For nearly ten years, Luke Grimes has embodied Kayce Dutton, the complex youngest son of the Yellowstone ranch dynasty. What began as a career-defining role in Taylor Sheridan's blockbuster neo-Western has now evolved into leading the franchise's latest chapter, the CBS procedural spinoff Marshals. In a candid new interview, Grimes reflects on the journey that almost ended—and the surprising call that brought him back to the character he thought he'd left behind.
A Decade in the Same Boots
Grimes's connection to Kayce is tangible, right down to the wardrobe. He still wears the same Ariat boots, hat, and jacket he first bought before Yellowstone's inaugural season. "The jeans are a little different. I think I was just skinnier back then," he jokes. This physical continuity mirrors the profound personal and professional stability the role has provided. Since first stepping onto the Dutton ranch, Grimes has moved to Montana, gotten married, started a family, and seen his public profile rise to a new, recognizable level. "It's not to some crazy level. I'm not Brad Pitt walking around," he says, "But I do get recognized a lot, and that was very new and very different."
The Final Goodbye That Wasn't
When Yellowstone wrapped its five-season run, Grimes was convinced it was a permanent farewell. The emotional finale saw Kayce secure a peaceful future for his family, and the cast shared tearful goodbyes on set. "For me, it was the last day of Yellowstone. It was like saying goodbye to family," Grimes recalls. He had mentally closed the book on Kayce, especially after the behind-the-scenes turbulence involving Kevin Costner's exit. The idea of a Kayce Dutton procedural initially struck him as "a really bad idea." He was wary of the intense workload and venturing into the unknown without Sheridan's daily involvement.
From Skepticism to Commitment
What changed his mind? A pivotal conversation with Marshals showrunner Spencer Hudnut, who brought experience from shows like 'SEAL Team'. Hudnut pitched a vision that transcended a standard case-of-the-week format, promising seasonal arcs and deeper character exploration. "Fundamentally, what it's about is this team of people, this team of good guys who are going out to find the bad guys," Grimes explains. The hybrid approach, along with the assurance that creator Taylor Sheridan remained a supportive phone call away, ultimately won him over. Now, with Marshals renewed for a second season, Grimes's commitment is absolute: "I feel very at home with him, and I feel like I would play this guy as long as they would let me."
Building a New Legacy on Familiar Ground
The goal for Marshals is to stand firmly on its own, a challenge Grimes and the team eagerly accept. While Sheridan's sprawling Yellowstone universe continues to expand with projects like the celebrated prequel '1883', this spinoff carves its own path. It follows Kayce Dutton as he leads a specialized team of lawmen, blending the gritty, character-driven drama fans expect with the structure of a modern crime series. Early episodes have already sparked new dynamics, like the fiery rivalry explored in 'Marshals' Episode 4.
Grimes's journey mirrors that of other actors who found defining, long-term roles in epic series. It calls to mind the dedicated fanbases of shows that stuck the landing, much like those celebrated in our list of the most satisfying sitcom send-offs. For Grimes, what began as a job transformed into a lifestyle and a legacy. From his first day in Montana, shrouded in wildfire smoke, to leading a major network spinoff, playing Kayce Dutton has been the ride of a lifetime—and one he's thrilled isn't over yet.
