Taylor Sheridan’s Yellowstone has captivated audiences with its intense storylines, rugged landscapes, and complex relationships. Among the show’s most dynamic and volatile pairings is the relationship between Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly). Their on-screen romance, filled with passion and turbulence, has fueled some of the series’ most unforgettable moments. Yet, according to Hauser, the actors behind these characters are worlds apart from the roles they portray.
Rip and Beth: Soulmates With Flaws
In an interview with Awards Daily, Hauser shared his perspective on what makes Rip and Beth such a compelling couple. “They were meant for each other, 1000%. They are soulmates, for good or bad,” Hauser stated. He acknowledged their relationship is far from perfect, which resonates with audiences who understand that imperfection is often part of real-life love stories.
Hauser credited the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, for crafting two deeply layered characters. “Taylor has written two characters that have a lot of different colors in them, and it depends on what day it is as to what color you’re going to get,” Hauser explained. This unpredictability keeps viewers invested, showcasing a partnership that is as complicated as it is captivating.
Admiration for Kelly Reilly’s Dedication
Despite their fiery on-screen chemistry, Hauser emphasized that he and Kelly Reilly are nothing like Rip and Beth in real life. He expressed deep respect for Reilly’s dedication to her role, saying, “I’ve said a thousand times, she’s this really wonderful human being from England. But I think she obviously loves the character that she’s playing.”
Reilly’s portrayal of Beth as a fiercely unapologetic and volatile character has made her one of the most formidable figures in the Dutton family. Hauser praised her ability to consistently bring the character’s intensity to life. “She loves the challenge of it,” Hauser added.
For Hauser, the ability to shift from intense action scenes to tender emotional moments is part of what makes working with Reilly so rewarding. “I love the challenge of going from one episode killing people to the next episode sitting on the porch with her having an emotional moment,” Hauser shared. This range has allowed the actors to explore a spectrum of emotions, enriching the complexity of their characters.
The Power of Performance
What makes Rip and Beth’s relationship so memorable is the actors’ commitment to their craft. Hauser and Reilly’s ability to push their characters to the limit ensures that every scene is unpredictable and emotionally charged. While the couple may be soulmates on-screen, Hauser reminds fans that their real-life personalities couldn’t be more different.
As Yellowstone continues to explore the trials and tribulations of life on the Dutton Ranch, Rip and Beth remain one of television’s most compelling couples — a testament to the talent of the actors who bring them to life.
Yellowstone returns with more drama and passion, available now on Paramount Network.
