‘1923’: How a Forgotten ‘Yellowstone’ Scene Could Solve the Dutton Family Tree Mystery [DUTTON RULES]

Here is some advice for 1923 fans hoping the Season 2 finale reveals who Yellowstone patriarch John Dutton’s grandfather is: look for the man with one leg.

Keeping up with how all the Duttons are related is a full-time job. Once Taylor Sheridan introduced James and Margaret Dutton in 1883, fans began to wonder how the family tree pieces together.

There have been a half-dozen drips of information since, but the problem is, not everything revealed locks into place in a neat and tidy way.

Dutton Rules: A Yellowstone 1923 Podcast

Another Dutton Down + Clyde Actor Brian Konowal | 1923 Season 2, Episode 6 Breakdown

1923 wrote off seven characters during Episode 6. Which did you see coming and which left you in tears? Billy Dukes and Adison Haager (16:05) consider Alex’s choices after tragedy and dumb decisions befell Hillary and Paul. Plus, (21:20) Teonna’s plot line seemingly wrapped — was it worth all the pain? Also this week, (5:20) we learned important historical context to Spencer Dutton’s war story and (8:35) watched another Dutton fall.

Is Jack really dead? Trivia, your questions and comments and an (46:06) interview with Brian Konowal included. If you watched Ep. 6 you know why he’s important. Email [email protected] and Visit the Taste of Country Store at

The result is competing theories about how we get from James (Tim McGraw in 1883) to John (Kevin Costner). I tend to lean heavy on the 7 Generations Theory and allow for the possibility that Sheridan didn’t necessarily have it all mapped out when he started writing Season 1 of Yellowstone, or even Season 1 of 1883.

The cost of series expansion may be some inconsistencies. It’s an acceptable trade-off.

I have to give credit to Feisty Old Gal 8257, who follows our videos on YouTube. She first brought an important scene from Season 4 of Yellowstone to my attention. Keep reading for a full description, or skip ahead to 8:30 in this week’s 1923 finale preview video (below). The topic is also a big part of the latest episode of the Dutton Rules podcast.

During S4E2, “Phantom Pain,” John Dutton is talking to Jimmy, who was in a neck brace after another horse-riding accident. He describes have a grandfather who understood what the ranch hand was feeling.

“My grandfather lost his leg,” John Duttons says. “(He) said the worst pain he ever felt was in his toes after his leg was gone. Phantom pain they call it.”

You can see where this is headed. Unless John Dutton was describing his grandfather from his mother’s side, then this current series should give us a one-legged man soon.

If it’s a paternal grandfather, then the family tree runs through Spencer Dutton, except Spencer wouldn’t be his grandfather if our understanding of the 7 Generations Theory is correct.

There would need to be an extra generation between Spencer and Dabney Coleman’s John Dutton. Fans don’t love this theory, but it’s the only one that maths.

The other option, of course, is that Jack Dutton is John Dutton’s grandfather. Because of what happened in Ep. 6, this would mean Costner’s John Dutton was indeed describing his mom’s dad. Here is a graphic that describes the two possibilities:

There is a third option. Future Yellowstone prequels could shift the tree to another unknown set of family members, in which case we’re all wrong. The odds of James, the OG John Dutton (James Badge Dale in 1923) or Jack having a paramour seem slim, however.

50 Pictures That Tell the Story of ‘1923’ Season 1

It’s been two full calendar years since the end of 1923 Season 1. Instead of watching all eight episodes on Paramount+ again, catch up with this detailed photo recap.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Jacob and Cara Dutton

Jacob and Cara Dutton

Jacob and Cara Dutton are played by Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren. In 1923, he’s introduced as brother to James Dutton (Tim McGraw) from 1883. Together, this couple end up raising their nephews, John and Spencer Dutton.

Plot No. 1: Cattle Ranchers vs. the Prairie Maggots

Plot No. 1: Cattle Ranchers vs. the “Prairie Maggots”

A drought is threatening the lives of all livestock and that’s creating tremendous tension between cattle farmers (who have land) and sheep farmers (who need land to graze). Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn) is the leader of the sheep farmers and one of two principle villains in 1923.

