Before he ever had the chance to meet his father, he caught a glimpse of him on television. Their eventual reunion didn’t create the ideal father-son relationship; instead, it led him to live alone on a boat, pursuing a dream that few people believed in. Fast forward several decades, and he has become the face of one of the most legendary cowboys on TV.
Today, he is recognized as a dedicated family man and the tough enforcer of Yellowstone. With his understated intensity and strong presence, he has won the hearts of fans on one of the most popular shows on television.
However, beneath the surface of his fame lies a much more intricate narrative. Long before he graced a Hollywood set, he was a young boy without a father, constantly moving from place to place, determined to make a name for himself in an industry that offered no handouts.
This is the true story of Cole Hauser.
A Childhood Filled with Ranch Life and Restlessness
Cole was born on a ranch just north of Santa Barbara, and his earliest memories felt like scenes from a Western—riding horses, exploring vast fields, and growing up amidst the rugged beauty and freedom of the land, as noted by Men’s Journal.
At the age of four, he and his mother relocated to a sprawling 1,500-acre ranch near Eugene, Oregon. Equipped with a BB gun and a sense of adventure, he later reflected on this period as the happiest time of his life.
His mother, who identified as a free-spirited vagabond and hippie, led a life of constant movement, uprooting their family when Cole was still quite young. This time, they relocated to Clearwater, Florida—a change he later confessed he “wouldn’t wish on anyone.”
Eventually, they made their way back to California, where, at the age of twelve, Cole found himself in an acting class—not driven by a love for performance, but rather because, as he openly shared, “There were attractive girls, and you get to do a few plays.”
Then, unexpectedly, he discovered a newfound passion for acting.
Hollywood Was in His Blood—But Not His Path
When Cole expressed his desire to take acting seriously, his mother dropped a surprising revelation—her maiden name was Warner, as in Warner Bros. He was part of Hollywood lineage.
However, that name didn’t pave the way for him. In fact, his mother was determined to make it tougher, insisting that if he wanted to pursue this career, he had to work for it.
She arranged for him to endure a challenging five-hour bus journey from their town to Los Angeles for auditions. He would arrive, walk to the casting studio, spend a few minutes in the audition room, and then make the long trip back home.
After going through this routine several times, she disclosed another family secret—his father was also an actor, known as Wings Hauser.
Cole had never met him and only learned of his existence when he was around nine or ten years old and saw him on television.
“I waited until the end of the movie and saw Wings Hauser in the credits. I went to my mom’s room and said, ‘Hey, Mom. I just saw a guy on TV named Wings Hauser.’ She looked at me in surprise and said, ‘Wow!’ I replied, ‘Yeah, I saw this guy.’ And she said, ‘Well, let’s talk about that.’”
At fifteen, Cole finally met his father and moved to Los Angeles to live with him, hoping to be closer to the acting world.
The reunion was complex. His father was struggling with significant substance abuse issues and was unable to provide the stability Cole needed. He quickly came to the realization that he was on his own.
A Teenager Living on a Boat, Pursuing a Dream
Rather than residing in a Hollywood apartment or a family house, Cole found himself living solo on a docked PT boat in Marina del Rey.
While many teenagers might have found this challenging, he flourished. “That was an incredible time because it represented freedom,” he later reflected.
As he balanced auditions and various jobs, he secured his first significant role in the 1992 film School Ties, acting alongside future stars like Matt Damon and Ben Affleck. Being new to the industry, he received personal guidance from the renowned cinematographer Freddie Francis on set, who taught him how to hit his marks and block scenes effectively.
From that point on, his career began to steadily progress.
Becoming Rip Wheeler
After years of portraying tough, intense roles in films such as Dazed and Confused, Good Will Hunting, and 2 Fast 2 Furious, Cole was cast as Rip Wheeler in Yellowstone.
To portray the tough yet deeply loyal ranch foreman, he went beyond just reminiscing about his childhood experiences of horseback riding in Oregon. He immersed himself in rigorous training, mastering the skills of roping and riding as if he had dedicated his entire life to the ranching lifestyle.
His dedication impressed both critics and audiences, including his father.
“Absolutely,” Cole affirmed when asked if his dad felt proud of him. “Yeah, he’s a big fan of the show and is clearly very proud of my work in it.”
Interestingly, Cole discovered that his family’s ties to the West were even stronger than he had previously realized.
A Family Legacy in Montana
Years after the debut of Yellowstone, Cole and his oldest son journeyed to Montana to explore their heritage.
What they uncovered was a legacy that dates back to the early chapters of American history. His great-great-grandfather, Samuel T. Hauser, not only contributed to financing the Lewis and Clark Expedition but also became Montana’s first governor.
“I’ve always felt a connection to the state, but I never understood why,” Cole mused. “Now it all makes sense. My family has been part of this place since its inception.”
As a father now, Cole recognizes the significance of legacy. He has built his career on determination, resilience, and independence—the same values he aims to pass on to his children.
While Rip Wheeler may be his most recognized character, his most significant accomplishment is the life he has forged against all odds.