It also shows off some curiously corny wigs that have become part of the show's trademark as spies Phillip (Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth (Keri Russell) play professional dress-up in order to dupe marks or walk about unnoticed.

But what were their favorite disguises? We asked the cast that question at the Television Critics Association winter press tour, and Matthew Rhys -- who puts on glasses, fake noses, and mop tops with regularity on the show -- knew exactly which one stood out the most. And surprisingly it's one that he shares with his on-screen wife.

"It's not particularly one disguise that we both love, but we both have a wig, a very multifunctional wig that we both wear surprisingly for different disguises," Rhys told TV Guide with a laugh. The wig is used for Phillip's alter ego Gordo, and as you'll see in the video above, it makes Rhys look like a disgruntled and downcast John Denver.

Costa Ronin, who plays Oleg, once put on a disguise so good that it worked even when the cameras weren't rolling.

"I remember walking through the hallway, and I was saying hello to people because we all know each other and no one would say hello back because they didn't know who I was," Ronin told TV Guide.

Here's hoping that the Gordo wig goes up for auction once The Americans wraps up its run after this season.

The Americans airs Wednesday nights at 10/9c on FX.