Plot No. 2: Native American Boarding Schools

Plot No. 2: Native American Boarding Schools

Through the eyes of Teonna Rainwater (Aminah Nieves), we learn of the atrocities committed upon Native Americans. She fights back but is beaten severely and repeatedly.

Plot No. 3: Spencers Long Journey Home

Plot No. 3: Spencer’s Long Journey Home

Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) is the youngest Dutton. He fought in WWI and afterward became a celebrity big game hunter in Africa. He’s sullen and haunted by his past to the point that he won’t even open repeated letters sent by Cara Dutton.

Jack Dutton and Elizabeth Strafford Are Important Too

Jack Dutton and Elizabeth Strafford Are Important Too

Jack Dutton (Darren Mann) is Jacob and Cara’s great-nephew and Elizabeth Strafford (Michelle Randolph) is his fianceé. As the show begins, they’re fixing to be married very soon.

Sheep Farmers Attack

Sheep Farmers Attack

Despite Jacob’s warnings to stay off his land, Banner leads his sheep to the Dutton Ranch pasture, where they run into Jacob’s men who are driving cattle up the mountain. Jack is shot at but not hurt. Quickly the Dutton men restore order.

Dutton Justice

Dutton Justice

Jacob Dutton puts a noose around Banner and his remaining men and sets them on their horse. If they can free themselves before the horse rides away they live. If the the horse runs they hang.

Banner is the only man who survives.

Banners Revenge

Banner’s Revenge

Episode 3 is pretty breezy for the Duttons. They spend a day in the city and learn about modern society advances. However Banner’s spies note their presence, so he’s able to stage a major attack on the family.

The gunfight costs many lives …

RIP John Dutton

RIP John Dutton

Jacob’s nephew John Dutton (James Badge Dale) is killed in the shootout.

Elizabeth and Jack Wounded

Elizabeth and Jack Wounded

Elizabeth and Jack are both shot in the torso. Her father is shot and killed.

RIP Jacob Dutton?

RIP Jacob Dutton?

Jacob fights back but is struck down by Banner’s machine gun. The family assumes he’ll soon die and Cara even says as much in a letter written to urge Spencer to return home quickly.

A 1923 Miracle

A ‘1923’ Miracle

Miraculously, Jacob lives but he tells Cara and the ranch hands to keep the attack and his injuries a secret, knowing that if Banner and other thieves believe him to be dead they’ll come knocking with guns.

Meanwhile, In Africa

Meanwhile, In Africa

Spencer kills a pair of leopards and his wounded. His injuries are treatable however and he prepares to move on to his next hunt.

Introducing Alexandra

Introducing Alexandra

At a bar, Spencer meets Alexandara (Julia Schlaepfer) who it turns out is British royalty. We won’t learn that until much later however.

She is at the resort with family gathered to celebrate her engagement to Arthur. There is immediate chemistry between Spencer and Alexandra however.

Find Someone Who Loves You!

“Find Someone Who Loves You!”

The next morning, Alex ditches her crew and hops in the car with Spencer to adventure together. It’s a wildly impulsive decision that sets up the greatest love story in Yellowstone universe history.

So Many Ravagings …

So Many Ravagings …

1923 doesn’t shy away from physical intimacy. Spencer and Alexandra simply can’t keep their clothes on through the rest of Season 1. She calls each romp a “ravaging.”

We Werent Kidding!

We Weren’t Kidding!

After surviving an elephant attack and fighting off a pride of lions, the couple find a tropical locale to ravage each other in private.

Eventually, They Read His Letters

Eventually, They Read His Letters

Spencer has kept the unopened stack of letters from Aunt Cara and Alexandra convinces him to start reading them. It’s an emotional catch-up on several years of action in Montana. The last letter — sent three months prior — is the one alerting him of Banner’s attack and emergency at home. Quickly they pack and leave.

Passage to America Please

Passage to America Please

Unfortunately the road to America is long and winding. They can get to London on a cruise ship that leaves in three weeks, but that’s too far away. So, Spencer searches for other options.

Spencer Writes Back

Spencer Writes Back

He also convinces the captain of another cruise ship to send word to Aunt Cara that he’ll be coming home soon.

