Imagine a TV show where one of the actors isn’t just playing a role on screen—they’re also the one feeding the entire cast and crew behind the scenes. Sounds wild, right? That’s exactly what happened on Yellowstone, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the show’s unique blend of talent and real-life expertise. While some cast members shine both on and off camera, others bring skills that go far beyond acting. Take Forrie J. Smith, for example. As a real-life cowboy with years of ranch experience, he wasn’t just playing the part—he helped design the bunkhouse scenes, impressing creator Taylor Sheridan so much that he expanded those moments in the show. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: Gabriel 'Gator' Guilbeau, the head of craft services, wasn’t just feeding the crew—he ended up on screen as the Dutton family’s chef, all because Sheridan was blown away by his cooking skills.
Now, you might think filming a hit show like Yellowstone is all glitz and glamour, but Guilbeau’s reality was far from it. In a 2023 interview with The Pioneer Woman, he revealed the grueling nature of his job: 'Some days, I start at 3 a.m. People are working 16-plus hour days, and having hot, homemade food makes a huge difference. My team would race up mountains on ATVs, set up tables in the middle of nowhere, and cook in the most random places. Filming isn’t as glamorous as it looks.' And this is the part most people miss—the unsung heroes like Guilbeau who keep productions running smoothly, often in the most challenging conditions.
But how did Guilbeau go from chef to on-screen star? It turns out, Sheridan loved his authenticity. In the same interview, Guilbeau recalled showing up on set after a long day of cooking, covered in grease and barbecue ash. Instead of sending him to clean up, Sheridan said, 'This is perfect!' He handed Guilbeau a knife, pointed to some onions and potatoes, and told him to do his thing. As Guilbeau chopped away, Sheridan watched from behind the camera and simply said, 'Oh, yes.' That moment sealed his fate as both a chef and an actor in the Yellowstone universe.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Was Guilbeau’s on-screen role a stroke of genius or a happy accident? Some might argue it was a clever way to blend real-life skills with storytelling, while others could see it as a shortcut to casting. What do you think? Did Sheridan make the right call, or was it just a lucky break?** Either way, Guilbeau’s dual role became a highlight of the show, and his apple pie even became a favorite of Kevin Costner’s—though his grilled octopus didn’t fare so well, a reaction that made it into Season 2. Guilbeau’s success didn’t stop there; he even returned to feed the crew on the spin-off 1883, proving his culinary skills were as essential as his acting chops. With more Yellowstone spin-offs on the horizon, who knows? We might see—or taste—more of his talents soon.
So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: In an industry where actors often stick to their scripts, should more shows tap into the real-life skills of their cast and crew? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take!
