Kelly Reilly, renowned for her standout role in the hit series Yellowstone, captivates audiences with her portrayal of Beth Dutton, one of television’s most dynamic characters. Beth is a whirlwind of complexity—fierce, cunning, and often ruthless, yet deeply vulnerable and fiercely loyal to those she loves, including her husband Rip and father John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner.
Reilly sat with Wendy Wilkinson for this exclusive COWGIRL interview to learn how the young horse lover raised in England and now a seasoned actress in America, brings her own unique experiences to the character of Beth, whose journey from a broken childhood to a formidable woman is filled with both trauma and strength. A pivotal moment in Beth’s backstory, crafted by series co-creator Taylor Sheridan, explores her estranged relationship with her brother Jamie and the pain of being unable to have children, adding layers to her often harsh demeanor.
Reilly, who also spent a day shooting images on film for this exclusive cover feature with Western landscape and portrait photographer extraordinaire Beau Simmons, describes her time on Yellowstone as a life-changing experience, praising Sheridan for writing a character as richly textured as Beth, who embodies both heroism and complexity. As the show approaches its final episodes, Reilly reflects on the unique challenges and rewards of portraying such a fierce and multidimensional character, one that has resonated deeply with viewers worldwide and solidified her as a force in television drama.