A Tug Boat Ride To Hell

A Tug Boat Ride To Hell

At a bar, Spencer meets Lucca (Peter Stormare), a tugboat captain who agrees to take them to Suez. It’s going to be a difficult journey he warns, but Spencer has no other option.

Set Sail for America!

Set Sail for America!

So they board Lucca’s boat. Oh yeah, it’s worth mentioning that he’s really sick.

Capsized By a Ghost Ship

Capsized By a Ghost Ship

Lucca dies on board and Spencer is unable to steer the boat away from a cruise liner that had been abandoned at see. The boat capsizes but both Spencer and Alex survive to spend a day at sea.

Back at Boarding School

Back at Boarding School

At the boarding schools, Native American children are Americanized. For the women, this means they’re taught to be eager homemakers. The education is not voluntary.

The Second Beating

The Second Beating

After striking out a nun a second time, Teonna is put in a hot box for 24 hours. It’s torture but the school cares little for native lives, as shown by the massive graveyard filled with former students.

Teonnas Revenge

Teonna’s Revenge

One night, Teonna waits for everyone to fall asleep. Then she attacks and kills two nuns and escapes before daybreak.

A Hero Named Hank

A Hero Named Hank

An Indian man named Hank takes her in and offers protection. She dresses as his son and he dispatches his own son to find her father, Runs With Horses.

RIP Hank

RIP Hank

Sadly, the priests sent to bring Teonna back to school shoot and kill Hank. She’s able to kill them as well, which leads to a reunion with her father.

The Pete Plenty Clouds Tragedy

The Pete Plenty Clouds Tragedy

Hank’s son Pete Plenty Clouds goes with Teonna and her father and the two begin to fall in love. Sadly, actor Cole Brings Plenty died between seasons.

Teonnas Enemy

Teonna’s Enemy

Sebastian Roché plays Father Renaud in 1923. He’s in charge of the boarding school and as Season 1 ends he’s personally lead a search for Teoanna, who is heading to Comanche territory.

Jacobs Big Problem

Jacob’s Big Problem

Jacob tells his men to not fight until Spencer returns home. This means they need to be creative to hold off Banner and his men.

Meet Donald Whitfield

Meet Donald Whitfield

Midway through Season 1, viewers meet Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), an extremely rich gold miner who begins to purchase all the land around the Dutton Ranch.

He also funds Banner’s army should an attack become necessary. By Episode 8 we’ll learn how merciless Whitfield truly is.

Cara Dutton Throws a Hail Mary

Cara Dutton Throws a Hail Mary

Cara Dutton attends the Livestock Association meeting in Jacob’s place and moves to convince the assembled men to create a Livestock Agency to police cattle theft. The skeptical group is convinced to vote with her when presented with a signed letter from Jacob Dutton, stating these wishes.

Cara wrote the letter herself and forged his signature.

This Guy Is a Rat!

This Guy Is a Rat!

One of the first Livestock Agency hires is Clyde (Brian Konowal). Cara and the Sheriff do not know he’s a mole for Donald Whitfield.

The Cats Out of the Bag!

The Cat’s Out of the Bag!

Cara tells the sheriff what’s happened at home and promptly arrests Banner Creighton on murder and attempted murder charges. Later, Banner is freed when a judge decides there is no physical evidence connecting him to the crime.

RIP Emma Dutton

RIP Emma Dutton

Back at the ranch, John’s wife (and Jack’s mother) Emma Dutton (Marley Shelton) dies by suicide.

Jack and Elizabeth Get Married! (Kinda)

Jack and Elizabeth Get Married! (Kinda)

A happy scene eventually follows after Elizabeth confronts a sullen Jack Dutton. That leads to an impromptu wedding that includes nobody but themselves. There’s no priest or family to witness it, they just decide they’re married and quickly set about consummating.

Elizabeth Is Pregnant!

Elizabeth Is Pregnant!

Cara Dutton is overjoyed to hear that Elizabeth is pregnant and she promises to find a priest to back-date a wedding license.

Elizabeth Isnt Pregnant Any More

Elizabeth Isn’t Pregnant Any More

During Ep. 8, Elizabeth suffers a miscarriage and she begins to doubt her purpose.

