Kelly Reilly on Perfecting Her Montana Accent and Embodying Beth Dutton in *Yellowstone

Kelly Reilly, the talented actress behind the fierce and complex Beth Dutton in *Yellowstone*, recently shared insights into her preparation for the role, including how she mastered the Montana accent and channeled her personal experiences into the character.

Reilly’s portrayal of Beth has captivated audiences, making her one of the most iconic characters in the series.

Mastering the Montana Accent

When it came to adopting a Montana accent for Beth Dutton, Reilly worked closely with her dialect coach, Jessica Drake, who has helped her with various American accents in the past. Reilly explained that while Beth’s accent reflects her Montana roots, it also had to align with her character’s background as an educated woman from a wealthy ranching family.

“I wasn’t going to do a stereotypical ‘howdy ma’am’ kind of accent,” Reilly explained. Instead, she worked on achieving a subtle Montana dialect that felt authentic but sophisticated.

Beyond the accent, Reilly also focused on Beth’s voice, which has a raspy, guttural quality influenced by her character’s smoking and bourbon-drinking habits. She even credited Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton, for inspiring her vocal approach. “I listened to Kevin a lot because he deepened his voice for John Dutton, and I kind of stole that,” she admitted.

Bringing Beth Dutton to Life

Beth Dutton is a force of nature—intelligent, ruthless, and unapologetically bold. Reilly attributes much of Beth’s essence to *Yellowstone* creator Taylor Sheridan, whom she described as the mastermind behind the character. “Everything she does comes from his imagination,” Reilly said. “We sort of Frankenstein her together, but I love her. I understand her.”

Reilly revealed that playing Beth is both invigorating and exhausting. “Getting into the skin of this primal woman is a lot of fun, but she’s also a lot to handle,” she shared.

Despite the challenges, Reilly cherishes the opportunity to embody such a powerful character. “I miss her when I’m not playing her,” she confessed, describing how putting on Beth’s dresses, boots, and eyeliner helps her fully step into the role.

Personal Experiences Shaping the Role

Reilly also opened up about how her personal life influenced her portrayal of Beth. Before landing the role, she was navigating a period of deep grief and uncertainty.

“I was in a fog,” she said. “Then this character lands in my lap, and she became a life raft for me.” Through Beth, Reilly found strength and a renewed sense of purpose, which she brought to the screen.

The Love Story of Beth and Rip

One of *Yellowstone*’s most beloved dynamics is the relationship between Beth and Rip Wheeler, played by Cole Hauser. Reilly credited Rip’s unwavering support for Beth as a key reason fans adore their love story.

When asked if she’s experienced a similar love in real life, Reilly shared that she has—and it’s her husband of 12 years. The couple met at a wedding in Texas, and Reilly described her marriage as “the most beautiful thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Reilly’s husband has been her rock throughout her career, including her time on *Yellowstone*. “He knew how much Beth meant to me,” she said. “He told me, ‘It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t work—you still get to come home to me.’ That freed me to give it everything.”

A Role That Resonates

For Kelly Reilly, playing Beth Dutton has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. Her dedication to the role, from perfecting the Montana accent to channeling her own emotions, has made Beth an unforgettable character in television history.

Fans can’t wait to see where Reilly takes Beth next, as she continues to bring depth and authenticity to the *Yellowstone* universe.