Inside the Mind of Kelly Reilly: Navigating Fame and Authenticity
“Yellowstone” star Kelly Reilly believes Hollywood can be a ‘cyclone of bulls— and fakeness,’ an environment that can overwhelm even the strongest spirits.
Reilly reflected on the remarkable journey of “Yellowstone,” a series that has captivated audiences since its 2018 inception.
Amid the din of accolades and the chaos of celebrity culture, Reilly finds solace in simplicity. “I don’t participate in the noise in any way. I stay out of it. The only safe place for me is in the work – and then home with my husband. Very boring,” she confided to *Town & Country* magazine.
“It can become a cyclone of bulls— and fakeness, and I know I won’t find my worth in that,” she added, introspectively acknowledging the pressures that accompany fame.
This reflection comes against a backdrop of her life-changing move from New York City to the tranquility of the English countryside in 2017 with her husband, Kyle Baugher. Before stepping into the challenging role of Beth Dutton—a character who is anything but tranquil—Reilly was ready to embrace a quieter existence.
“It can become a cyclone of bulls— and fakeness, and I know I won’t find my worth in that.”
“I have always loved my job, but the business can sometimes present challenges that I didn’t feel I was cut out for,” she admitted. Her longing for the stage, performing in two or three plays a year, represented a choice for a fulfilling yet serene lifestyle rather than simply a fallback option.
But then came the script for “Yellowstone.” Reilly vividly remembers glancing over it while packing, feeling a jolt of excitement mixed with apprehension. “Oh, s—. It was like laying down a bit of a gauntlet. The challenge of it pepped my interest,” she described.
In a twist of fate, Reilly was cast in the role with no audition—a surreal moment she reflected upon with a mix of surprise and apprehension. “I didn’t even audition,” she said, recalling the moment with clarity. Her immediate fear—how to embody such a fiercely complex character—rang true for any artist facing a daunting new beginning.
For Reilly, portraying Beth Dutton transcends mere strength; it delves into the intricate layers of human emotion. “It’s not just about playing strong, capable women,” she pointed out. “Male characters can be messy, but they can still be heroic. Full spectrum. And I think there is a bravery to embracing shadow. How can you be an honest person if you don’t own some of your darkness?” This profound insight reflects a commitment not only to the character but to the authenticity of the storytelling.
As the series progresses, Reilly’s relationship with Beth Dutton grows more nuanced. With rumors swirling around the future of “Yellowstone” and potential shifts in the storyline without Kevin Costner, she contemplates the character’s evolution. “I loved this season. There were some really different territories to explore, so I’m not clinging to her. I’m happy to put her back in her padlocked box,” she expressed, hinting at a willingness to evolve beyond the character. There’s a certain clarity in this choice, a testament to her understanding of both the role and her personal journey.
Reports released in August unveiled that “Yellowstone” would not conclude after its fifth season. Negotiations for a sixth season are in progress, with no firm agreements made as of yet. However, sources suggest that Reilly and Cole Hauser remain pivotal to the show’s continuation.
Reilly’s curiosity about Beth extends into future possibilities: “I am definitely interested in Beth, and who she is after some things have happened,” she suggested. “Who is she in peace? As an actor you’re like, ‘Ooh, let me at that.’ Wouldn’t it be fun to watch Beth go to therapy?” This playful, yet thoughtful question illustrates her desire for growth—not just for herself, but for her character and the series as a whole.
In a world where fame often obscures the essence of one’s self, Reilly’s perspective is refreshing. She navigates the tumultuous waters of Hollywood with an admirable sense of self-awareness, affording her a depth that resonates both on screen and within her personal life. Perhaps it’s not about silencing the noise; perhaps it’s about transforming it into a melody. And as viewers await the next chapter of “Yellowstone,” they will also be keenly watching Kelly Reilly, a woman firmly in tune with her own rhythm.
