THE BUNKHOUSE BOYS Jefferson White “Jimmy Hurdstrom” INTERVIEW

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS with Tracy Wager

Photos Courtesy of the Paramount Network

Jefferson White “Jimmy Hurdstrom”

Q) How did you get on the show?

A) That is a fun story, I was originally called to audition for the role of Kayce Dutton. After reading the script I said to myself, I am more of a Jimmy, I can relate to him. I don’t see myself as playing an ex Navy Seal, shooting guns, saving people. So I made two audition tapes, one as Kayce and a second as Jimmy and my agent submitted for both characters. When I got this job, it felt like a dream come true for me, I understand Jimmy. He felt like dreams are impossible, what it is like being an outsider and how do you break in, not being part of a family or purpose. So we experience what it is like to be part of something, part of a family, build an identity and to be part of something bigger. Become a cowboy and part of a lifestyle he and I simply did not understand nor ever thought we could achieve. Jimmy heard about Yellowstone and had fought his whole life to be part of of something, to belong to something.

Q) What was your first horse experience?

A) On the show I had my first horse experience. Before shooting started we went to Cowboy Camp for a week. We lived and worked with horse trainers up in the mountains of Utah for 6 days. We all bunked and lived together just like on the show and our characters grew from that bonding experience and it also grew on the show, because of that time spent together - we just meshed. One of the great joys of this job, is the spending time with the horses. I had a romantic idea but no contemporary idea of what it really takes to be a cowboy. Every time we work with the horses I learn from the horses. I learn to be a better rider and these horses are so well trained, they are actors as well and I learn to be a better actor working with them. I learn so much from my horse that I work with on the show.

Q) The “Bunkhouse Boys” rose in popularity, how do you feel about the new-found fame?

A) We all get along great and have become friends, so the flow is natural on set. Taylor sees that dynamic and writes to evolve our roles in that direction. Working with Ian, Denim and the others with the scripts we get is pure joy! We are supposed to be friends and we are. That often does not happen, so when it does it is amazing. I am so grateful to have great co-workers. Taylor writes towards these dynamics that are already evolving. We are lucky to all come together as a family, just like on the show, including the living together in the bunkhouse. We live together on and off set when shooting.

Q) How has your role evolved in the show?

A) Exciting - I knew nothing about Rodeo, Ranching or what it takes to be a Cowboy. I am really, really lucky to learn about that world. Taylor’s characters are not one dimensional. Jimmy is just trying to survive, then it’s whats next for me to discover? I have actually been learning about this new world of cowboys at the same time as Jimmy! And I also want to say that Eden Brolin is brilliant to work with, I am so lucky to work with her!

Q) Rip rules the roost, how has it been working with Cole Hauser?

A) Incredible! Cole is the most brilliant actor. He has more range than anyone I have worked with. And no one would expect that, including the comic scenes, he is actually funny!. Cole is a natural leader. It is a joy to follow his lead. Jimmy and Rip are similar in that I am learning from Cole and Jimmy is learning from Rip. I feel really grateful for the audience, they make it great. The generosity, the feedback, it has been amazing. I want to say “Thank You’ to the fans and the Yellowstone audience, they are so fantastic. The warm embrace from the fans and the Rodeo/ Cowboy community has been unbelievable!