For fans of Yellowstone, Kelly Reilly is synonymous with Beth Dutton, the razor-sharp, bourbon-drinking, fiercely loyal daughter of John Dutton. But recently, viewers were stunned to discover that the actress behind the Montana rancher has a completely different natural voice — a British accent!
Reilly’s real-life speaking voice has left fans in awe, with many admitting they had no idea she wasn’t American. This revelation, brought to light during her appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, showcases not only her acting prowess but also the meticulous work that goes into perfecting a character like Beth Dutton.
The Surprise That Left Everyone Talking
Kelly Reilly, who has played Beth since Yellowstone premiered in 2018, has captivated audiences with her portrayal of the bold and unapologetically tough Dutton daughter. Reilly’s ability to embody the Montana-native character so convincingly is a testament to her talent and dedication.
During her recent appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, Reilly casually spoke in her natural British accent, leaving both Drew Barrymore and fans at home utterly shocked.
“I would have never guessed you had an accent!” Barrymore exclaimed, summing up the thoughts of many viewers. Reilly, with a laugh, credited her dialect coach, Jessica Drake, for helping her master Beth’s Montana drawl.
The Art Behind Beth’s Montana Accent
Perfecting Beth Dutton’s accent was no small feat. Reilly explained during the interview that the process required meticulous effort, particularly because Beth isn’t your typical ranch hand.
“We were really going for a Montana accent, but she’s educated. She’s from a very, very wealthy ranching family,” Reilly said. “I wasn’t going to go, like, ‘Howdy, ma’am.’”
Instead, the goal was to strike a balance between Beth’s ranching roots and her sophisticated upbringing. Reilly worked closely with Jessica Drake to refine the accent, ensuring it felt authentic yet unique to Beth’s character.
But it wasn’t just the dialect that required attention. Reilly also crafted Beth’s vocal quality, adding layers of grit to match the character’s personality.
“For Beth, it was more about the voice,” Reilly noted. “She smokes a little bit. She drinks a lot of bourbon. She has a rasp.”
Drawing Inspiration from Kevin Costner
In her quest to perfect Beth’s voice, Reilly admitted to borrowing inspiration from Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton, her on-screen father.
“I listened to Kevin a lot because he really deepened his voice for John Dutton, so I just stole it. I just copied him,” she revealed.
This attention to detail has paid off, with fans universally praising Reilly’s portrayal of Beth. Her ability to disappear into the role has made it all the more surprising to learn she’s British.
Fans React: “My Brain Is Fighting Her Voice”
The revelation of Reilly’s British roots has sent Yellowstone fans into a frenzy. A clip from her Drew Barrymore Show interview was shared on TikTok, sparking widespread amazement.
One commenter summed up the collective disbelief: “My brain is fighting her voice/accent… it just isn’t registering that she doesn’t naturally speak like Beth.”
Another fan wrote, “I didn’t know she was English,” while many others echoed similar sentiments of surprise and admiration.
For many viewers, it’s a testament to Reilly’s skill that her natural voice feels so disconnected from Beth’s persona.
Kelly Reilly: A Master of Transformation
Kelly Reilly’s performance as Beth Dutton is just one example of her ability to completely immerse herself in a role. Before Yellowstone, Reilly had already made a name for herself in film and television, appearing in projects like Pride & Prejudice, Sherlock Holmes, and Flight.
Her knack for disappearing into her characters is part of what makes her so compelling to watch. Whether she’s playing a Victorian aristocrat or a modern-day rancher, Reilly’s dedication to her craft shines through.
Why Fans Love Beth Dutton
Part of the fascination with Kelly Reilly’s accent stems from the immense popularity of Beth Dutton as a character.
Beth is one of Yellowstone’s most dynamic figures, known for her sharp wit, fearlessness, and fierce loyalty to her family. Her unapologetic attitude and refusal to back down have made her a fan favorite, while her vulnerability adds depth to her fiery exterior.
Reilly’s nuanced portrayal brings Beth to life in a way that feels real and raw, making her one of the standout characters on the show.
The Broader Impact of Reilly’s Performance
Reilly’s ability to convincingly portray Beth as an American rancher underscores the transformative power of acting. It also highlights the importance of dialect coaching in creating believable characters.
Her success in Yellowstone has not only endeared her to fans but also solidified her as one of the most talented actresses of her generation.
Final Thoughts
Kelly Reilly’s real-life British accent may have shocked Yellowstone fans, but it’s a testament to her extraordinary skill as an actress. Her transformation into Beth Dutton — from her Montana twang to her gritty voice — is a masterclass in character work.
For fans, the surprise of hearing Reilly’s natural voice only adds to the appreciation of her performance. It’s not every day that an actor can fully convince audiences they are someone else entirely, but Reilly has done just that with her portrayal of Beth.
As the final season of Yellowstone unfolds, one thing is clear: Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton will remain iconic, accent and all.
