Sam Elliott’s Surprising Take on Yellowstone’s Popularity
Sam Elliott, famed for his western roles, has openly shared his unexpected dislike for the hit series Yellowstone, despite starring in its spin-off 1883.
With a voice and moustache that are instantly recognisable, Sam Elliott has long been the go-to bloke for tough-as-nails roles in cowboy flicks. Whether he’s handing out cryptic advice in The Big Lebowski or polishing his boots for another shootout, Elliott’s got the sort of presence that makes you reckon he’s just stepped out of the Old West. He’s made a career out of playing rugged characters, and he’s not slowing down any time soon.
Recently, Elliott jumped back into the saddle for the TV series 1883, taking on the part of a Civil War veteran leading a risky trek from Tennessee to greener pastures out west. The role has been a standout for him, earning plenty of praise and even nabbing him a Sag Award for ‘Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Television Movie or Limited Series’—not bad for a bloke who’s been around the traps for decades.
Yellowstone and Its Spin-Offs
1883 isn’t just any old western—it’s a spin-off from the hugely popular Yellowstone, where Tim McGraw plays James Dillard Dutton, the ancestor of Kevin Costner’s character in the main show. You’d think Elliott would be chuffed to be part of such a successful franchise, but he’s not exactly singing its praises.
In a chat with Taste of Country, Elliott didn’t mince words:
“I’m not a Yellowstone fan. I don’t watch Yellowstone. I love Costner, there’s a lot of good people on the cast, a few of them I’ve worked with before, nothing against any of them, but it’s just too much like fucking Dallas or something for me.”
He’s got nothing against the cast, but reckons the show’s a bit too much like the old soap Dallas for his taste.
Western Tropes and Criticism
While westerns aren’t exactly the flavour of the month these days, Yellowstone and its related series have managed to pull in heaps of viewers. Still, not everyone’s a fan. Some punters reckon the show leans too hard on tired storylines and old-school stereotypes. The term ‘oat opera’ gets thrown around, lumping it in with Dallas—a show about a bickering, cashed-up Texan family that was all the rage in the ’80s but wouldn’t exactly be called top-shelf telly now.
This isn’t the first time Elliott’s had a crack at a western. He previously copped flak for his comments about Jane Campion’s The Power of the Dog, saying the Kiwi director wasn’t the right person to tackle stories about the American West. He also seemed less than impressed with the film’s depiction of a gay relationship, which didn’t go down well with everyone.
Elliott’s Place in the Western World
Elliott clearly sees himself as a bit of a purist when it comes to westerns. But just because he’s played a stack of cowboys and has a character with Civil War ties doesn’t mean he’s the final word on the subject—after all, he grew up in Portland, Oregon, not exactly the heart of cowboy country.
It’s one thing to have a go at a show that’s putting money in your pocket, but Elliott’s history of outspoken opinions might make some folks take his words with a grain of salt. He might see himself as the real deal, but at the end of the day, he’s an actor playing a part, just like everyone else in the business.