What Taylor Sheridan's biggest stars really think about working with the 'Yellowstone' creator
Taylor Sheridan, the prolific TV writer and showrunner behind hits like 'Yellowstone,' '1923,' and 'Lioness,' has cultivated a reputation for crafting complex characters and compelling storylines. But it's not just audiences who are captivated by his work; it's also the actors who grace his sets.
In this article, we delve into the thoughts and experiences of some of Sheridan's most prominent stars, shedding light on what it's truly like to collaborate with the master storyteller.
The Master Storyteller
Michael Kelly:
"One of the greatest storytellers in history." That's how Michael Kelly, a star of 'Lioness,' describes Sheridan. Kelly's admiration for Sheridan's storytelling prowess is evident in his words: "There’s nobody who’s doing or has ever done what he’s doing. It’s incredible what he does. And he’s just one of the smartest dudes you’ll ever meet." Kelly's enthusiasm for working with Sheridan is palpable, and he's eager to continue collaborating with the showrunner.
A Collaborative Challenge
Zoe Saldaña:
Zoe Saldaña, a seasoned actress who has starred in all three seasons of 'Lioness,' offers a nuanced perspective on working with Sheridan. She acknowledges the challenge he presents, saying, "He raises the bar for the rest of us." Saldaña describes Sheridan as an "intimidating cat," emphasizing his seriousness and dedication to his craft. Yet, she also highlights his collaborative nature, noting that he challenges actors while remaining open to their input.
Trust and Talent
Billy Bob Thornton:
Billy Bob Thornton, a seasoned actor known for his work in 'Landman,' expresses his trust in Sheridan's vision. Thornton shares, "I love working with Taylor. I love hanging out with him after hours. He’s such a brilliant guy, great writer, and I love his company." This trust in Sheridan's abilities is a common thread among the stars, who appreciate his talent and dedication to their craft.
A Leap of Faith
Michelle Pfeiffer:
Michelle Pfeiffer, a renowned actress, reveals how Sheridan's persistence convinced her to star in 'The Madison.' She recalls, "[Taylor] wanted to know who Stacy was before he started writing. I wanted to know who Stacy is before I committed. And so we went back and forth like that for a little while, and it became clear to me I wasn’t going to win this battle." Pfeiffer's decision to commit to the role showcases her trust in Sheridan's creative process.
A Horseman and an Intellectual
Harrison Ford:
Harrison Ford, a legendary actor, praises Sheridan's horsemanship and intellectual prowess. Ford describes Sheridan as "an incredible horseman. He’s a genuine athlete, and that’s something you might not expect to find in such a talented writer and intellectual thinker." This perspective highlights the multifaceted nature of Sheridan's talent.
Special Work
Kevin Costner:
Kevin Costner, a celebrated actor, acknowledges Sheridan's unique approach to storytelling. Costner states, "He's doing special work in a lot of different ways." He appreciates Sheridan's choice of subjects and expresses openness to future collaborations, indicating a mutual respect between the two.
A Hands-Off Approach
Helen Mirren:
Helen Mirren, a legendary actress, shares her experience working with Sheridan on '1923.' She describes him as "fabulously hands-off," emphasizing his ability to present scripts with precision without micromanagement. Mirren's perspective highlights the creative freedom and trust Sheridan fosters on set.
Empathy and Casting
Brian Geraghty:
Brian Geraghty, a star of '1923,' reveals Sheridan's empathy for actors, despite his tough exterior. Geraghty shares, "He told me great stories of his time as an actor, about the process and how he hired some of the younger actors on the show by giving them a break over some really big-name actors." This insight showcases Sheridan's understanding of the acting process.
Changing Lives
Michelle Randolph:
Michelle Randolph, a talented actress who has appeared in both '1923' and 'Landman,' credits Sheridan for changing her life. She says, "He made my dreams come true. I tell him that every time I see him. He's like, 'Michelle, stop. I get it.'" Randolph's gratitude underscores the profound impact Sheridan has had on the careers of his actors.
Stellar Writing
Kurt Russell:
Kurt Russell, a seasoned actor, praises Sheridan's writing prowess, particularly in 'The Madison.' Russell states, "I love his writing. I think this is his best writing. I love that this is not 'Yellowstone.' It's not that. It's very standalone, very different." Russell's appreciation for Sheridan's unique storytelling style is evident.
A Visionary Collaborator
Ali Larter:
Ali Larter, a talented actress who has developed a close friendship with Sheridan through 'Landman,' shares her insights. She reveals, "He has a very clear vision of what he wants… and he is a visionary because when he is writing the scripts, he knows how he’s going to edit them." Larter's perspective highlights Sheridan's ability to bring his creative vision to life.
In conclusion, Taylor Sheridan's stars offer a glimpse into the collaborative and transformative nature of working with the 'Yellowstone' creator. Their admiration for his storytelling, casting, and writing abilities underscores the profound impact Sheridan has on the entertainment industry.
