As the curtain fell on Yellowstone with its much-anticipated 2024 finale, Cole Hauser isn’t slowing down.
Known to millions as Rip Wheeler, the gritty, loyal foreman of the Dutton Ranch, Hauser has taken his cowboy legacy beyond the Paramount Network series—this time into the heart of professional bull riding.
From Rip Wheeler to PBR
Hauser recently directed and starred in a short film for Professional Bull Riders (PBR), premiering during the 2024 PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.
The four-minute spot marked Hauser’s second directorial effort for the league, part of a growing collaboration aimed at expanding the sport’s mainstream visibility.
“Anybody who jumps on a bull is going to have not only talent, but courage,” Hauser told The Hollywood Reporter, recalling his own introduction to bull riding from rodeo legend Ty Murray during the filming of 1998’s Hi-Lo Country.
That early exposure planted the seed for what has now become a full-circle moment. In his PBR campaign, Hauser was granted full creative autonomy.
He sought to highlight underrepresented audiences and celebrate the diversity growing within the sport. “It’s not just middle Americans,” Hauser said. “It’s people on the edges. Everybody loves this sport because of who these athletes are.”
Early Cowboy Roots
Long before Yellowstone, Hauser grew up around horses in Oregon. He reminisced about riding bareback through mountain trails as a child, guided home by a cowbell his mother would ring at day’s end. His early connection to the cowboy lifestyle lends authenticity to his portrayal of Rip and his work with the PBR.
Hauser’s admiration for the sport also extends to the bulls themselves. “They’re treated better than the actual cowboys,” he quipped, noting the animals’ rigorous care routines and training schedules.
Landing ‘Yellowstone’
Hauser’s path was paved by a long-standing relationship with co-creator John Linson. Initially approached for a different role, Hauser was drawn to Rip Wheeler, who appeared in just a few scenes in the pilot. “I love the character,” he said. A phone call with Taylor Sheridan sealed the deal. Over time, the character evolved with input from Hauser and Sheridan’s pen.
Despite his cowboy background, Hauser still had to put in “saddle time” before filming. “There’s nobody naturally good at roping,” he noted. Intensive preparation continued every season, with Hauser arriving in Montana weeks early to train.
The Rip and Beth Phenomenon
The finale of Yellowstone season 5B may have closed one chapter, but it opened the door for another. A potential Rip and Beth spinoff is in development, and Hauser is eager to return alongside co-star Kelly Reilly. “We’re focused on [Rip and Beth’s] relationship and our love together,” he said.
Fans have turned their admiration into permanent tributes—one woman showed Hauser a tattoo of Rip’s face. “That’s a crazy moment,” he said, amused and honored.
Life Outside the Saddle
Hauser balances his Hollywood work with life in Florida, where he’s a full-time father of three. Off-season horseback riding takes a backseat to parenting duties, but the physical demands of playing Rip mean Hauser undergoes a crash course in fitness and horsemanship before every shoot.
Even as he ventures into directing, Hauser remains cautious about juggling both roles. “It’s not easy to do both at a very high level,” he said. But his passion for storytelling is growing. Having worked with some of Hollywood’s top directors, Hauser is eager to apply those lessons behind the camera.
Next Steps with PBR
Following the success of the latest ad, Hauser and PBR CEO Sean Gleason are expected to continue their partnership. While no specific plans are set, the synergy between Hauser and the organization is strong. “There’s some real synergy that will continue for the next couple of years,” he confirmed.
One thing is certain: Hauser won’t be climbing onto another bull. “That will be the last time I’m on a bull,” he laughed. With multiple injuries in his past, Hauser is content to leave the riding to the professionals—and the acting to Rip.
