Actor Cole Hauser found himself on the grounds of a very different ranch than the one he inhabits on his hit show “Yellowstone.”
Instead of the wide-open grandeur of a sprawling cattle ranch Montana, the actor who plays Rip, the loyal “fixer” to the Dutton family on Paramount Television’s neo-Western drama, Hauser roamed the luxe digs of The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, the hottest dining venue at RodeoHouston .
He was the guest of restaurateur Ben Berg, head of Berg Hospitality Group, who invited him for a two-day appearance at The Ranch, the pricey, mobbed, rodeo restaurant, appropriately duded-up in luxe western trappings that the Dutton clan would appreciate (chandeliers, carpets, leather chairs, and a dining room serving the city’s finest steaks).
As the venue’s celebrity guest, Hauser sat down for a Q&A and meet-and-greet with about 150 die-hard “Yellowstone” fans who paid handsomely for the opportunity (tickets ranged from $1,000 for a table for two to $2,500 for a table for six). Hauser continues his Ranch duties Wednesday with a second appearance at an event called The Ranch After Dark party; the actor’s favorite Montana-based band, the Kurt Van Meter Band, will perform.
Those VIP tickets, which also include a photo-op, are $2,500 for a table for four, or $3,000 for table for six. Individual general admission is $150 per person.
On Tuesday, Hauser answered questions about the show that were submitted in advance by guests. During the Q&A with emcee Pat Tully, “Yellowstone” fans found out more about the actor and the show:
What he likes about his character: “His loyalty, his honesty, his love for Beth.”
He has no stunt double: “Why do you think I’m walking around the way I am?”
Filming in majestic Montana: “My office is the most beautiful office in the world.”
His personal passion: “I travel the world. That’s my favorite thing to do. When I’m not working, I’m traveling.”
Before the Q&A session ended, there was a spirited bidding war on a live auction donation to visit to set of “Yellowstone.” Two winning bids of $32,000 each from Houstonians will benefit the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a charity dear to Hauser that supports military and first responders.
Hauser is no stranger to Houston. Last year he was the special guest of Houston PetSet’s 2022 Fierce & Fabulous Soiree fundraiser to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis.
After Tuesday’s Q&A, guests lined up eagerly to have their photo taken with Hauser on a nifty set piece that The Ranch set up to suggest the Yellowstone ranch.
Two “Yellowstone” fans, Cheryl Cole and her daughter Tori Cole, were among the first in line to get their precious seconds with Hauser.
“We’re great fans of ‘Yellowstone’ and great fans of Cole Hauser,” Cheryl Cole said.
“From the very beginning,” Tori Cole, who was celebrating her birthday Tuesday, quickly interjected.
“We knew he was coming and we couldn’t miss it,” Cheryl Cole added.
The two Houstonians are so moved by the show that they’re planning to buy property in Montana to construct their own ranch homestead.
Ah, the power of “Yellowstone.”