The relationship between fan-favorite couple Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, played by actors Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser respectively, has become one of the cornerstones of “Yellowstone.” Before landing the role on the hit series, Reilly had a number of notable parts, but her foul-mouth turn on the hit Paramount series was a breakthrough. “Beth is the most challenging role I’ve ever had to play,” Reilly told The Wrap in May. From early on, Reilly was dedicated to the character. “I kept to myself the first couple of years, just sort of hid in the role,” she added.
During the Season 4 finale, the romance between Beth and Rip took center stage as the long-time partners tied the knot in a whirlwind wedding that involved Beth kidnapping a priest to perform the ceremony. “I mean the way it went down was pretty wild … I thought it was pretty touching in the end,” Hauser told Entertainment Tonight in January, when discussing the nuptials. Reilly particularly enjoyed how her character managed to put the ceremony together. “I love their wedding, and it’s just so typical Beth,” she added.
Although the pair found great chemistry working together, they were quick to credit series creator Taylor Sheridan for writing such dynamic characters. “I think Taylor did just a fantastic job of putting these two kids together,” Hauser told CinemaBlend in 2021. The actor has also said that a real-life relationship impacted his work with Reilly.
Cole Hauser draws from his real-life marriage
Creating an iconic couple did not come as a fluke for Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser. The two drew on real-life chemistry to develop their characters. “Oh, Cole’s my buddy. We’re such good friends,” the “True Detective” actor told Looper in 2021. In fact, not only are the two “Yellowstone” stars friends, but they have forged relationships with each other’s spouses. “We trust each other. I’ve been married for ten years, and he’s been married forever, and his wife’s incredible and wonderful. We’re all friends,” Reilly added.
Hauser has echoed his co-star’s sentiments. He married actor Cynthia Daniel in 2006, and has discussed how real-life marriage has impacted in on-screen one. “I feel like the stuff with Kelly and I, there’s some moments in there certainly I’ve been able to kind of use from my own relationship,” Hauser told Entertainment Tonight in January. “I couldn’t ask for a better partner,” he said, referring to Reilly.
Both “Yellowstone” stars have mentioned how their connection has allowed them to push the boundaries of Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler’s romance. “As far as Kelly and I and our relationship, not only on screen but off screen … I just feel free with her to do whatever we want to do as creative souls,” Hauser told Deadline in February, and he hopes the partnership will continue. “I want to do another five years, at least.” The on-screen electricity has led to a bond between the two actors.
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser share sweet Instagram posts
Kelly Reilly and Cole Hauser are so convincing as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler that most fans are likely unsurprised to learn that the actors get along so well in real life. What may surprise “Yellowstone” viewers, however, is how different Reilly is from her on-screen persona. “She is one of the sweetest people and sweetest actors. She has to go so far to get to Beth,” Wes Bentley, who plays her adopted brother Jamie Dutton on the show, told CinemaBlend in 2021. Hauser had similarly kind words for Reilly, and during their run as one of TV’s most celebrated couples, he has been quick to heap praise on his on-screen wife in interviews. “She’s one of my favorite actresses I’ve ever worked with, and working with her on this relationship has just been so much fun,” he told CinemaBlend.
Hauser’s affection for his “Yellowstone” co-star has extended beyond interviews, as he has often been effusive on social media. “I enjoy so much working with this wonderful creative being @mzkellyreilly,” the “Good Will Hunting” actor wrote on Instagram in 2021 alongside a still from the show of Rip Wheeler embracing Beth Dutton. Reilly has also embraced their on-screen romance, posting multiple shots from the series on her Instagram, including a January post of the two characters sharing a kiss.