Kelly Reilly has opened up about her initial intimidation and struggles to understand her iconic Yellowstone character, Beth Dutton. Despite not auditioning for the role, she embraced the challenge and will reprise it in an upcoming spin-off. The actress shared these insights in a recent interview.
Initial Impressions and Audition Process
Kelly Reilly first encountered the complex character of Beth Dutton while packing up her apartment. She described the script as laying down 'a bit of a gauntlet,' sparking her interest despite the immediate apprehension it caused. Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, offered her the role without requiring an audition, which left Reilly feeling terrified about how to bring the character to life. 'I didn't even audition,' she recalled. 'Then I was like, 'F**k, I didn't audition.' I was terrified, because I didn't know how I was going to do it. And it took me a minute to find her.'
Personal Contrast with the Character
Reilly emphasized that Beth Dutton is the total opposite of her own personality. Playing the role requires her to suppress her true self, which she finds both energizing and exhausting. 'I love gearing up to play her, because there's an adrenaline to Beth, and it's very energizing,' she explained. 'But it's also incredibly gnarly. I have to hide all of me away to put some of that on. I love her, but I can't live with her.' This dynamic has allowed Reilly to deliver a nuanced performance that has made Beth one of the most memorable figures in the Yellowstone universe.
Future in the Yellowstone Universe
Following the conclusion of Yellowstone's fifth and final season, Reilly will return as Beth in a spin-off series focused on her life with husband Rip Wheeler, portrayed by Cole Hauser. This continuation highlights the enduring impact of the character and Reilly's deep investment in the role.