Whether the hit show is returning or not, the original Yellowstone series still remains an integral part of pop-culture — and fans like us still hold onto hope that maybe we’ll see the Dutton family and all their ranch drama grace our screen once again in the years to come.
MUST-READ: ‘Yellowstone’ Dads: See Your Favorite Cowboys With Their Adorable Kids
Think you know the ins and outs of the famed western? Here, take a look at these 10 Yellowstone facts you may not have known! (Catch up on all seasons streaming on Peaco*ck)
Yellowstone fun facts
1. Creator Taylor Sheridan is no one-trick-pony
That’s right — Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan is more than just Yellowstone. He’s also the writer behind blockbusters such as Sicario (2015) starring Emily Blunt, Josh Brolin and Benicio del Toro, as well as Hell or High Water (2016) starring Chris Pine.
MUST-READ: Benicio Del Toro: A Look at the Ruggedly Handsome Actor’s Path From Indie Films to the Oscars
Prior to Yellowstone, he could also be seen acting in shows like Sons of Anarchy and Veronica Mars, to name a few.
MUST-READ: ‘Sons of Anarchy’ Cast Then and Now: Get Up to Speed With the Beloved Biker Gang
2. Rip is actually a red-head
Who knew that our favorite raven-haired ranch foreman was hiding such a secret?
Actor Cole Hauser, who plays the role of Rip, dyes his naturally red hair dark for his beloved role. In an interview on The Jenny McCarthy Show in 2020, Hauser revealed, “When I first got the role, as you know Kelly’s a ginger and I’m ginger as well.So we looked like we were brother and sister! So we kind of had to make sure that wouldn’t be the case.”
MUST-READ: The Astonishing Evolution of ‘Yellowstone’ Star Cole Hauser From Geek To Gorgeous
3. Birmingham the body builder
Gil Birmingham, who plays the part of Thomas Rainwater, was actually a body builder during his younger years. He got his start in 1982 when he was discovered at a gym and cast in Diana Ross’ music video for her song “Muscles.”
4. Gator does double duty
You probably recognize Gabriel Guilbeau for his role as Gator in the hit series, the Dutton family chef, but did you know that he’s actually the head of craft services for Yellowstone as well?
The actor had been working alongside Taylor Sheridan for five years in craft services before he made his way in front of the camera.
5. You can book a night at the Yellowstone
The Dutton Ranch is an actual place known as the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana. Want to book a night? Rip’s Cabin and Lee’s Cabin are available for $1,700 and $1,400 a night, both stays including a tour of the ranch and set.
6. Forrie J. Smith knows the cowboy life well
Forrie J. Smith, who plays the role of Llloyd, has a long history with cowboy culture, having been born to two ranchers. The 65-year-old actor is a certified cowboy and stuntman. His bunk in the show is actually filled with mementos and memorabilia from his days in the rodeo circuit!
7. Western royalty
Jen Landon, who plays foul-mouthed Teeter, has provided a good dose of comic relief for us amongst the seriousness of the show. But did you know that the 40-year-old actress, known by many for her work on the famous soap opera As the World Turns, comes from western royalty?
Jen is the daughter of famous actor Michael Landon, known for his roles in iconic series including Bonanza, Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven.
MUST-READ: Michael Landon: From ‘Bonanza’ to ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and ‘Highway to Heaven’ See His Storied Career
8. HBO made a big mistake — Yellowstone fun facts
Initially, Taylor Sheridan brought Yellowstone to HBO, but it was ultimately turned down.
When he asked why, he was told, “Nobody wants to see this. Nobody wants to see a movie about this. And you don’t understand why anybody is sitting out there in the first place. The whole thing should be a park,” he recalled to Cowboys & Indians Magazine. “And I said, ‘Buddy, you’re the exact reason that I’m making this’.”
9. This ‘cowboy’ is a New Yorker — Yellowstone fun facts
Jefferson White, who plays Jimmy, is far from a cowboy, as he grew up in New York. That being said, his initial training wasn’t exactly easy.
“Jimmy (Jefferson White) grew up in New York and pretty much had never seen a horse, and I put him on one in an arena and I remember, we had him out there two or three days in a row…horseback riding is all about trust between horse and rider,” Sheridan told Deadline.
“He had these saddle sores he never told anyone about, and he’d bled through his jeans and all over the saddle,” he revealed.
10. But Reilly is a real rider — Yellowstone fun facts
Kelly Reilly, who plays Beth, is ironically one of the best horse riders, despite her character never really riding.
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