Forrie J. Smith "Llyod Yellowstone Bunk House Boys Interviews

Q) How did you get on the show?

A) I was wrangling for Hell or High Water, the movie. I was hired as a wrangler for that movie, not an actor. I was in the pen working the horses, getting to know them, working them with my 50’ rope. Taylor walked up to me and introduced himself, it felt like we knew each other forever, so easy. He said, “I am writing a Western and you got a part in it”. I said Yeah Right, I have heard that before…….. sarcastically. Taylor looked me in the eye and stated ”You never have heard that before from me” and I said Right and nodded my head. I have had a blessed life, being a wrangler on movies and working on Yellowstone has gifted me with work that I love, the love of the horse.

Q) What was your first horse experience?

A) When I was really young, before my Dad died, so I was pretty small. My Mom and Dad bought me two ponies to train and sell. I got that done and we bought a POA named “Bad

Billy”. He was the greatest and I taught him to do everything! My father never got to see that, so it was bittersweet. That started it all, and my Mom went with me to all the rodeos in the beginning, she would drive me there.

The scene where we are running that herd of 200 head thru those pastures in Season 3, that was scary. I was not sure how it would go. Things like that can go wrong in a minute. But boy was it cool, it was one of the greatest things I ever got to be part of, and for it to be on film is awesome for the World to see. Currently I am working on a book about my experiences with horses and that is exciting. I have a lot of life left in me. Living this life makes me a better actor, horses make me a better actor, horses make me a better person.

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

A) They are the comic relief for the show. We all get along on set, we have become friends. I watch the other guys grow into the roles, become better riders, learn the ways of the cowboy, that’s really cool to experience also. We really mesh on set, it has been a real blessing working with Taylor, Paramount, the cast and crew. I couldn’t wish for a better group of people to work with.

Q) How has your role evolved in the show?

A) We have great dialogue. My line at the Rodeo grounds with Jimmy, “Are you a Willow or an Oak, I am a Oak”, is a great one. They want to make that a T-Shirt now! I try not to get too emotional about Rodeoing, it was hard to hold back the tears when we were filming the scene when I tell Jimmy I miss it, miss the Rodeo life. I can travel anyplace and never have to worry about a place to stay. I can show up and these great folks always have my room ready.

One time, in my early 40’s, I had a flat hauling some horses from Montana to Utah. It was funny because I actually had the money to pay for a tow truck, that had not happened very often. The guy showed up, hauled my trailer and set the horses up for the night, towed in my truck and had me stay with his family until I got back on the road. To this day that family treats my like one of their own, I can stay there anytime I am going that direction and on the road. We are a family on set, Rodeo is a family, talk about a gift. A Blessed Life. I was just in Cave Creek, AZ last November to judge a Bronc event there. I love Cave Creek, Scottsdale and Arizona. I wrangled in South Tucson for many years.

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

A) Cole and I are friends. I stay at his house whenever I need to be in California. He has a ranch with horses. His wife and family treat me as one of their own. Cole is the real deal. Working with him, makes me a better actor!