Could it be that by embodying Beth Dutton, Kelly Reilly has redefined the power of character portrayal on television?
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.
Reilly’s transformation into the fierce character has not merely resonated—it 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 character’s grit.
Kelly Reilly’s 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 Shakespeare’s 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 didn’t know I was Beth. It took me a while to really find her. She’s 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 hadn’t found her yet. So, I don’t know what he saw but I do remember having a wobble moment where I thought I don’t know if I can,‘I’m not sure if I’m gonna be able to pull this off’.
Also, she mentioned that Taylor Sheridan never stopped giving the actress notes on Beth Dutton’s persona, which helped her build the character’s foundation and eventually make her command the Yellowstone story.
How Kelly Reilly Overcame Her Fears Amidst Taylor Sheridan’s Alleged Plot
No, we hadn’t 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 Reilly—and audiences—at the edge of their seats. With an “explosion” 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: ‘Is she going to make it? Are you trying to tell me something?’
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 they’re going to get fired. Everybody always thinks it’s their last shot at it, and they’ll never work again. But, no, everyone was very honest from the get-go, saying, ‘No, no, no. Taylor just wanted everyone to think that they all died.’
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 Dutton’s brush with death to Kayce’s 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.
Yellowstone is available for streaming on Peacock.