Donald Whitfields Squeeze

Donald Whitfield’s Squeeze

Donald Whitfield isn’t compelled to attack the Duttons as much as he is to squeeze them out. He learns the family is behind on their property tax so he pays it, with the terms being that if he’s not paid back by the end of the year he gets the deed to the ranch. It’s an evil move against a financially-strapped family.

Alexandra and Spencer Get Married!

Alexandra and Spencer Get Married!

After being rescued, Alex and Spencer are married by their ship’s captain. It’s a beautiful moment after so much trauma for these two. You won’t regret watching this scene again.

Off To London!

Off To London!

Once aboard the ship that will take them to London, they decide to dine in the grand hall.

Who Knew He Could Dance?

Who Knew He Could Dance?

Viewers finally begin to learn about the depths of Spencer’s character when he impresses Alex on the dance floor.

Gosh, Thats Awkward

Gosh, That’s Awkward

Also aboard the ship is Alexandra’s ex-fiance, Arthur (Rafe Soule). You can figure out where this is going.

I Challenge You!

I Challenge You!

After much champagne, Arthur challenges Spencer to a duel. They had to the deck but Spencer has his way with the smaller and weaker royal.

Refusing to yield, Arthur runs at Spencer with a revolver and is thrown overboard.

To the Brig With You!

To the Brig With You!

This is when we learn that Alexandra is Countess of Sussex. Her would-be royal family orders Spencer be arrested for the death of young Arthur.

A True Friend Indeed

A True Friend Indeed

However, Alexandra’s friend Jennifer (Jo Ellen Pellman) stands up for him and tells the captain what really happened.

Spencer Is Rowed To Shore

Spencer Is Rowed To Shore

So, Spencer’s life is saved but he’s still taken to shore in a dinghy.

Ill Meet You In Bozeman!

“I’ll Meet You In Bozeman!”

Alex is not allowed to go with him but she gets to the deck to shout “I’ll meet you in Bozeman” at him before the credits roll.

Dutton Family Tree, Update

Taste Of Country

Dutton Family Tree, Update

Here is the Dutton Family Tree as we understand it today, prior to the start of 1923 Season 2.

34 ‘Yellowstone’ Facts You Probably Didn’t Know

How big of a fan of Yellowstone are you? These 34 facts about the Paramount Network show are sure to stump even the most dedicated viewers. They’re almost all about the cast members and their real-life passions and roles.

The real-life marriage? Who has the most kills? Who told Taylor Sheridan “No”? These have all been added before Season 5 of Yellowstone resumes on Nov. 10.

John’s kids? Beth’s accent? Rainwater’s guitar playing? Tate’s spoilers? They’re also included on this list of 34 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Yellowstone.

Gallery Credit: Billy Dukes

Yellowstone Fact No. 34: Who Has the Most Kills?

Paramount Network

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 34: Who Has the Most Kills?

Heading into Season 5, Part 2 of Yellowstone, Rip Wheeler has the most kills with nine. Kayce Dutton has five, followed by the Beck Brothers (three by proxy) and Agent Steve Hendon (three).

Granted, it’s impossible to tell who killed who during certain scenes. For example, the Season 2 finale is chaos and many people get killed in a hail of gun fire at the start of Season 4. This info is confirmed kills after re-watching and with help from this Yellowstone Wiki page.

Yellowstone Fact No. 33: These Two Got Married

Greg Doherty, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 33: These Two Got Married

Walker and Laramie were a sexy on-screen couple during Season 4 and Season 5 of Yellowstone, and that chemistry spilled over. The got married in October 2023.

Yellowstone Fact No. 32: Why Sam Elliott Said No

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 32: Why Sam Elliott Said ‘No’

Sam Elliott was terrific on Taylor Sheridan’s 1883, but during that run he admitted to Marc Maron that he said “No” to Yellowstone.

The reason? He doesn’t like the show. Honestly, he blasted it as a soap opera that was too much like “f—ing” Dallas.

Yellowstone Fact No. 31: What Lainey Wilson Stole

Paramount Network

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 31: What Lainey Wilson Stole

Lainey Wilson appeared as Abby during Season 5 of Yellowstone, and after filming, she admitted a theft to Taste of Country.

