Kelly Reilly Despised One Thing About Her ‘Yellowstone’ Character That Made Life Difficult On-Set

Kelly Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton on Yellowstone made her a household name, with the character’s fierce confidence and sharp wit leaving a lasting impression on fans. However, despite her success on the show, there was one aspect of Beth’s character that made things difficult for Reilly on set for all five seasons.

In the aftermath of Yellowstone Season 5 Part B’s controversial conclusion, both fans and cast members have been reflecting on the show’s most memorable moments. The episodes aired amid a highly publicized feud between the show’s star, Kevin Costner, and creator Taylor Sheridan, which contributed to the tension behind the scenes. Fans were divided over the fates of key characters, including patriarch John Dutton (Kevin Costner) and his adopted son Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), with many expressing disappointment over their respective storylines. But through it all, one thing that Reilly shared about her character stood out: her intense dislike for Beth’s smoking habit.

As Beth, Reilly had to portray a chain-smoking, hard-living woman with little regard for her own well-being. While the character’s boldness made for compelling television, Reilly, a non-smoker in real life, admitted that smoking for six years on set was a major source of discomfort. In an interview with ET, Reilly candidly shared, “I hope she gives up smoking one day… She smokes – they’re herbal cigarettes, and I hate smoking them so much. There’s still smoke going in your face and your throat.” Reilly went on to express her concern for Beth’s health, noting that her character’s extreme smoking habits could eventually lead to her demise. Despite her feelings, Reilly acknowledged that Beth’s smoking wasn’t just a character quirk but also a manifestation of the character’s darker, self-destructive side. She explained that while she hoped Beth would find a reason to embrace life and quit smoking, it seemed unlikely given Beth’s tough, rebellious nature. In fact, Beth was still seen smoking even in Yellowstone’s final moments, proving that her self-destructive tendencies were not going anywhere anytime soon.

Although Reilly’s wish for Beth to lead a healthier life may not come to fruition, there is still hope for her character’s future, particularly with rumors swirling about a possible Beth and Rip spin-off. If that ever materializes, it could provide Beth with an opportunity to evolve in new ways—perhaps even leading to a shift away from her dangerous habits.

In addition to her frustrations with Beth’s smoking, Reilly has occasionally voiced her surprise and mild discontent with some of the writing choices made by Taylor Sheridan. While she remains deeply committed to the vision of the show, she admitted that, like fans, she sometimes wished for a different direction for her character. In a featurette for the show’s Blu-ray and DVD editions, Reilly reflected, “There are still things that I read and I didn’t expect, or sometimes I wish for something else for her, but that’s the same as the audience.”

This sentiment was echoed by fans, especially after the dramatic events of Season 5 Part B, which saw major shifts in the show’s narrative. Sheridan’s controversial choices, including the shocking deaths of beloved characters and unexpected twists in Beth’s story, led to mixed reactions. Despite the ups and downs, Reilly remains a professional, dedicated to bringing her character to life, even if it means enduring some discomfort along the way. Regardless of the lack of awards recognition, Reilly’s portrayal of Beth Dutton will undoubtedly remain one of the most iconic performances in television history.

All seasons of Yellowstone are available to stream on Paramount Network.