Yellowstone’s Cole Hauser is unrecognizable in unearthed photo from early career

Cole Hauser is famed for his portrayal of Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone, but long before he landed the role, the actor had already starred in major Hollywood projects, including School Ties, Dazed and Confused and Good Will Hunting. Back in 2000, a then 25-year-old Cole joined the cast of Tigerland – and he’s almost unrecognizable in these throwback snaps from the premiere.

Pictured walking the red carpet alongside his future wife, Cynthia Daniel, the TV star looks so different with his natural red hair and clean-shaven face. Cole has previously spoken about his intense transformation for Yellowstone and in an interview with Jenny McCarthy, he opened up about the reason he dyes his hair for the series.

Revealing that the show’s creator, Taylor Sheridan, had suggested he dye it to avoid looking too similar to his on-screen love interest Kelly Reilly, Cole explained: “When I first got the role, as you know Kelly’s a ginger and I’m ginger as well. So we looked like we were brother and sister! So we kind of had to make sure that wouldn’t be the case.” He added: “I’ve dyed it for other stuff that I’ve done. They liked that look, and it’s kind of a harder look. Your eyes pop a little bit more.”