One day, she arrived having not showered or shaved, so she took prop deodorant and razors from the bunk house and made do. Kinda curious to know if she put ’em back.

Yellowstone Fact No. 30: The Truth About Zach Bryans First Appearance

Keith Griner, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 30: The Truth About Zach Bryan’s First Appearance

Yellowstone really wanted to feature Zach Bryan’s song “Condemned,” but his original was recorded in an AirBNB. So the show paid for him to re-cut it with Chris Stapleton’s producer Dave Cobb in Nashville. It happened in November 2019 and produced a two-song EP called Studio A Recordings. The next year he’d appear on Yellowstone, and his career took off soon after.

Yellowstone Fact No. 29: John Dutton May Not Be Getting Rich But Kevin Costner Is

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 29: John Dutton May Not Be Getting Rich But Kevin Costner Is

In July 2022, Variety reported that Costner was set to earn $1.3 million per episode of Yellowstone, up from $500,000 an ep. in Season 1. That includes some production credits and other responsibilities.

Yellowstone Fact No. 28: How Much Does Rip Make?

Tommaso Boddi, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 28: How Much Does Rip Make?

Season 5 salaries for the rest of the cast of Yellowstone are not known, but Cinema Blend estimated that Kelly Reilly (Beth), Cole Hauser (Rip), Luke Grimes (Kayce), Wes Bentley (Jamie) and Kelsey Asbille (Monica) made about $200,000 per episode in Season 1.

Yellowstone Fact No. 27: Speaking of Rip …

Ethan Miller, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 27: Speaking of Rip …

Taylor Sheridan only had eyes for Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler. The Dazed and Confused actor and (bonus fact) heir to Warner Brothers didn’t even have to audition for Yellowstone.

Yellowstone Fact No. 26: A Connection With Lost

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 26: A Connection With ‘Lost’

During Season 4, Rip (Cole Hauser) kills Roarke by throwing a rattlesnake at him. It was cool at the time, if a bit unrealistic as time has passed.

That was the first time Taylor Sheridan tapped an actor from the hit ABC show Lost for Yellowstone. He’ll do it again for the sequel, The Madison. The new series is set to star Matthew Fox, who played Jack on the 2000s TV show.

Yellowstone Fact No. 25: Kelly Reillys Audition

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 25: Kelly Reilly’s Audition

The woman who would come to play Beth Dutton did send an audition tape, but when Taylor Sheridan saw it, he knew she was Beth. He says that’s his favorite character to write.

Yellowstone Fact No. 24: Will All the Real Cowboys Please Stand Up?

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 24: Will All the Real Cowboys Please Stand Up?

Not you, Jimmy. Actor Jefferson White’s inability on a horse is well-documented — although we hear he’s getting better — but other actors that stay in the Yellowstone bunkhouse are veterans of the rodeo. Actor Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd), Jake Ream (Jake), Ethan Lee (Ethan) and Ryan Bingham (Walker) are four with serious horse cred. In fact, they help teach the rest of the cast how to ride and handle horses. Writer Taylor Sheridan is also very capable. In fact …

Yellowstone Fact No. 23: Those Aren’t Just Any Horses

Paramount Network

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 23: Those Aren’t Just Any Horses

Sheridan supplies many of the horses used on Yellowstone from his own ranch. Others that are noted as famous in Yellowstone are actual champion horses. Metallic Cat has a stud fee of $10,000.

Yellowstone Fact No. 22: Lloyd’s Bunk

Chris Elise, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 22: Lloyd’s Bunk

Many of the actors on the show lend their expertise to the set and script. Forrie J. Smith provided helpful insight when it came to designing the famous Yellowstone bunkhouse. He’d actually lived in similar settings, so he knew. Many of the personal items in Lloyd’s bunk came from Smith’s career and collection.

Yellowstone Fact No. 21: Does Sarah Atwood Look Familiar?

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 21: Does Sarah Atwood Look Familiar?

Actor Dawn Olivieri plays Sarah Atwood on Yellowstone, and as Season 5 begins, she’s part of a plot to kill a Dutton.

