‘Yellowstone’ star Cole Hauser on the magic of bringing the ‘old school cowboy’ back to television

When Paramount’s number one series, Yellowstone, first hit the television market, fans quickly realized that the story being told was powerful and multifaceted, resonating with some social circles very quickly. Those in a cowboying way of life felt an immediate draw to the Dutton family because of the truth of the story being told.

Okay, so not every ranch-owning family is dealing with all that the Duttons have their hands in, and they certainly don’t have train stations that can be used to dispose of problems easily, but it’s the heart of the characters in the Yellowverse that audiences connect with — it’s the authenticity of the stories and this western way of life that so many can see themselves in.

WFAA‘s Matt Howerton told Cole Hauser that he’d talked to some “hard-cut ranch hands and cowboys” about Yellowstone, and that many of them immediately began singing the praises of the actor’s Rip Wheeler. He asked if Hauser had ever experienced that in his own life — people who worked on ranches coming up and praising his portrayal, saying they find it relatable.

Hasuer’s response said a lot about what he knows of the cowboy way of life, and how he associates it with work and dedication vs. a flashy need for validation.

“I’ve had a couple of guys that have come up in Montana and Wyoming, Idaho, even Utah, Texas. And it’s not “Hey, I respect who Rip is,” as much as it’s, “Man, thank you for telling the truth of who we are and how tough it is to be in the position that we are in,” and just bringing back the awareness of the old-school cowboy. There’s nothing new about this [Rip]. He’s very old-school. He’s taught by an old-school guy in John Dutton, and Kevin Costner, who in real life is a bad— in his own right. I think it’s just more of the acknowledgment. I’ve had a couple of dorky guys who, on ranches, say, “Man, you’re me.” And I’m like, “You’re not me.” Anybody that comes up and says that is definitely not a Rip.”

Hauser takes cowboying seriously, and while he’s playing a role as Rip Wheeler, he’s not a stranger to the way of life himself. He grew up on a ranch, knows how to ride, and realizes the value of the way of life that isn’t often shown in the spotlight. There’s also something genuine about Wheeler as a ranch hand and cowboy, about his heart for the country and hard work — all of the things he channels as a character are very relevant to what he treasures as a man.

So when Hauser says he knows the difference between the real deal and those who are just wearing the boots and hat, we’re inclined to believe him. After all, Rip knows best.