Home News Leg 2

The Unexpected Pivot: 3 Massive Career Changes 'Yellowstone' Star Cole Hauser Made After Rip Wheeler

• minute read
Contents

The question of what comes next for a major television star is always a hot topic, and for Cole Hauser, the man who brought the iconic Rip Wheeler to life on *Yellowstone*, the answer is far more complex than just another acting role. As of December 2025, Hauser has not only solidified his future in the Dutton universe but has also made a stunning, multi-faceted career change, pivoting into a major entrepreneurial venture and expanding his creative control in Hollywood.

The transition for the beloved "Yellowstone" actor is less of a departure from his roots and more of an expansion into new territory, both on the business front and behind the camera. Fans curious about his future can rest assured that while his focus has broadened, his connection to the Western genre—and the character of Rip Wheeler—remains strong, even as he launches a highly successful, cowboy-inspired brand.

Cole Hauser: A Full Profile and Filmography

Cole Hauser, born into a lineage of Hollywood creatives, was seemingly destined for the big screen. His career spans decades, moving from iconic supporting roles to his current status as a television phenomenon.

  • Birth Name: Cole Kenneth Hauser
  • Date of Birth: March 22, 1975
  • Birth Place: Santa Barbara, California, United States
  • Profession: Actor, Producer, Writer, Entrepreneur
  • Family Lineage: Son of Cass Warner (who founded Warner Sisters film production company) and actor Wings Hauser. His great-grandfather was Harry Warner, one of the founders of Warner Bros.
  • Notable Early Film Roles:
    • *School Ties* (1992)
    • *Dazed and Confused* (1993)
    • *Good Will Hunting* (1997)
    • *Pitch Black* (2000)
    • *Tigerland* (2000)
    • *Hart’s War* (2002)
    • *Tears of the Sun* (2003)
    • *2 Fast 2 Furious* (2003)
    • *Olympus Has Fallen* (2013)
  • Iconic Television Role: Rip Wheeler on *Yellowstone* (2018–present)

The Entrepreneurial Shift: Founding Free Rein Coffee Company

The most dramatic and unexpected shift in Cole Hauser’s career trajectory is his move into the world of business, specifically as the founder of the Free Rein Coffee Company in 2023.

This venture is a clear expansion of his personal brand, deeply rooted in the rugged, Western aesthetic that made his character, Rip Wheeler, so popular.

A Cowboy-Inspired Brand with Deep Roots

Hauser’s coffee company is far from a simple celebrity endorsement; it is a passion project built on the spirit of the American cowboy and the concept of "unbridled optimism."

The brand is a testament to Hauser’s commitment to authenticity. He launched the company with friends and business partners, including Karl Pfluger, Aron Marquez, and Paul Anderson, all coming from diverse backgrounds.

The company was founded on the acquisition of a veteran-owned business originally known as 'Longhorn Coffee Company,' which already had 25 years of roasting experience. This provided a solid foundation, allowing Hauser to immediately launch a high-quality, Western-inspired product line.

More Than Just Coffee

The launch of Free Rein Coffee Company represents a significant pivot, confirming that Hauser is leveraging his immense fame from *Yellowstone* to build a lasting legacy outside of acting. This business move is a calculated step toward becoming a major entrepreneur, controlling his own narrative and revenue streams in a way that is common for A-list stars but unexpected for a TV actor whose primary focus was traditionally on film.

The brand is heavily marketed with a rugged, authentic feel, directly appealing to the millions of fans who connect with the *Yellowstone* lifestyle and the character of Rip Wheeler.

Expanding Creative Control: Producer and Writer Roles

While the coffee company is a major business move, Cole Hauser’s career change also includes a significant shift within the film industry itself: moving from being solely an actor to taking on the multi-hyphenate roles of producer and writer on new projects.

This expansion of creative control is a professional evolution that allows him to shape the narrative and vision of a project from its inception, rather than just performing a role written for him.

The New Western Project

Hauser is actively involved in developing a new Western project where he is not only set to star but also holds the titles of producer and writer. This demonstrates a deep commitment to the Western genre that goes beyond his work on the Dutton Ranch.

Taking on these additional responsibilities signals a desire for greater artistic influence and a move toward becoming a power player in the production landscape. This is a crucial career change, as it transitions him from a hired actor to a creative executive.

The Future of Rip Wheeler: The Yellowstone Spinoff

Despite his new business and production ventures, Cole Hauser is not leaving the *Yellowstone* universe behind. In fact, his future as Rip Wheeler is secure, though it will continue in a new format.

The most recent and confirmed update is that Hauser will star alongside Kelly Reilly (Beth Dutton) in a new *Yellowstone* spinoff series. This highly anticipated continuation of the Beth and Rip story is tentatively scheduled to debut in November 2025, ensuring that the character who launched his global fame will remain a central part of his professional life for the foreseeable future.

This project, sometimes referred to as the "Rip and Beth" spinoff, is a powerful indicator that his "career change" is not a departure from acting but a strategic move to focus on high-impact projects that he is deeply connected to, both creatively and financially.

Synthesis: A Strategic Career Trajectory

Cole Hauser’s career change is not a sudden pivot away from acting but a strategic expansion that leverages his immense success as Rip Wheeler. The three major shifts—founding a successful, cowboy-themed coffee company, taking on producer and writer roles, and securing his future in the *Yellowstone* spinoff—paint a picture of an artist who is transitioning into a powerful industry figure.

By establishing the Free Rein Coffee Company, he has secured an authentic, long-term revenue stream that aligns perfectly with his on-screen persona. Simultaneously, his move into production and writing gives him the creative authority he previously lacked. Cole Hauser is successfully moving from a celebrated actor to a formidable Hollywood entrepreneur and creative force, ensuring his influence will last long after the final season of *Yellowstone* airs.

yellowstone actor cole hauser career change
yellowstone actor cole hauser career change

Detail Author:

  • Name : Prof. Monte Treutel MD
  • Username : jrohan
  • Email : marcellus.mcglynn@heaney.com
  • Birthdate : 1994-08-21
  • Address : 708 Delia Parkways Suite 134 Montanafort, DE 93247
  • Phone : +1-281-598-6330
  • Company : Gottlieb, Koss and Wolf
  • Job : Curator
  • Bio : Et explicabo dolore distinctio et. Quisquam eligendi vero autem aspernatur. Eaque perferendis reiciendis corrupti repellendus et voluptatem rem.

Socials

instagram:

  • url : https://instagram.com/ryanh
  • username : ryanh
  • bio : Et quas eos eum fuga. At delectus ad blanditiis non.
  • followers : 2689
  • following : 1509

linkedin:

Random Posts