The irony is, she was a Dutton in a past life. During the first two episodes of 1883, she played Claire Dutton, sister-in-law to James Dutton (Tim McGraw). Things don’t go well for her there.

Yellowstone Fact No. 20: The Truth About Branding

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 20: The Truth About Branding

Jefferson White told Taste of Country how the show’s branding scenes work. “Part of what was important to accomplishing that effect was smoke, sort or rising off the brand. The only way we figured out how to accomplish that was for Cole Hauser … to use an actually super-heated brand,” he says.

White held a piece of wood covered in leather against his chest as Hauser (Rip Wheeler) branded the leather. It was all two inches from his chest. “I will never forget the smell, which was very sort of potent and authentic,” the actor adds. “And I’ll never forget the heat that rose off of the brand at that moment.”

Yellowstone Fact No. 19: Yellowstone Is Montana Proud

Realtor.com

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 19: ‘Yellowstone’ Is Montana Proud

Seasons 1-3 of Yellowstone were filmed in Utah (mostly) but because of Montana’s more attractive tax incentive programs, the show moved. However …

Yellowstone Fact No. 18: Is the Train Station Real?

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 18: Is the Train Station Real?

In early 2022, several people and websites began to claim the road used as the “Train Station” was in Eden, Utah. The location is intentionally vague on the show, with Lloyd only describing it as a land without government. As it turns out, a place like that actually may exist.

Yellowstone Fact No. 17: The Truth About Livestock Agent Steve Hendon

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 17: The Truth About Livestock Agent Steve Hendon

Here is a list of characters James Jordan has played in Taylor Sheridan productions:

Ed in Mayor of Kingstown
Cookie in 1883
Livestock Agent Hendon in Yellowstone
Two Cups in Lioness
Pete Mickens in Wind River
Dale in Landman

Most of these roles are significant and his characters aren’t all the same (although most are a bit surely). It’s fun to try to spot Jordan in a Sheridan production. He’s sort of like his “Where’s Waldo?”

Yellowstone Fact No. 16: What’s Gator Cooking?

Paramount Network

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 16: What’s Gator Cooking?

Gator is a real-life chef named Gabriel “Gator” Guilbeau. Fans only see him once or twice a season, but the rest of the time he’s keeping busy as the head of craft services.

Yellowstone Fact No. 15: A Young Kevin Costner

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 15: A Young Kevin Costner

We made a full list of ways Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan uses the same actors and their family again and again. One we didn’t add was Kevin Costner’s connection to Ian Bohen, who plays Ryan. In 1994, Bohen played the boyhood version of Costner’s titular character in Wyatt Earp, and he remembers the veteran actor as very kind.

Yellowstone Fact No. 14: Kevin Costers Kids

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 14: Kevin Coster’s Kids

Kevin Costner’s John Dutton has four kids (including the late Lee Dutton and adopted Jamie Dutton), but in real life he has seven children from three relationships. His daughter Lily is a talented singer who’s collaborated with his band, Kevin Costner & Modern West.

Yellowstone Fact No. 13: Malcolm Beck Returns! (Kinda)

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 13: Malcolm Beck Returns! (Kinda)

The Dutton Rules podcast team believes Malcolm Beck to be the best Yellowstone villain of all time, so it was exciting to see actor Neal McDonough back on another Taylor Sheridan show.

His character on Tulsa King Season 2 is Cal Thresher, and it’s a very similar role. However, the part and his acting aren’t as strong. One could probably blame the writing, but he’s still a sinister SOB.

Yellowstone Fact No. 12: Gil Birmingham Plays Guitar

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 12: Gil Birmingham Plays Guitar

Actor Gil Birmingham (Thomas Rainwater) doesn’t just play a little. He’s a very talented musician, as seen HERE. On the show, he’s not alone. We mentioned Costner’s band, but Ryan Bingham (Walker) also sings and writes songs. Denim Richards (Colby) is a classically trained opera singer.

Yellowstone Fact No. 11: Meet Summer Higgins Real-Life Husband

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 11: Meet Summer Higgins Real-Life Husband

Piper Perabo was a very successful actor before taking the role of Summer Higgins on Yellowstone. Landing the role was surely made easier by being married to Stephen Kay, who has directed many of the most well-known episodes of the show.

