The hit TV series Yellowstone has taken America (and the world) by storm, blending gritty Western storytelling with jaw-dropping landscapes. But fans often wonder: are the cowboys on Yellowstone actually the real deal, or just Hollywood actors dressed in cowboy hats? That’s the burning question we’re about to uncover.
Let’s saddle up and separate fact from fiction.
What Makes a “Real Cowboy” Anyway?
Before we name names, let’s get one thing straight: being a cowboy isn’t about just throwing on boots and riding a horse once or twice. True cowboys live the ranch life — they herd cattle, rope, brand, and spend long, grueling days on horseback. The smell of leather and dust isn’t a costume; it’s part of who they are.
So when we talk about the real cowboys of Yellowstone, we’re looking at cast members who actually live and breathe that lifestyle off-screen, not just on set.
Taylor Sheridan: The Cowboy Mastermind
It’s only fair to start with Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone. He’s not just a Hollywood writer; he’s a working cowboy. Sheridan owns several ranches, including the legendary 6666 Ranch in Texas, where much of Yellowstone’s authenticity is born.
Sheridan grew up riding horses, competing in rodeos, and still spends much of his life training cutting horses. In short: Sheridan isn’t faking it. He’s as cowboy as they come, which explains why the show feels so real.
Kevin Costner as John Dutton – Hollywood Star, Not a Cowboy
Kevin Costner is the face of Yellowstone as John Dutton, the patriarch of the Dutton family. But is he a cowboy in real life? The answer: not really.
Costner grew up in California and made his mark in Hollywood long before saddling up for Yellowstone. That said, Costner does own ranch property and has spent time around horses, especially while filming Westerns like Dances With Wolves. But compared to some of his castmates, he’s more actor than cowboy.
Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler – The Enforcer With Zero Ranching Roots
Fans adore Rip Wheeler, the tough-as-nails ranch foreman. Cole Hauser nails the role, but here’s the truth: Hauser is a Hollywood guy. He didn’t grow up on a ranch, nor does he live the cowboy lifestyle outside of filming.
Still, give credit where it’s due: Hauser embraced cowboy training for the role, spending countless hours learning to ride, rope, and handle cattle. On screen, he feels like the real deal — but behind the scenes, he’s not a working cowboy.
Luke Grimes as Kayce Dutton – From Musician to Cowboy-In-Training
Luke Grimes plays Kayce Dutton, a former Navy SEAL turned ranch hand. But in real life? Grimes is more into music than ranching. He grew up in Ohio and has admitted that ranching wasn’t part of his world.
That said, under Sheridan’s guidance, Grimes has developed real riding skills. He may not have grown up cowboying, but he’s learned enough to look convincing in the saddle.
Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton – The Sharp-Tongued Queen of Yellowstone
Beth is one of the most powerful characters on the show, but here’s the kicker: Kelly Reilly isn’t even American, let alone a cowboy. She’s a British actress with zero ranching background.
Reilly has openly talked about how intimidating it was to learn the ropes on set. While she plays a rancher’s daughter perfectly, off-camera, she’s as far from cowboy life as it gets.
Forrie J. Smith as Lloyd – The Real Deal Cowboy
Now here’s where things get authentic. Forrie J. Smith, who plays Lloyd, isn’t acting — he is a cowboy. Before Yellowstone, Smith worked as a stuntman, rodeo competitor, and ranch hand. He grew up in Montana and has spent decades in the saddle.
When you see Lloyd roping cattle or breaking horses, that’s not a Hollywood trick. That’s Smith doing what he’s done his whole life.
Ryan Bingham as Walker – Musician and Cowboy
Ryan Bingham brings a unique blend to Yellowstone: not only is he a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, but he’s also a cowboy. Bingham grew up in New Mexico and Texas, riding bulls and competing in rodeos.
So when Walker sings around the campfire or swings a rope, it’s authentic. He may be known more for his music, but his cowboy background is 100% real.
Jake Ream – From Behind the Scenes to On Screen
Jake Ream might not be the most famous Yellowstone cast member, but he’s a true cowboy. He originally came to set to help train horses and ensure the cast looked authentic on horseback. Sheridan was so impressed that he gave him a recurring role.
That’s about as cowboy as it gets — he didn’t audition in Hollywood; he earned his spot by being the real deal.
Ethan Lee – Stunt Rider Turned Cowboy Cast Member
Ethan Lee is another authentic addition. He worked as a stuntman and cowboy before joining Yellowstone. He’s got deep ranching roots and was brought in for his skills, not just his acting chops.
Sheridan is known for insisting on authenticity, and Ethan Lee fits that bill perfectly.
Jefferson White as Jimmy – Learning Cowboy Life From Scratch
Jimmy Hurdstrom might be the fan-favorite screw-up, but Jefferson White had zero cowboy experience before Yellowstone. He grew up in Iowa and had never even been on a horse before being cast.
But here’s the cool part: Jimmy’s awkwardness on horseback was real at first, which made the character’s struggles that much more believable. Over time, White has gotten more comfortable with the cowboy lifestyle, but he’s not a cowboy off-screen.
Which Yellowstone Cowboys Are the Real Deal? A Quick Breakdown
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Real Cowboys: Taylor Sheridan, Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd), Ryan Bingham (Walker), Jake Ream, Ethan Lee
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Not Cowboys (But Do a Great Job Acting Like It): Kevin Costner, Cole Hauser, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, Jefferson White
Why Does Yellowstone Feel So Real If Some Cowboys Are Fake?
That’s the magic of Taylor Sheridan. He blends Hollywood talent with real ranch hands to strike a balance. Sheridan requires his actors to attend “cowboy camp,” where they learn the skills needed to look authentic. From riding to roping, the cast trains hard to make sure what you see on screen passes the sniff test.
The Role of Real Cowboys on Set
Beyond the actors, Yellowstone has real wranglers, horse trainers, and stunt riders on set every day. They keep the action grounded in reality. Without them, the show would look like a cheap Western knock-off.
The Takeaway: Who’s Cowboy Enough?
At the end of the day, does it matter if Kevin Costner grew up on a ranch? Not really. His performance as John Dutton is powerful and convincing. But if you’re curious who’s walking the walk and not just talking the talk, the names above tell the story.
Conclusion
Yellowstone may be a scripted drama, but it’s built on a foundation of real cowboy grit. With Taylor Sheridan leading the way, mixing authentic cowboys with skilled actors, the show achieves a balance few Westerns ever pull off.
So, the next time you watch Rip, Lloyd, or Walker saddle up, you’ll know exactly who’s playing cowboy — and who is cowboy.
FAQs
Q1: Did the cast of Yellowstone really go to cowboy camp?
Yes! Taylor Sheridan made the cast attend cowboy training to learn how to rope, ride, and live the lifestyle.
Q2: Is the Yellowstone ranch real?
Yes. The Dutton Ranch is filmed at the Chief Joseph Ranch in Darby, Montana, which you can actually visit.
Q3: Which actor is the most authentic cowboy on Yellowstone?
Forrie J. Smith (Lloyd) is widely considered the most authentic cowboy on the show.
Q4: Does Kevin Costner own a ranch in real life?
Yes, Costner owns ranch land in Colorado, but he isn’t considered a working cowboy.
Q5: Are the rodeo and cattle scenes real on Yellowstone?
Yes. Many scenes use real livestock, real cowboys, and real ranching techniques for authenticity.
