There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Yellowstone. For the past four years now, the Paramount Network‘s Western drama has been spurring television audiences all over the world — thanks to fan-favorite Rip Wheeler AKA Cole Hauser.
In the same way that Rip exudes an air of mystery, very little is known about the real-life man in black, Cole Hauser. So in order to become better acquainted with America’s favorite TV cowboy, here are 15 facts about Cole that every true fan should know.
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Cole’s family is royalty in the entertainment world
Cole’s great-grandfather was Harry M. Warner, one of the co-founders of Warner Bros. Studios. His mother, Cass, is the founder of the Warner Sisters production company. In addition, his father, Wings Hauser, is a musician-turned-actor, who has made appearances on numerous TV shows such as Roseanne and The Young and the Restless.
He has a celebrity crush
While participating in the Paramount Network‘s 22 Stars series, Cole revealed that his first real celebrity crush was Brooke Shields. As of yet, Cole and Brooke have never worked together, but you never know what the future may bring to the Dutton Ranch.
Cole Hauser has appeared in some of the most iconic films of the past 30 years
Most fans make the mistake of thinking that Yellowstone is Cole’s first big break, but that’s not the case. His breakthrough role was in 1992’s School Ties, where he starred opposite Brendan Fraser. Cole has also appeared in Good Will Hunting, as well as Dazed and Confused.
He’s fully aware of the effect his character Rip Wheeler has on women
Cole told Taste of Country that he believes there are several reasons why women tend to fawn over Rip. He believes Rip’s most attractive characteristics are his loyalty, honor, and the love he has for Beth.
He’s a huge fan of the Blues
Cole might play a cowboy on TV, but his musical taste revolves firmly around Southern Blues. The first CD Cole ever bought with his own money was Stevie Ray Vaughn’s The Sky is Crying — an album that he still listens to to this day.
Cole was named one of People Magazine‘s “Sexiest Men Of The Year”
In order to properly commemorate the honor, Cole climbed inside the same water trough that fans saw Beth bathing in back in Season 1 — only without the bottle of champagne.
He dropped out of high school in Grade 10 to pursue a career in acting.
Cole will be the first one to tell you that this isn’t a path he advises or endorses. Luckily for him, however, he was able to indeed find work as an actor and turn a chance opportunity into a flourishing career.
Cole is married to a former teen TV star
If you grew up in the ’90s, then you no doubt remember the short-lived Sweet Valley High series based on the books of the same name. Cole’s wife is Cynthia Daniel, who played the older twin, Elizabeth Wakefield, on the show.
Growing up, Cole was grounded on a weekly basis
According to Cole, he was quite a troublemaker in his youth. When Cole was asked to name the dumbest thing he ever did to get grounded, he replied “Throwing rotten avocados at cars.”
Cole knows what it’s like to live on a ranch
Just like his Yellowstone character, Rip Wheeler, Cole also lives on a ranch in real life. He owns a 3-acre estate nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. In November 2020, Cole listed the property on the open market for $4.25 million.
Cole does all his own stunts on Yellowstone
Cole explained his independence and told Insider about not wanting any stunt guys doing anything for him. The Yellowstone superstar took a crash course to learn all the different disciplines, ranging from roping to cutting and all the things you need to do to work a ranch.
Cole was once arrested alongside lifetime friend, Matthew McConaughey
Cole and McConaughey met on the set of Dazed and Confused and immediately became fast friends. While the two were partying for McConaughey’s 30th birthday, police entered his home to arrest the star for possession of marijuana. Luckily for both McConaughey and Cole, all charges were dropped.
Cole Hauser is a proud father of three
When Cole isn’t filming, there’s plenty to keep him busy around the house. Mainly, his three beautiful children whom he shares with Daniel, named Ryland, Steely Rose, and Colt Daniel.
Cole is an avid football fan
One of Cole’s properties happens to be in the great state of Florida. While spending time there last year in between film shoots, he and his family decided to take in a Buccanneers game and enjoy their family time there.
He lives his life by a code
Cole’s favorite quote comes courtesy of Peter F. Drucker, who said “Quality has no finish line.” Cole also told the Havok Journal, “If you are in school, do the best that you can. If you are playing football, soccer, whatever your passion is, give it your all.”