That’s him on the far left, next to Perabo, Kelsey Asbille and Luke Grimes.

Yellowstone Fact No. 10: Rips Boston Accent?

Matt Winkelmeyer, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 10: Rip’s Boston Accent?

Cole Hauser plays Dutton fixer Rip Wheeler. Prior to starring in Yellowstone he appeared in many movies, including Good Will Hunting. In the film, he’s one of Matt Damon’s good friends. It’s a small, but important role.

Yellowstone Fact No. 9: Teeters Old Man

Paramount Network

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 9: Teeter’s Old Man

Teeter first appeared in Season 3, and soon after actor Jennifer Landon revealed she was a little afraid of the animals, at first. She’s not the first person from her family to star on an open range, however. Her father, Michael Landon, was Charles Ingalls on Little House on the Prairie.

Yellowstone Fact No. 8: Why Jamie Looks Familiar

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 8: Why Jamie Looks Familiar

You really can’t forget those eyes, and most people who’ve seen the Kevin Spacey film American Beauty don’t. Wes Bentley played the next door neighbor Ricky Fitts, a character who (spoiler alert) indirectly gets the main character killed. It’s a stunning role that shows Bentley’s artistic range.

Yellowstone Fact No. 7: The Most Watched TV Show of 2021-22

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 7: The Most Watched TV Show of 2021-22

During the 2021-22 season, Yellowstone was the most-watched non-football TV show with an average of 11.3 million viewers. The 2022-23 season wasn’t too shabby either, with 15.7 million people watching the Season 5 premiere.

Yellowstone Fact No. 6: The Real Yellowstone Ranch?

Realtor.com

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 6: The Real Yellowstone Ranch?

The ranch used for exterior scenes and more is called the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Mont. Guests can actually stay in one of the Dutton cabins (it’s expensive, and there’s a long wait, but you can do it) seen during most episodes of Yellowstone. The show is filmed in Montana and Utah.

Yellowstone Fact No. 5: Why Cody Johnson Said No

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 5: Why Cody Johnson Said ‘No’

In 2024, Cody Johnson told Audacy radio that he had to say “No” to Taylor Sheridan because he just didn’t have time in his schedule. He was all booked up. But …

“We’re looking ahead to the future,” he shared. “There’s a few movie things where I’m like, ‘Look, if you guys give me the notice, I can make this happen.'”

Yellowstone Fact No. 4: 50 Shades of Kayce

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 4: 50 Shades of Kayce

Luke Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, John’s youngest son. In real life Grimes auditioned for the main role in the Twilight series of films and landed the role as Elliott Grey, Christian Grey’s brother, in the 50 Shades of Grey series.

Yellowstone Fact No. 3: Tates Kidnapping

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 3: Tate’s Kidnapping

Actor Brecken Merrill is the go-to for behind-the-scenes Instagram content. On Instagram he shares and maybe even overshares. Not long ago he revealed that the show filmed him being kidnapped (end of Season 2) but ultimately chose not to air it, figuring there’d be more more suspense.

Yellowstone Fact No. 2: Beths British Accent

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‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 2: Beth’s British Accent

This should be a surprise to most who’ve admired how Beth Dutton thrives across a patriarchal society in western Montana. Actor Kelly Reilly is actually from London and speaks with a British accent. Need proof? Go watch the first Sherlock Holmes movie staring Robert Downey Jr. She plays Watson’s wife, Mary.

Yellowstone Fact No. 1: The Jeff Bridges Connection

Frazer Harrison, Getty Images

‘Yellowstone’ Fact No. 1: The Jeff Bridges Connection

This is Ryan Bingham, who plays tender-hearted Walker on Yellowstone. He’s a known singer/songwriter who provided so much of the great music for the Jeff Bridges movie Crazy Heart (2009). He’s not the only one from the franchise to work alongside Bridges, however. Gil Birmingham starred with Bridges in Hell or High Water (2016) and Sam Elliott — star of the Yellowstone prequel 1883 — sat next to him in The Big Lebowski. This is all to say that rumors of a Bridges appearance on this franchise come through a lot of smoke. It feels close!