Taylor Sheridan is more than just the creator of “Yellowstone.” He’s a real-life cowboy, an award-nominated screenwriter, and the owner of one of Texas’ most iconic ranches. As the mastermind behind his very own TV universe, Sheridan has redefined the modern Western and brought ranch life into the mainstream. But who is the man behind the camera and the cowboy hat?
Taylor Sheridan Began His Hollywood Career as an Actor
Born in North Carolina but raised in Fort Worth, Sheridan spent much of his youth on a family ranch in Cranfills Gap, Texas. He is a graduate of Paschal High School, but he didn’t have any Hollywood ambitions early on. Instead, his childhood dream was to be a small-town sheriff. That all changed after a talent scout spotted him in Austin.
Sheridan started his career as an actor and landed small roles throughout the 90s and 00s. Many fans may recognize him from his most notable role, Deputy David Hale, in “Sons of Anarchy.” But two seasons into that show, amid frustrations with his pay rate and his place on the call sheet, Sheridan discovered his true talent was behind the scenes.
After leaving “Sons,” he quickly broke out as a screenwriter with critically acclaimed films like “Sicario” and “Hell or High Water.” He also wrote and directed “Wind River.” He then took a leap into television in 2018 with the launch of “Yellowstone.” Starring Kevin Costner as John Dutton, the show became a cultural phenomenon and spawned several successful prequels and spinoffs. And every single one was created or co-created by Sheridan.
Inside the ‘Yellowstone’ Creator’s Real-Life Ranch Life
While “Yellowstone” is fiction, Sheridan’s cowboy credentials are very real. After signing a nine-figure deal with Paramount, he bought the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in West Texas. He now owns and operates the sprawling 266,000-acre working ranch that raises top-tier quarter horses and cattle. It’s not just a backdrop for his shows, it’s also his home and passion.
Sheridan is often spotted on horseback, working cattle or training horses himself. His hands-on ranch lifestyle sets him apart from typical Hollywood creatives, adding authenticity to everything he writes and produces.
The Four Sixes even appeared in “Yellowstone” season 4, and Sheridan has plans for an entire spinoff series centered around the ranch. But he’s not stopping at TV. The 55-year-old is also developing consumer products like Four Sixes-branded beef, beer, and possibly even trucks.
The Future of ‘Yellowstone’ and Taylor Sheridan’s Texas Legacy
With multiple shows airing and several more in development, Sheridan is showing no signs of slowing down. His work continues to shine a spotlight on Fort Worth, where he lives with his wife Nicole and son Gus, and he frequently films on location in North Texas. Despite his growing influence in the entertainment world, Sheridan remains focused on his ranch and community.
“I think a sense of home and a place being such a part of my stories comes from not having one for a minute,” he told FWTX. “Now that I have a home, I never want to leave it.”
All five seasons of “Yellowstone” are streaming on Peacock. The rest of the Sheridan TV universe is available on Paramount+.
