As the curtain begins to close on the hit series Yellowstone, Cole Hauser, who plays the beloved Rip Wheeler, has shared his feelings about bidding farewell to the show that captured the hearts of millions. While he expresses his deep appreciation for the incredible cast and crew, Hauser teases fans with a glimmer of hope about what might lie ahead.
A Bittersweet Goodbye to the Yellowstone Family
In a recent interview, Hauser opened up about his experience on the set of Yellowstone, describing the cast as an “unbelievable” group of people. Over the course of five seasons, the Yellowstone team has become like a second family for Hauser, and saying goodbye isn’t easy.
“I’m going to miss everybody,” Hauser admitted. “It’s been an incredible journey to be a part of this show, and working with such talented people has been a privilege.”
From his on-screen romance with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) to his unwavering loyalty to John Dutton (Kevin Costner), Rip Wheeler has become one of Yellowstone’s most iconic characters. Hauser’s portrayal of the stoic yet fiercely protective ranch foreman has made him a fan favorite.
Reflecting on Rip Wheeler’s Legacy
For Hauser, playing Rip has been a transformative experience. “Rip is such a unique character. He’s tough but deeply loyal and loves with all his heart,” Hauser explained. “He’s a guy who doesn’t say much, but when he does, it matters. Getting to bring that to life was something special.”
Rip’s relationship with Beth has been one of the most compelling aspects of the series. The fiery, no-holds-barred dynamic between the two characters captivated fans, who rooted for their love story despite the chaos around them. Hauser credits much of the magic to his co-star, Kelly Reilly.
“Kelly is an incredible actress, and working with her has been one of the highlights of my career,” Hauser said. “Beth and Rip’s story is messy, raw, and beautiful—just like real love often is.”
Teasing What’s Next
As Yellowstone nears its conclusion, Hauser is careful not to reveal too much about the show’s ending. However, he has hinted at the possibility of continuing to work in the Yellowstone universe.
“We’ll see what’s next,” Hauser teased. “Taylor [Sheridan] has created such a rich world with so many interesting characters. You never know where that could lead.”
With the Yellowstone franchise expanding to include prequels like 1883 and 1923, as well as the upcoming 6666 spinoff, there’s plenty of room for new stories to emerge. Fans are already speculating about whether Rip Wheeler could make an appearance in future installments.
The End of an Era
For both fans and cast members, the end of Yellowstone marks the conclusion of an era. Since its debut in 2018, the series has become a cultural phenomenon, redefining the modern Western genre and amassing a dedicated following.
Hauser acknowledges the impact of the show, not just on audiences but on his own career. “Yellowstone has been a life-changing experience,” he said. “It brought me into people’s living rooms in a way I never expected. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of something that means so much to so many people.”
A Message to the Fans
As Hauser reflects on his time with Yellowstone, he’s quick to express his gratitude to the fans who have supported the show from the beginning.
“The fans are the reason we’re here,” he said. “Their passion, love, and commitment to these characters and this story are what kept us going. I can’t thank them enough for being a part of this journey with us.”
Looking Ahead
While the end of Yellowstone marks a significant chapter closing for Hauser, it’s clear that his journey as an actor is far from over. Whether Rip Wheeler’s story continues in some form or Hauser takes on new roles, fans can rest assured that he’ll bring the same level of depth and authenticity to whatever comes next.
For now, Hauser is focused on savoring the final moments of Yellowstone and celebrating the incredible cast and crew that made it all possible. “I’ll always look back on this time with great memories,” he said. “It’s been a hell of a ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing.”
As Yellowstone prepares to air its final episodes, fans will undoubtedly cherish every moment of Rip Wheeler’s journey, knowing that the character—and Cole Hauser’s unforgettable performance—will remain an enduring part of the show’s legacy. And who knows? In the ever-expanding Yellowstone universe, we might not have seen the last of Rip just yet.
