The Real Cowboy Behind Yellowstone's Scenes
In the world of showbiz, some talents shine both on and off the screen. Meet Forrie J. Smith, a real-life cowboy and ranch hand, who brought his expertise to the set of Yellowstone. With his unique skills, Smith helped design the iconic bunkhouse scenes, leaving creator Taylor Sheridan so impressed that he wrote more of these moments into the show.
But here's where it gets interesting... Gabriel "Gator" Guilbeau, the head of craft services, also caught Sheridan's eye with his culinary prowess. So much so, that Guilbeau was cast as the Dutton family's chef, adding a touch of authenticity to the show.
However, Guilbeau's primary role was to keep the cast and crew fed. And he did it with passion and dedication. Guilbeau's days started early, often waking up at 3 a.m. to prepare homemade, delicious meals for the hard-working crew. His team would venture into remote locations, setting up tables in the woods, ensuring everyone had a hot meal during their long filming days.
During his time on Yellowstone, Guilbeau built a connection with the main cast. Kevin Costner, who plays John Dutton III, even had a special appreciation for Guilbeau's apple pie. But it was Guilbeau's grilled octopus that sparked a memorable reaction from Costner, which made its way into Season 2's "The Reek of Desperation" episode.
And this is the part most people miss... Guilbeau's on-screen role was a natural progression. In an interview, he recalled a day when he showed up to set, still wearing his greasy apron and barbecue-stained face. Sheridan, seeing the authenticity, asked Guilbeau to perform his regular duties on camera. It was a spontaneous decision that led to Guilbeau's acting debut.
Since then, Guilbeau has returned to feed the cast on the Yellowstone spin-off, 1883. With more spin-offs on the horizon, there's a good chance we'll see more of Guilbeau's talents on screen, whether it's his culinary skills or his acting prowess.
So, what do you think? Is it the authenticity of these behind-the-scenes talents that makes Yellowstone so captivating? Or is it the unexpected paths that lead to on-screen roles? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
