Cole Hauser’s portrayal of Rip Wheeler on “Yellowstone” has become one of the most defining elements of the hit Paramount Network series throughout its five-season run. However, the actor’s journey with his character was initially filled with uncertainty, as he believed Rip would be “so hated” by viewers.
Hauser’s role as the jaded ranch foreman began with Rip’s troubled past, having killed his stepfather to protect his mother before being taken in by John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and raised as a cowboy. Rip’s character is known for his loyalty to the Dutton family and his readiness to use violence when necessary, making him a complex and compelling figure.
Despite Rip’s rough exterior, Hauser was surprised by the character’s popularity, especially among women. In an interview with People, he recalled, “At first, to see women coming up and saying, ‘Oh my God, I love your character.’ I was thinking, ‘What’s wrong with you?’” However, as the show gained popularity, Hauser began to understand the appeal of Rip’s “bad boy” persona. He noted, “I see the bad boy kind of thing that they love.”
Hauser’s portrayal of Rip has been praised for its emotional depth and complexity. He explained, “What makes [Rip] special is that he has an unbelievable heart too… His loyalty is to not only the Dutton family, but to Beth [Dutton portrayed by Kelly Reilly] and his kindness, other than wanting to kill people at times, is just, to me, it’s the best of both worlds to be able to play.”
One of the aspects that attracted Hauser to the role was Rip’s complexity, which he believes is a common trait among the “bad guys” he has played throughout his career. “I think that’s what’s the scariest part… he is just that kind of animal,” Hauser said.
Hauser credits creator Taylor Sheridan for giving Rip “wonderful colors” throughout the show’s five seasons, allowing him to explore different facets of the character. He adds, “You look for colors in characters, and Taylor, in the last five seasons, has given Rip those wonderful colors.”
As “Yellowstone” prepares to conclude with its final season – finally, Hauser gave fans a nugget to bring interest to the final episodes, stating, “The fans are going to get the [best] conclusion that could possibly be written… Everything will land in a way that is perfectly set.”
It will be interesting to see if fans come back in the same numbers that watched the beginning of season five. November 2022 was the last time viewers were drawn in to see what was going to happen. Two years is a long time to wait for a show’s finale.