The Yellowstone universe is known for its high-stakes drama, emotional twists, and, of course, unforgettable character arcs. One of the most beloved actors to grace the series, Denim Richards, has bid farewell to his role as Colby Mayfield in the show’s fifth season. His exit was marked by a heroic act that left fans heartbroken and reflective on how the show’s journey is coming to a close.
In this article, we’ll dive into Richards’ journey with Yellowstone, the emotional weight behind his departure, and the powerful final moments of his character, Colby Mayfield.
Denim Richards Reflects on His Time as Colby Mayfield
Richards’ character, Colby Mayfield, has been a part of Yellowstone since Season 1. Initially, he appeared in a recurring role as one of the cowboys working on the Dutton ranch, but as the seasons progressed, Colby became a more integral part of the story. Fans grew to love Colby for his tough yet warm personality, and his unwavering loyalty to the Dutton family.
Throughout the years, Colby navigated many challenges and faced moments of loss and struggle. However, his loyalty to the Duttons, especially Rip (Cole Hauser) and Beth (Kelly Reilly), remained steadfast. His journey reached its tragic conclusion in Season 5, Episode 12, titled “Counting Coup.”
In a heroic moment, Colby saved Carter (Finn Little), Beth and Rip’s adopted son, from a wild, out-of-control horse. Despite the chaos of the moment, Colby’s quick thinking and bravery were evident. Tragically, this act of heroism cost him his life, marking the emotional end of his arc.
In an interview with TheWrap, Richards expressed gratitude for his time on the show. He shared the immense pride he felt in being part of such an iconic series, saying, “Everything good ends.” Despite the emotional toll of leaving the show, Richards was thankful for the opportunity to grow as an actor and for the relationships he built on set. For Richards, Yellowstone was more than just a job—it was a life-changing experience.
The Heartfelt Goodbye: How Richards Learned of His Exit
As with many actors in Yellowstone, Richards had no idea when he would leave the series or how his character’s story would end. In May, Richards received the news of Colby’s departure, and while the shock was intense, he understood the decision as part of the greater narrative arc of the show.
“I found out in May. I was coming back from the US/Africa Business Summit in Dallas and I got the call,” Richards shared in his interview. “As humans, we have our pride, and the ego that’s like, ‘What?’ But when you come down from that, you realize that our job is to service the story. That’s what we’re hired to do. We are a thread in a massive tapestry.”
For Richards, the emotional rollercoaster that followed was tough. He had to keep Colby’s fate a secret while doing interviews, and he often found himself stuck between not being able to talk about his character’s future while promoting the show. Despite this challenge, Richards trusted the process, which is a key theme in Yellowstone. It’s a show built on character development, loyalty, and sacrifice—and Colby’s exit embodied all of those elements.
The Heroic Exit: Colby’s Final Moment
Shooting Colby’s final scene wasn’t easy, and Richards recalls the emotional experience of filming it. The scene, which involved Colby saving Carter from a wild horse, was physically demanding, especially with a real horse involved. Richards had to face the emotional weight of the moment while also ensuring the scene was executed safely and realistically.
“We had a real horse in the stall that’s massive. It’s like hitting its head on top of the thing if it bucks up, you know. It was interesting because on the day we were actually going to shoot the scene, I’m going through all these personal emotions. Last time I’m going to be driving to the ranch…,” Richards explained, describing the difficulty of keeping his emotions in check while filming.
However, as with any true professional, Richards ultimately focused on the job at hand. Despite the emotional impact, he performed the scene with the same dedication and commitment that fans had come to expect from him. Richards didn’t want the weight of the final scene to overshadow the collective effort of the cast and crew who had worked so hard to bring the show to life over the years.
The delay in shooting the scene due to weather didn’t make it any easier. “We had a one hour delay, then two hours, then three, and then five hours,” Richards recalled. “And then we’re not shooting the scene today, and they’re like, ‘Come back in two weeks.’” Despite these delays, Richards remained professional and trusted the process, knowing that in the end, the scene would come together as part of Yellowstone’s intricate storytelling.
Taylor Sheridan’s Approach: Minimal Direction, Maximum Trust
One unique aspect of Yellowstone is Taylor Sheridan’s approach to directing. Known for giving his actors a great deal of freedom to explore their characters, Sheridan trusts his cast to bring their own interpretations to the role. Richards revealed that, unlike many directors who give detailed instructions, Sheridan preferred to let the actors take charge of their characters and their arcs.
“Taylor has a lot of things going on. Taylor has maybe six or seven shows on at the same time,” Richards explained. “Part of the navigation of this show is that Taylor put together a group of actors that he doesn’t have to babysit or coddle. He trusts us with building these characters out, and if we get too far off track, he’ll bring us in.”
This level of trust creates an environment where actors are empowered to make bold choices, and it’s clear that Richards felt this freedom throughout his time on the show. It allowed him to craft a complex and memorable character in Colby Mayfield, one that fans would cherish until the very end.
What Did Richards Think of Colby’s Final Episode?
Richards admitted that he didn’t watch the full episode of Colby’s final scene right away. He saw parts of it during ADR (automated dialogue replacement) and wanted to experience the episode in full when the time was right. “I just didn’t want to engage,” he said. “I watched a snippet of everything in its totality earlier, and I was like, ‘Wow.’ It had some very beautiful moments.”
In typical Yellowstone fashion, the show wrapped up Colby’s arc in a poignant way, with Richards reflecting on how beautifully everything came together. “It was just beautiful, the music, and again, in classic Taylor form, you just trust the process,” he said. “He ties it all together.”
Conclusion: Denim Richards’ Legacy as Colby Mayfield
Denim Richards’ departure from Yellowstone marks the end of an era for the show’s fans. Colby Mayfield was a character who represented loyalty, courage, and the spirit of the American cowboy. While his exit was tragic, it was also heroic, reflecting the values that Yellowstone celebrates—family, sacrifice, and selflessness.
Richards’ journey from a recurring cowboy to a beloved series regular is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the incredible opportunity he had to grow alongside his co-stars and the show’s massive success. As the final episodes of Yellowstone unfold, Richards’ impact will be felt long after his character’s death.
Fans can take solace in the fact that while Colby’s story has ended, Denim Richards’ future in Hollywood is only just beginning. Whether or not he returns to the Yellowstone universe or ventures into new projects, Richards’ time on the show has certainly cemented his place in TV history.
