Cole Hauser, the actor known for his flawless performance as cowboy Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, says that he wasn’t always supposed to play the iconic character. Hauser’s part is so good that it’s hard to imagine anybody else playing the role of the loyal hand at the Dutton Ranch, but it turns out this wasn’t Sheridan’s original plan.
The actor, also famous for his roles in the films Good Will Hunting and Dazed and Confused, sat down with The Hollywood Reporter to talk about his career. Hauser is currently promoting his work for the Professional Bull Riders league, a gig where he also proved his directorial skills. Naturally, Yellowstone came up as a highlight, and Hauser revealed that Rip was a character developed throughout the years. He talks about meeting co-creator John Linson before Sheridan, and discussing the original role that Linson thought Hauser would be better suited for: one of John Dutton’s children. Fortunately, when he met Sheridan, Hauser convinced the showrunner that he liked Rip better:
“John Linson was a friend of mine way before I met Taylor Sheridan. I’ve known him since I was 17 years old. I met him through a buddy of mine. He came to me initially [with Yellowstone] and said, ‘Take a look at these different roles and tell me what you think.’
“In the beginning, it was to play one of the children of John Dutton. I read the pilot and I thought, ‘Well, this guy [Rip] only has a couple of scenes, but I love the character.’ I got on the phone with Taylor. We spoke for two hours, and that was kind of it. Then I started to work with and be around Taylor while he was writing, and he started building the character along with some of the ideas that I had. But he’s a tremendous American writer. It was a great collaboration.”
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In December 2024, the neo-Western series created by Taylor Sheridan came to a conclusion after five formidable seasons of cowboy action. Prequel spin-offs 1883 and 1923 also ended their run, and for now, the Yellowstone universe is set to continue with the confirmed sequel shows The Madison and Y: Marshals. Nevertheless, those familiar with Sheridan’s ability to expand his drama universe know that the Western franchise will keep growing. According to Hauser’s claims about his future as Rip, there could be something on the horizon:
“Kelly [Reilly, Beth Dutton in the show] and I, we’re focused on [Rip and Beth’s] relationship and our love together, and what we’re going to get [them] into. I’m excited just like everybody else. I can’t wait to see what they come up with. Hopefully, we’ll start seeing stuff soon.”
Cole Hauser Was One of the Few Real Cowboys on ‘Yellowstone’
Paramount
Perhaps the reason why Hauser is so convincing in his role as Rip Wheeler is because he grew up an actual cowboy. Educated in Oregon, the actor says that he was used to riding his horse Cinnamon all through the mountains, and he spent his childhood surrounded by farm animals. The role of Rip made him connect with his roots, but he had to do a lot more than just remember. Riding horses required discipline, and the actor showed he had what it took:
“There are levels to riding horses. It’s one thing if you get on a horse and take a walk on the beach. But when you have to start roping and cutting and stuff, that’s called saddle time. You gotta put it in. I don’t care who you are; there’s nobody naturally good at roping. It’s repetition and putting in the work. If you do that, then you’ll be good at it. I rode horses, but there are several disciplines that you have to learn to be a great “horser.” So it took a little while, and I’m still working on it! You have to go in every year and put in the work.”
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
Release Date
2018 – 2024
Network
Paramount Network
Directors
Stephen Kay, Taylor Sheridan, Christina Alexandra Voros, Guy Ferland, John Dahl
Writers
John Coveny, Ian McCulloch
You can view the original article HERE.
