A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there’s even an Oscar winner in their midst)

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

As I delve into the lives of these Yellowstone cast members, it’s quite fascinating to see how their diverse backgrounds and experiences have contributed to the richness of the show.


In a surprising turn of events, part two of the last season’s fifth installment of Yellowstone premiered over the weekend, leaving viewers stunned as the main character, portrayed by Kevin Costner, departed from the neo-Western saga in a gruesome manner.

After more than six years of captivating viewers, the long-running series “Yellowstone” (which depicts the struggles of the Dutton family on the biggest ranch in Montana), will conclude its run following this ongoing season.

For a period of six years, this popular series ruled the airwaves, catapulting the actors into even greater fame and turning them into well-known figures on America’s cherished television program.

However, prior to achieving fame on their hit series set at Yellowstone, the actors portraying these characters had a distinctly different appearance and demeanor compared to how we know them now, having honed their acting skills in previous roles.

Two of them have starred in movies that were nominated for Oscars, and interestingly enough, one less prominent actor among them has already won an Academy Award.

Born in London, actress Kelly Reilly honed her impressive Montana accent, yet it’s worth noting that she landed her initial television role in a British children’s series produced by the BBC, featuring none other than EastEnders’ favorite, Paul Nicholls.

In the buzz surrounding Yellowstone’s newest addition, TopMob explores the early beginnings of the cast in the world of entertainment.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Kelly Reilly – Beth Dutton

Kelly has enthralled audiences playing the only daughter of Costner’s character Beth Dutton. 

Raised in Chessington, London, Kelly went to high school, specifically Tolworth Girls’ School in Kingston. During her time there, she pursued drama studies, with her mother, a hospital receptionist, and her father, a police officer, keeping a close eye on her progress.

In my passionate journey, I was captivated by the world of horses, believing that I’d carve out a future in equestrian pursuits. However, an unexpected twist unfolded when I stumbled upon her extraordinary talent for acting, turning my path in a whole new direction.

47-year-old actress began her acting journey in 1995, debuting on television screens as part of the BBC Children’s drama series The Biz, sharing screen time with the then-famous Paul Nicholls from EastEnders.

In addition, she secured a part in the 1995 production of Prime Suspect 4: Inner Circle following her successful approach to the show’s drama series producers by sending them letters.

Besides her appearances on television, Kelly also made a mark in the theater industry. She collaborated with Terry Johnson in four different productions: Elton John’s Glasses (1997), The London Cuckolds (1998), The Graduate (2000) and Piano/Forte (2006).

In 2004, at just 26 years old, Kelly was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Theatre Award. This recognition made her the youngest actor to ever receive this honor, following her stellar performance in After Miss Julie, a production by Michael Grandage that took place at the Donmar Warehouse in London’s West End, back in 2003.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

In 2005, she took up the part of Caroline Bingley in a production of Pride and Prejudice, starring opposite Keira Knightley.

In the 2008 horror movie Eden Lake, she made her debut in a principal role. She was paired with Michael Fassbender, a well-known actor from Hollywood. Together, they portrayed a young couple who encountered a band of ruthless teenagers during their weekend getaway, which led to a harrowing ordeal. This performance earned her a nomination for Best Actress at the British Independent Film Awards.

In the ensuing year, I persisted in maintaining my public presence by securing a part in the primetime British show, Above Suspicion. I portrayed a greenhorn detective, driven to demonstrate my worth and carve out a space for myself amidst the predominantly male police force.

In the near future, Kelly found herself drawn to Hollywood, where she made appearances in both the 2009 film “Sherlock Holmes” and its 2011 follow-up titled “A Game of Shadows”. Her role was that of Mary Watson in these productions.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

After working alongside Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law, she later teamed up with Vince Vaughn in the highly praised second season of the TV series True Detective, portraying his on-screen wife, Jordan Semyon.

Ever since 2018, her career trajectory has been on an upward trend, notably through her role in Yellowstone, a Paramount Network drama premiered on June 20, 2018. In this series, Reilly portrays Beth Dutton, the daughter of John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner. The characters played by Reilly and Costner are frequently embroiled in conflict with various external forces who aim to seize the Duttons’ family estate.

In the year 2012, Kelly got acquainted with financier Kyle Baugher and they quickly became engaged. Later that very year, they tied the knot in a small, private wedding ceremony held in Somerset, England.

As a dedicated follower, I myself reside in the bustling metropolis of New York City, yet England holds a special place in my heart. Back in 2014, I expressed to The Guardian that while England is indeed my home, I have found a new life here in this vibrant city. At first, I grappled with homesickness, yearning for the warmth of English people, the charm of pubs, the humor unique to our country, and all my beloved family and friends. However, New York City has grown on me, becoming my favorite city.

