Rip Wheeler is a loyal and tough ranch hand working at the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, one of the biggest cattle ranches in the United States. He is played by Cole Hauser, with a younger version portrayed by Kyle Red Silverstein in flashbacks. Rip had a tragic childhood, losing his family in a violent incident and finding a second chance at life when John Dutton took him in. He is deeply devoted to the ranch, fiercely protective of the Dutton family, and shares a strong, loving bond with Beth Dutton, whom he eventually marries.

Trivia/Facts

• Rip Wheeler was born and raised near Miles City, Montana, on a pig farm. His parents divorced when he was young, leaving Rip and his brother to live in a broken family. On July 14, 1997, his father attacked his family, tragically killing Rip’s mother and brother. Rip survived by defending himself and killed his father with a frying pan, ending the violence.
• After the tragic event, Rip was found sleeping in a hay loft and taken to the authorities.
  The sheriff recommended that John Dutton, head of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch, meet Rip.
  Rip explained his actions and expressed no regret for killing his abusive father.
  John Dutton decided to give Rip a second chance and brought him to live on the ranch.
• Rip started working as a ranch hand on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch under John Dutton’s guidance. Over time, he gained trust and rose in rank, eventually becoming the foreman of the ranch. He is marked with the ranch brand, symbolizing his loyalty and acceptance of his second chance. Rip views his job as protecting the Dutton family and often handles difficult, even illegal, tasks for them.
• Rip developed a deep connection with Beth Dutton, John’s strong-willed daughter, shortly after arriving at the ranch. Despite ups and downs, their bond remained strong, and they often found their way back to each other. Beth proposed to Rip herself, insisting he outlive her so she’d never have to live without him. They married in a simple but meaningful ceremony at the ranch, with John and close companions present.
• Rip acts as an enforcer for the ranch, often dealing with threats to the family or ranch business. His loyalty to John Dutton is unwavering, and he treats the ranch as his home and life. John views Rip as a son and entrusts him with critical decisions for the ranch. Though his methods are often harsh, Rip believes his actions are necessary to safeguard the family and their legacy.
• Tensions arose between Rip and Walker, another ranch hand, due to Walker’s interest in Beth. Their rivalry persisted until Walker left the ranch, easing the hostility between them. Rip’s authoritative role sometimes causes friction among the ranch hands. Despite the challenges, Rip remains the backbone of the ranch operations.

Rip Wheeler’s Relationship with Other Characters

• John Dutton: Rip is fiercely loyal to John, who gave him a second chance at life. John trusts Rip like a son and relies on him to protect the ranch and family.
• Beth Dutton: Rip shares a deep and passionate love with Beth. Despite challenges, their bond grows stronger, leading to marriage.
• Walker: Rip has a tense rivalry with Walker, mainly due to Walker’s interest in Beth. Their conflict eases when Walker leaves the ranch.
• Lloyd: Lloyd is like a mentor and close friend to Rip, supporting him in his role as foreman. They share mutual respect and camaraderie.
• Carter: Rip acts as a guide and father figure to Carter, a troubled boy living on the ranch, teaching him life and ranching skills.