Yellowstone actor found role offered extremely difficult, despite Taylor Sheridan’s claims there was no other replacement

YellowstoneThe critically acclaimed series stars British actress Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, who took on the formidable challenge of playing such a character in the neo-Western landscape.

Reilly’s transformation into a fierce character not only resonated, it resonated for five captivating seasons, becoming the heartbeat of the show for a fervent fanbase. Yellowstone Galloping toward her first Emmy nomination in 2021, it was clear that the intensity Reilly brought to playing Beth Dutton was the key to her runaway success.

In a candid 2022 interview with ET, the 46-year-old actress shared the vulnerability behind her character’s courage.

Kelly Reilly’s Struggle With Taylor Sheridan’s Irreplaceable Role

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of your favorite TV show? Two years ago, Kelly Reilly, who plays the tough, no-nonsense character Beth Dutton in Yellowstonesat down with ET for a candid chat about her iconic character.

The blonde-haired British actress truly made Beth Dutton her own. Taking inspiration from Shakespeare’s Lady Macbeth, Reilly brought depth and complexity to the character that captivated viewers for five breathtaking seasons.

Speaking to ET, the Chessington-born sensation opened up about the challenges she faced playing Beth, admitting she initially had doubts about her ability to tackle a role of this magnitude.

I didn’t know I was Beth. It took me a while to really find her. It’s like getting in a sports car. It was like, how do you go from zero to a hundred in 3 seconds.

But despite his initial reservations, The Biz The actress really shone in the role of Beth Dutton. She added:

And when I first met Sheridan, I hadn’t found it yet. So I don’t know what he saw, but I remember having a moment of hesitation where I thought, I don’t know if I can do it, “I’m not sure I can do it.”

She also mentioned that Taylor Sheridan never stopped giving the actress notes on Beth Dutton’s personality, which helped her build the foundation of the character and allow her to command the Yellowstone history.

How Kelly Reilly Overcame Fears of Taylor Sheridan’s Alleged Plot

No, we didn’t think that Kelly Reilly, with her phenomenal talent, would take the small screen by storm and transform Beth into an icon of strength and complexity, etching her name into the hearts of fans everywhere. Yet, despite her undeniable prowess, the Season 3 finale threw a curveball that kept Reilly – and the audience – on the edge of their seats. With a “blast” scene of the script, fears surfaced about the future of his intense character.

Like a deer caught in the headlights, she approached Taylor Sheridan with apprehension, fearing the worst (via Elle):

When I got the script for the explosion, I obviously asked Taylor Sheridan, “Is she going to make it? Are you trying to tell me something?”

But like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds, Sheridan reassured Reilly that Beth Dutton would survive the blast. It was just a moment of suspense, a clever strategy to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. And she did, as did the rest of the Dutton family.

Reflecting on the experience, Reilly admitted that every actor has to deal with the fear of being fired at some point in their career. It’s a constant battle against insecurity and self-doubt, a feeling that no amount of success can completely extinguish.

I think every actor thinks they’re going to get fired. Everybody thinks it’s their last chance and they’re never going to work again. But no, everybody was very honest from the beginning, saying, “No, no, no. Taylor just wanted everybody to think they were all dead.”

But in the end, she emerged with a new sense of confidence, knowing that her place in the Yellowstone The universe was safe.

The Season 3 finale was a whirlwind of emotions, with the fate of the Dutton family hanging in the balance. From John Dutton’s near-death experience to Kayce’s fight 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 air on November 10, 2024.

Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock.