Yellowstonethe neo-western drama created by actor and filmmaker Taylor Sheridan has captivated audiences for five seasons. Furthermore, the series has spawned two successful prequel shows to date,1883and1923, following the lineage of the Dutton clan. Despite the series' massive popularity, showrunners recently made a shocking announcement. According to recent news,Paramount may endYellowstonein its current form, in favor of a spin-off series eyeing Matthew McConaughey to star. Sources speculate that Costner’s shooting schedule is cause for tension as he continues to reduce his time commitments to the series. This does not come as a surprise as theGolden Globe winneris currently directing and starring in his Western epicHorizon.
When asked for comment, Paramount studios offered, “We have no news to report. Kevin Costner is a big part ofYellowstone,and we hope that’s the case for a long time to come. Thanks to the brilliant mind of Taylor Sheridan, we are always working on franchise expansions of this incredible world he has built. Matthew McConaughey is a phenomenal talent with whom we’d love to partner.” Fans were quick to comment on the cancelation rumors, and they aren’t happy. While we hopeYellowstonewill stick around, let’s take a look at eight things you might not have known about the cast.
8Jefferson White Was New to Horses
Jefferson White, the actor who plays Jimmy Hurdstrom in the series, had never ridden horses before he was cast as a regular inYellowstone. Hurdstrom’s character arc is certainly one of the most interesting in the show as we watch White’s nuanced transformation from reckless criminal to budding rodeo star. It may surprise fans to know that White had no previous experience with horses similar to the character he plays.White tells Decider, “Everything Jimmy ends up learning to do or experiencing, I’m also learning to do or experiencing for the first time. I had never ridden a horse before I accepted this job. I certainly had never gotten on a bucking horse.”
Related:How Yellowstone Captured Conservative Audiences Tired of Most TV
7Yellowstone’s Surprising Connection to Little House on The Prairie
The popular western drama has surprising ties to other classic western seriesBonanzaandLittle House on the Prairie. ActressJen Landonis the daughter of the legendary Michael Landon, who starred as Joe Cartwright inBonanza, Charles Ingalls inLittle House on the Prairie,and Jonathan Smith onHighway to Heaven. Landon tragically died of pancreatic cancer in 1991. Jen Landon, who joinedYellowstonein Season 3, stars as tom-boy Teeter.
6Kelly Reilly Is an Accomplished Stage Actor
Despite a decades-long Hollywood career, including a starring role in theSherlock Holmesfranchise, it was herrole as Beth DuttoninYellowstonethat catapultedKelly Reillyto commercial success. That said, Reilly is also an accomplished stage actor, having previously been nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for her roles as Desdemona inOthello, and as Miss Julie inAfter Miss Julieat the Donmar. Reilly discussed her love of the stage withThe Guardianin 2007: “It’s lovely to be in a production that’s sold out. This is really where I wanted to be. It’s always been the theatre for me, ever since I was a girl.”
5Gil Birmingham Was Once a Bodybuilder
Gil Birminghamstars as one ofYellowstone’s most fascinating characters, Chief Thomas Rainwater. Birmingham had an accomplished career before his time onYellowstone, starring inHouse of Cards,Animal Kingdom,andThe Twilight Saga,to name a few. It may surprise viewers to know that Birmingham was also at one time a bodybuilder. Indeed, it was his bodybuilding physique that led to him pursuing a career in acting in the first place. He was called upon to star in a Diana Ross music video as eye candy which gave him the acting bug.
4Ryan Bingham is an Oscar-Winning Songwriter
Ryan Bingham, who plays Walker on the series, not only performs his songs on the show, but he is also a singer and songwriter in real-life. Bingham has released six studio and one live albums, and owns his own label, Axster Bingham Records. Bingham has performed his song “Wolves” onYellowstoneas well as won an Academy Award for “The Weary Kind,” the title track on theCrazy Heartsoundtrack.
3Cole Hauser Didn’t Audition for the Role
Yellowstonewriter and creator Taylor Sheridan recently shared that fan favoriteCole Hauser, who plays Beth Dutton’s boyfriend and John Dutton’s right-hand man, didn’t even audition for the role. At the time of his casting, there were three roles left: that of John Dutton’s two sons and Rip Wheeler. Sheridan was so excited about what Hauser could bring to any role that he let him have whichever role he wanted. Sheridan later toldDeadline, “He didn’t audition. I wanted him from day one. There were some things he had done that I saw, where there was an intensity and a clarity of what that character wanted,”
Related:Yellowstone: Why Rip Wheeler is the Most Interesting Character
2Kevin Costner’s Band Wrote Songs for the Series
Bingham isn’t the only musician featured in the series. In addition to Bingham’s musical talentsYellowstonecreator has also leaned on the talents of John Dutton himself,Kevin Costner. Costner is the lead singer in Kevin Costner & Modern West, a country western band that has also written songs for the show. Their most recent albumTales FromYellowstonewas written from the perspectives of characters from the series and several songs were featured on the show.
1Gator is a Professional Chef
The man responsible for feeding the Dutton family is also a real-life chef.Gabriel Guilbeau, affectionately known as “Gator,” took an interest in the culinary arts straight out of high school. He is now in charge of craft services for theYellowstonecast and crew, and they sure do love having him around. Actor JeffersonWhite tells Outsider, “Anybody on the crew, anybody in the cast, can’t talk about this show for five minutes without mentioning Gator. No matter where we are, we’ll be in the middle of nowhere, no cell service, freezing cold, and Gator will pull up with a big tub of gumbo and etouffee…It gets us through those really long nights.”
