The fanbase largely showed sympathy in their reactions, though a significant number appear to be still grappling with the early stages of grief, far from reaching the acceptance phase following the recent events. Many are turning to online forums and fan communities to share their feelings, seeking solace in collective mourning.
Recently, during an engaging visit to The Rich Eisen Show, actor Dave Annable recounted a hilariously awkward experience from his brief time on Yellowstone, sharing a lighthearted behind-the-scenes story involving the series’ lead, Kevin Costner. It happened to be his very first day on set, and the two newcomers were thrust into filming what would become the most profoundly emotional and pivotal moment of the entire show’s premiere Episode 1, setting a tone of intensity right from the start.
In the poignant scene, John Dutton—portrayed masterfully by Costner—is shown grieving the devastating loss of his eldest son, Lee Dutton (played by Annable), who had been tragically killed in a border skirmish the night before. John shares a few tender, quiet moments cradling his son’s lifeless body in his lap, a raw display of paternal sorrow that resonates deeply with viewers.
Filming such an intimate and vulnerable scene straight out of the gate proved kind of awkward for two actors who had only just met, highlighting the unpredictable demands of Hollywood production schedules, but that’s the reality of bringing high-stakes drama to life under tight timelines, often requiring quick chemistry and adaptability to ensure the emotional authenticity shines through.
Annable Recalls First Day with Costner
“It was day one of shooting,” Annable recounts with a chuckle. “My first scene was—I was dead on the horse—where Costner picks me off the horse and sort of lays me in his lap, making it feel so real and heartfelt.”
“So, playing dead’s hard to begin with, which I’ve learned over the years,” he adds. “Playing dead on a horse is like that times 100 ’cause you’re trying to not breathe at all, fighting every instinct while Costner delivers that powerful monologue, and let’s just say the proximity got… uncomfortably close in ways no one anticipated.”
“Costner pulls me off the horse—this is take one—lays me gently in his lap. And when he settles me there, I swear to you, I feel this unexpected sensation across my cheek…” he says, his voice fading as he demonstrates with his hand softly pressed against his own cheek, mimicking the moment.
“And in the scene, he’s delivering this beautiful, heartfelt monologue, kissing my forehead with such tenderness, his tears falling freely,” he continues, his tone reflecting the intensity. “And I’m just… All I can think about in that surreal moment was how much my mom would absolutely want to trade places with me, just to experience this closeness with a legend like him.”
“I said to myself, ‘What on earth has happened to my life? Where am I right now?’ as I’m feeling those soft, warm tears, the gentlest lips brushing against my skin, and it was all so overwhelming,” he adds, still marveling at the memory.
Annable’s Surprising Yellowstone Audition Story
Dave Annable Surprisingly Declined Auditioning for Yellowstone
Considering the massive global phenomenon that Yellowstone has become today, it’s almost unimaginable to fathom that anyone would have willingly turned down the opportunity to join such an epic and groundbreaking series. Yet, that’s precisely what Dave Annable chose to do, a decision that now seems almost surreal given the show’s monumental success.
“I hail from New York City, where the closest I’ve ever come to cowboy life is watching it on screen, and Lee was supposed to be the ultimate cowboy—galloping across the plains like the wind,” he explains with a laugh. “But honestly, I’ve only been on a horse twice in my entire life, so I figured I’d be out of my depth and decided to pass on the audition.”
He initially believed his decision to skip the audition would go unnoticed, flying under the radar without much consequence. However, the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, happens to be close friends with Annable’s wife, Odette. Sheridan had even coached Annable in some acting workshops after Odette introduced them, forging a personal connection that would soon come into play.
Remarkably, not even an hour after Annable declined, his wife received an urgent call from a visibly frustrated Sheridan, who was taken aback by the actor’s choice. He insisted that Odette get her husband on tape performing the scene that same day and send it over before the 3 o’clock deadline in the afternoon, leaving little room for hesitation.
Sheridan ultimately cast Annable in the role, a move that turned out to be a fortunate and transformative decision for the actor’s career. “Arguably, without a doubt, it was probably the most enriching and best experience of my entire life,” he reflects warmly, recalling the invaluable lessons he gained while mastering the art of being a cowboy under Sheridan’s guidance.
Currently, Annable is immersed in another exciting project under Sheridan’s creative umbrella. He portrays Neal McNamara in the gripping series Lioness, which boasts an impressive ensemble cast including powerhouse actresses Nicole Kidman and Zoe Saldana, further showcasing his versatility and growing prominence in the industry.
Yellowstone’s 10 Best Death Scenes
The best deaths on Yellowstone were satisfying. Villains who torture John Dutton and his family always meet a gruesome end on this show. Here are the 10 most epic death scenes from Seasons 1 to 5.
Also Read: Yellowstone’: Colby Actor Denim Richards Leaves Fans in Tears with His Heartbreaking Final Message