Cole Hauser – Rip Wheeler 

As a lifestyle connoisseur, I’ve had the privilege of embodying the role of Rip Wheeler, Beth Dutton’s devoted spouse, since the show debuted back in 2018. It’s been quite an incredible journey!

In the story, Rip starts as a ranch worker, eventually transforming into John’s intimidating muscle and enforcer. Over the course of his duties, he carries out numerous killings.

Over the course of the series, Rip develops a romantic relationship with Beth Dutton, John’s daughter (played by Kelly Reilly). Eventually, they tie the knot.

Undeniably, movie enthusiasts might recall me from my initial onscreen appearance in the 1992 American drama “School Ties.” This film was a remarkable project, sharing the screen with esteemed actors such as Ben Affleck, his brother Casey Affleck, Brendan Fraser, and Matt Damon. It’s an experience I hold dear to my heart.

Hauser, who is wedded to Cynthia Daniel, one of the stars from Sweet Valley High, later appeared in Richard Linklater’s renowned film Dazed and Confused in 1993, taking on the character of Benny O’Donnell.

In addition to Hollywood heavyweights Ben, Casey, and Matt, it was Casey who teamed up with them in the Academy Award-winning film “Good Will Hunting” of 1997.

In 2013, Cole took on the role of Special Agent Roma in the movie “Olympus Has Fallen”, and in 2014, he played Colonel Stevens in the film “Transcendence”.

Besides his significant role in films like “Tigerland,” “White Oleander,” “Hart’s War,” “Tears of the Sun,” and “The Fast and the Furious,” Cole has also made a mark.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Luke Grimes – Kaycee Dutton

Luke Grimes, aged 40, portrays Kayce Dutton, who is the son of John Dutton, the proprietor of the expansive Yellowstone Dutton Ranch – America’s biggest cattle ranch.

A person born in Ohio kicked off their acting career following a move to New York City, where they pursued acting education at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts.

Prior to taking on a significant part, Luke had already acted in the 2006 film “All the Boys Love Mandy Lane,” where he portrayed the character Jake.

Additionally, he played Ryan Lafferty on the ABC series Brothers & Sisters with Sally Field for six episodes, and he portrayed vampire James Kent on True Blood, a role that was later taken over by Nathan Parsons after a few episodes.

Among Luke’s standout performances, he excelled as Christian Grey’s sibling, Elliot, in the Fifty Shades of Grey series.

Previously this month, he became a father for the first time, along with his model spouse Bianca Rodrigues Grimes. Although the actor generally maintains a low profile when it comes to his personal affairs, he graciously shared a glimpse of his married life last year.

‘I just wanted to make it very clear,’ he told USA Today in July 2023.

‘I’m a very married person and I love my wife to death,’ he continued. ‘We’ll be together forever.’

Apart from what he was saying, he casually mentioned a delightful pet name his spouse uses for him. In Portuguese, Bianca refers to him as ‘anjo,’ which means ‘angel.’

‘There’s no way I earn it,’ he added. ‘I do my best. But I’m a flawed, big ol’ weird a** man.’

He continued: ‘She’s the real angel here.’

In Montana, where the series takes place, resides Luke, who’s ventured into country music as well. He unveiled his popular country single “No Horse To Ride” in 2022, followed by the releases of “Hold On” and “Oh Ohio” in 2023.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Wes Bentley – Jamie Dutton

Wes plays Jamie Dutton, the adopted son of Costner’s John Dutton III, in the series. 

After appearing as Kevin Spacey’s marijuana-selling neighbor, Ricky Fitts, in the film American Beauty (1999), Wes rapidly gained popularity and fame.

1999 saw him receive widespread acclaim and a multitude of accolades from the National Board of Review, following his groundbreaking performance in that year.

He also won the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards and the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2000.

However, over the following years, he persevered in a string of low-budget films, eventually reaching a point of despair around the end of the 2000s that led him to develop a drug problem.

The actor weighed the options of transitioning into a career as a drug dealer or a disc jockey, all while attempting to break free from his heroin dependency. He mentioned that Robert Downey Jr.’s candidness about his personal battles with addiction inspired and assisted him in achieving sobriety.

In an interview with The New York Times, he shared that the remorse from his past actions will forever linger. Back in 2008, he was apprehended for possessing heroin and passing a fake $100 note.

As I delved into the gripping world of ‘Dolan’s Cadillac’ in 2009, I found myself pondering my path as an actor. The intensity and depth of this crime thriller stirred within me a sense of introspection about my career choices.

