Beth Dutton, the fierce and unrelenting character from Yellowstone, has become an iconic figure in the world of television. Portrayed by Kelly Reilly, Beth is known for her sharp wit, brutal honesty, and fiery personality. But even the actress who has brought this unforgettable character to life has a few things she doesn’t quite love about Beth. Most notably, it’s Beth’s smoking habit—a vice that Kelly Reilly has expressed she would like to see the character leave behind. In a candid interview, Reilly shared her thoughts on why Beth’s chain-smoking is something she hopes to see change in the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff series centered around Beth and Rip.
Beth Dutton’s Smoking Habit: A Character Trait with a Dark Side
Beth Dutton’s smoking habit is one of the most recognizable aspects of her character. In nearly every episode of Yellowstone, viewers see Beth with a cigarette in hand—often in high-stress moments or when she’s contemplating her next move in the complicated world she inhabits. It has almost become a symbol of her defiance, toughness, and rebellion against the norms that society often tries to impose on her. Smoking fits the image of a woman who has been through unimaginable pain and trauma and uses it as a coping mechanism. But is it a trait that will continue to define her?
In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Kelly Reilly opened up about her personal dislike for the smoking aspect of her character. While many fans have come to associate Beth with her iconic cigarette, Reilly admitted that it’s one part of the role she doesn’t enjoy. She explained that, even though the cigarettes used on set are herbal and not real tobacco products, the act of smoking still has an unpleasant effect on her body.
“I hope she gives up smoking one day,” Reilly revealed, expressing a hope for Beth’s future that doesn’t include the destructive habit. “She smokes—they’re herbal cigarettes, and I hate smoking them so much. There’s still smoke going in your face and your throat. But I want Beth to want to live and smoking, the way she does it, is so extreme and it’s gonna kill her. So, I want her to find a reason to be like ‘I love my life, life is beautiful.’”
This statement sheds light on Reilly’s personal feelings about her character and shows a level of empathy toward Beth’s well-being. As the actress who has inhabited Beth’s persona for so long, Reilly’s desire to see Beth grow beyond her destructive habits reflects her hope for a more optimistic future for the character.
Why Kelly Reilly Wants Beth to Quit Smoking
Beth Dutton’s smoking is more than just a bad habit—it’s a part of the character’s psychological makeup. Smoking represents Beth’s defiance and her struggle with her past. The trauma she’s faced, including the loss of her mother, a tumultuous relationship with her father, and the complex dynamics with her brother Jamie, has created a woman who uses her vices to mask her pain. The cigarettes have become part of her identity. They’re a shield, a way to cope with the weight of the world that seems to always be on her shoulders.
However, as Kelly Reilly pointed out, Beth’s smoking doesn’t align with the direction she hopes the character will take. While it’s understandable that Beth clings to this vice as a way to handle the chaos in her life, it’s clear that Reilly believes the character deserves more than just self-destructive habits.
Reilly expressed her desire for Beth to have a moment of self-reflection and growth, especially as she enters a new chapter of her life. With the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff series focusing on Beth and Rip’s relationship, Reilly sees this as an opportunity for Beth to evolve. Quitting smoking could be a symbolic gesture for her growth as a character, signaling that she has finally found peace and acceptance in her life. Smoking, which has been her constant companion through much of the pain she’s experienced, could be something she leaves behind as she moves forward.
Beth Dutton’s Growth and the Spinoff Opportunity
The idea of Beth Dutton quitting smoking ties into a larger narrative of personal growth. Over the course of Yellowstone, fans have watched as Beth battled with her demons, often using her fiery personality and tough exterior to protect herself from the vulnerabilities underneath. She’s been a woman hardened by life, but also one who has shown a deep capacity for love and loyalty, particularly when it comes to Rip. Their relationship, which has been one of the most compelling aspects of Yellowstone, is set to take center stage in the upcoming spinoff.
In the new series, fans will have the chance to see Beth and Rip explore their relationship further. It’s clear that this spinoff will delve into their dynamics and how they navigate their future together. For Beth, this is a chance to leave behind some of her old habits—like smoking—and embrace a new life with Rip by her side. As Reilly noted, smoking is ultimately a self-destructive behavior that doesn’t align with Beth’s desire to truly live a fulfilling life. A potential evolution for her character could involve kicking this habit and finding healthier ways to cope with the complexities of her world.
The Yellowstone universe has already proven itself to be full of powerful character arcs, and Beth’s story is no exception. Whether or not she quits smoking, it’s likely that the spinoff will show her attempting to break free from the cycles of pain and addiction that have defined much of her life. The possibility of Beth letting go of her cigarettes symbolizes a fresh start, one that could come alongside her newfound happiness with Rip.
Beth’s Legacy on Yellowstone and Beyond
Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton has left a lasting impression on Yellowstone fans. From her sharp one-liners to her fierce loyalty to the Dutton family, Beth has become one of the most unforgettable characters on television. Reilly’s performance has given the character incredible depth, and her vulnerability has allowed viewers to see the complexity of a woman who is both a product of her circumstances and a force of nature in her own right.
While Reilly may not enjoy smoking the herbal cigarettes on set, her portrayal of Beth would not be the same without this defining character trait. Smoking has been a significant part of who Beth is—yet, as Reilly has expressed, there’s always room for growth. As the story of Beth and Rip continues, whether on Yellowstone or in the spinoff, fans will surely watch with great anticipation to see how Beth evolves.
As we prepare for the next chapter in the Dutton family saga, it’s clear that Beth’s journey is far from over. With her fiery personality and sharp wit, she remains one of Yellowstone’s most captivating characters. But, as Kelly Reilly hopes, there could be a new version of Beth—a version that finds peace and happiness, and perhaps even kicks the smoking habit that has long defined her.
Conclusion: The Hope for Beth’s Evolution
Beth Dutton’s smoking habit has been one of her defining traits on Yellowstone, but Kelly Reilly’s candid remarks about wishing Beth would quit highlight her hope for the character’s growth. As the spinoff series focusing on Beth and Rip’s relationship draws closer, there’s a possibility that Beth may evolve in ways fans never expected, potentially including letting go of the destructive habits that have held her back. No matter where her story goes, one thing is for sure: Beth Dutton’s legacy on Yellowstone will remain unforgettable.
