Before meeting his father, Cole Hauser first saw him on TV. Their reunion didn’t create the ideal father-son bond, and Cole ended up living alone on a docked boat, chasing a dream few believed in. Decades later, he’s the face of one of TV’s most iconic cowboys.
Now, he’s known as a devoted family man and the no-nonsense enforcer of Yellowstone, captivating fans with his quiet intensity and presence. But before Hollywood, Cole was a kid without a father, moving often and determined to break into an industry that gave him no free passes.
Born on a ranch near Santa Barbara, Cole’s early life felt straight out of a Western. His mother’s nomadic lifestyle led them to various places, including a ranch in Oregon, before settling in California. At 12, he stumbled into acting by chance, eventually catching the acting bug.
Cole later learned his mother’s maiden name was Warner, linking him to Hollywood royalty, though it didn’t open doors. His mother made him earn everything, sending him on long bus rides for auditions. At 9 or 10, he saw his father, Wings Hauser, on TV, which led to their eventual meeting when Cole was 15. But his father’s struggles with substance abuse left Cole to fend for himself.
Living on a docked PT boat in Marina del Rey, Cole thrived in his independence. He landed his first big role in School Ties in 1992, and his career gradually took off, leading to his iconic role as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone.
To prepare, Cole threw himself into training, learning to rope and ride. His performance won over critics, including his father, who was immensely proud of him.
Years later, Cole discovered his family’s deep ties to Montana, with his great-great-grandfather helping fund the Lewis and Clark Expedition and serving as the state’s first governor. Now, as a father, Cole instills the same values of grit and self-reliance in his own children.