He said: ‘This is probably my last acting job… I’m going to be a drug dealer and a DJ.’

In the realm of my professional connections, a colleague guided me towards regular attendance at 12-step gatherings as a means to tackle my addiction struggles. This supportive environment proved instrumental in my journey towards sobriety, a path I’ve walked unwaveringly since 2009.

Besides Downey Jr., Bentley too acknowledges that Downey Jr.’s honesty about his struggle with drug addiction played a significant role in Bentley’s own journey towards sobriety.

At the premiere of Yellowstone’s fifth season in New York City, he shared with Page Six about his struggle to overcome a dangerous addiction that was threatening his life.

He shared: “I was deeply entangled in my addiction, at a point where I was close to death, or at least very near it. But then I witnessed his incredible bravery, openness, and courage. It was this sight that ultimately rescued me.

‘So I thought if I do that too, I can maybe pass that on to somebody else.’ 

57-year-old Downey Jr has faced multiple arrests due to drug-related offenses, serving jail time as part of his struggle to overcome his addiction issues.

He said, “Before, I didn’t have much money, so I wasn’t ready for many situations that came up.

As an actor, I understood that it wouldn’t be until my 30s and 40s that I would truly be prepared for strong roles.

I prefer it not to unfold so quickly. I attempted to adapt, but the timing wasn’t right for me.

Following my comeback, I graced the stage in the two-person production of “Venus Is Fur” in 2010, and later, I found myself immersed in the chilling world of “American Horror Story.

In addition to his prominent role as Seneca Crane in The Hunger Games (2012), he also appeared as the character Doyle in Interstellar, a film released in 2014.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Ryan Bingham – Walker

In simpler terms, Ryan Bingham initially appeared as a recurring character in the first three seasons of the show, portraying Walker – a ranch hand with a musical background and a past as a convict. However, his role was expanded significantly from season four onwards, elevating him to a series regular.

This individual, often recognized more for his musical skills than his acting, has released a total of seven albums – six in the studio and one live. He’s a versatile artist who excels in both music and acting.

In 2009’s critically-acclaimed film “Crazy Heart,” Ryan gave an outstanding performance alongside Jeff Bridges. This role earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Song, which he won for “The Weary Kind,” a song included in the movie.

Apart from being deeply passionate about music, Ryan has also made appearances in the shows Jack & Ryan, A Country Called Home, and Hostiles.

Bingham is wedded to Hassie Harrison, his co-star from Yellowstone, who portrays the barrel racer character, Laramie. Notably, she is not only his on-screen partner but also his real-life spouse.

The actors tied the knot in a ‘cowboy black tie’ wedding in Texas earlier this year. 

In a special tribute, Bingham sang an unpublished song he wrote for Harrison, inviting her to duet with him on the performance.

Previously, Harrison had been in a romantic involvement with the actor Austin Nichols. On the other hand, Bingham has three kids with his former spouse Anna Axster, whom he was wedded to from 2009 until 2021.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Jefferson White – Jimmy

On the Paramount show, Jefferson plays the role of Jimmy Hurdstrom, a former criminal who transitions into ranch work.

In 2014, I stepped onto the small screen for the first time as a part of The Americans, and since then, I’ve had the privilege of portraying Gary Hinman in the TV series Aquarius from 2015 to 2016.

In addition to Yellowstone, Sean O’Neil played a significant role in the series Chicago P.D. on NBC, joining the cast for the first time in 2022.

Roles also encompass shows such as “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Elementary,” “Blue Bloods,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

Ian Bohen – Ryan

Initially, Ian appeared regularly on the show as the character Ryan, a cowboy, and later became a permanent member of the main cast starting from season four.

Ever since I can remember, I’ve been a die-hard fan of Ian’s work. But let me take you back to where it all started – way before the show. His career took off long ago, and one of his standout roles was none other than Peter Hale in MTV’s Teen Wolf, which he graced our screens from 2011 to 2017.

Following his first acting role in Todd Field’s 1993 short movie “Delivering”, he later starred as Young Earp in the 1994 Oscar-nominated film “Wyatt Earp”. Notably, his co-star from Yellowstone, Kevin Costner, played the older Earp in that film.

In 1996, he played Denny in coming-of-age movie Boy Meets World.

While fans will also recognise him in his later role as Roy Hazelitt in Mad Men.

A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)
A long way from the Dutton Ranch! Yellowstone cast look VERY different in their early roles (and there's even an Oscar winner in their midst)

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2024-11-13 05:18

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