Yellowstone, the critically acclaimed series, stars British actress Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, who rose to the formidable challenge of playing such a character in the neo-western landscape.
Reillyβs transformation into the fierce character has not merely resonatedβit has reverberated across five engrossing seasons, becoming the heartbeat of the series for a fervent fanbase. With Yellowstone galloping to its first Emmy nomination in 2021, it was clear that the intensity Reilly put into playing the role of Beth Dutton was key to its soaring success.
In a candid 2022 interview with ET, the 46-year-old actress shared the vulnerability behind her characterβs grit.
Kelly Reillyβs Struggle with the Role Deemed Irreplaceable by Taylor Sheridan
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite show? Two years ago, Kelly Reilly, who plays the tough, no-nonsense character Beth Dutton in Yellowstone, sat down with ET for an upfront conversation about her iconic character.
The fair-haired British actress has truly made Beth Dutton her own. Drawing inspiration from Shakespeareβs Lady Macbeth, Reilly has brought depth and complexity to the character that has spellbound viewers for five staggering seasons.
During her chat with ET, the Chessington-born sensation opened up about the challenges she faced in portraying Beth, admitting that she initially had doubts about tackling a role of this magnitude.
I didnβt know I was Beth. It took me a while to really find her. Sheβs like stepping into a sports car. It was like, how do I go from naught to a hundred in 3 seconds.
But despite her initial reservations, The Biz actress has truly shone as Beth Dutton. She further stated:
And when I first met [Sheridan], I hadnβt found her yet. So, I donβt know what he saw but I do remember having a wobble moment where I thought I donβt know if I can,βIβm not sure if Iβm gonna be able to pull this offβ.
Also, she mentioned that Taylor Sheridan never stopped giving the actress notes on Beth Duttonβs persona, which helped her build the characterβs foundation and eventually make her command the Yellowstone story.
How Kelly Reilly Overcame Her Fears Amidst Taylor Sheridanβs Alleged Plot
No, we hadnβt thought that Kelly Reilly, with her phenomenal talent, would take the small screen by storm & transform Beth into an icon of strength and complexity, etching her name in the hearts of fans worldwide. Yet, despite her undeniable prowess, the season 3 finale threw a curveball that had Reillyβand audiencesβat the edge of their seats. With an βexplosionβ scene in the script, fears surfaced about the future of her intense character.
Like a deer caught in the headlights, she approached Taylor Sheridan with trepidation, fearing the worst (via Elle):
When I got the script for the explosion, of course, I asked [Taylor Sheridan] the question: βIs she going to make it? Are you trying to tell me something?β
But like a ray of sunshine breaking through the storm clouds, Sheridan reassured Reilly that Beth Dutton would survive the explosion. It was just a cliffhanger moment, a clever ploy to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. And survive she did, along with the rest of the Dutton family.
As Reilly reflected on the experience, she confessed that every actor grapples with the fear of being fired at some point in their career. It was a constant battle of insecurity and self-doubt, a feeling that no amount of success could fully extinguish.
I think every actor thinks theyβre going to get fired. Everybody always thinks itβs their last shot at it, and theyβll never work again. But, no, everyone was very honest from the get-go, saying, βNo, no, no. Taylor just wanted everyone to think that they all died.β
But in the end, she emerged with a newfound sense of confidence, knowing that her place in the Yellowstone universe was secure.
The season 3 finale was a rollercoaster of emotions, with the fate of the Dutton family hanging in the balance. From John Duttonβs brush with death to Kayceβs battle for survival, the atmosphere was tense. And yet, when the dust settled, it was clear that the Dutton family tree had weathered the storm. They had faced the storm head-on and emerged stronger than ever.
Yellowstone Season 2, Part 2 will premiere on November 10, 2024.