Actor Cole Hauser found himself on the property of a completely different ranch than the one he lives in on his hit show “Yellowstone.”
Instead of the wide-open grandeur of a sprawling Montana cattle ranch, the actor who plays Rip, the Dutton family’s loyal “fixer” on Paramount Television’s neo-Western drama, Hauser roamed the luxury digs of The Ranch Saloon + Steakhouse, RodeoHouston’s hottest eatery on Tuesday. He was a guest of restaurateur Ben Berg, head of the Berg Hospitality Group, who invited Hauser to a two-day appearance at The Ranch, the expensive, mobbed, rodeo restaurant, duly duded-up in luxurious western trappings the Dutton clan would set price of (chandeliers, carpets, leather chairs and a dining room that serves the city’s finest steaks).
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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 of two to $2,500 for a table of six ). Hauser continues his Ranch duties tonight with another appearance at an event called The Ranch After Dark party with entertainment by the actor’s favorite Montana-based band, the Kurt Van Meter Band.
These VIP tickets, which also include a photo op, are $2,500 for a table of four, or $3,000 for a table of six (individual general admission is $150 per person).
On Tuesday, Hauser answered questions about the show 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 walk 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. It’s my favorite thing to do. When I’m not working, I’m traveling.”
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Before the question-and-answer session ended, there was a lively bidding war for a donation in a live auction to visit the 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 a special guest at Houston PetSet’s 2022 Fierce & Fabulous Soiree fundraiser to end Houston’s homeless animal crisis.
After Tuesday’s Q&A, guests eagerly lined up to have their photo taken with Hauser on a handsome ball figure 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 big fans of ‘Yellowstone’ and big fans of Cole Hauser,” Cheryl Cole said.
“From the very beginning,” Tori Cole, who celebrated her birthday Tuesday, chimed in quickly.
“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 plan to buy property in Montana to build their own ranch.
Ah, the power of “Yellowstone.”
Greg Morago writes about food for the Houston Chronicle. Follow him on Facebook or Twitter. Send him news tips at [email protected] Listen to him on our BBQ State of Mind podcast to learn about Houston and Texas barbecue culture.
