Denim Richards Discusses Colby’s Season 5 Impact on Yellowstone Cowboys and Taylor Sheridan’s Future

Warning: SPOILERS lie ahead for Yellowstone Season 5 Part B! In an emotional turn of events, Denim Richards bids farewell to his character, Colby, in the latest episodes of Yellowstone. A talented actor, Richards started his career with minor roles in shows like Disney Channel’s Good Luck Charlie and MTV’s Catfish: The Show, and eventually landed more significant roles, including a six-episode arc in Freeform’s Good Trouble. However, his standout performance as Colby Mayfield—a cowboy on the Dutton ranch—has been his most prominent role to date.

As Season 5 Part B unfolds, the narrative takes a darker turn for Colby and his fellow cowboys at the Dutton Ranch. The plot follows Rip and several ranch hands traveling to Texas to manage contaminated cattle, leaving Colby and others behind in Montana to safeguard their territory. The season escalates, culminating in a tragic moment when Colby becomes a casualty in episode 12, “Counting Coup,”when a wild horse accidentally kills him as he attempts to save Carter, played by Finn Little.

This season also features returning cast members, including Wes Bentley as Jamie, Kelly Reilly as Beth, Luke Grimes, Kelsey Asbille, Cole Hauser, and many others. The final act of Sheridan’s iconic series has revealed unexpected twists that elevate the stakes beyond Jamie and Beth’s conflicts.

Recently, Denim Richards spoke with ScreenRant to reflect on his journey with Yellowstone, his mixed emotions about leaving the series, and what fans can expect following the dramatic events of Season 5 Part B.

Richards Expresses Mixed Emotions About Departing Yellowstone

Discovery of Colby’s Fate Came Early in Filming

Denim Richards as Colby Mayfield in Yellowstone season 5 episode 12

ScreenRant: Denim, it’s fantastic to connect with you. I joined the Yellowstone fanbase a little late but I’m loving the journey. How does it feel to wrap up such a significant chapter of your career after being part of the show for so long?

Denim Richards: It brings a whirlwind of emotions. Ultimately, every good thing must come to an end, and I’ve cherished every moment of this journey. This experience has provided a foundation for my career and has introduced me to incredible people. The knowledge gained about the craft, professionalism, and the overall industry is invaluable. Working on a show that becomes a hallmark of its generation is an experience that will always resonate with me. We’re fortunate to have such dedicated fans, whose support has remained steadfast, even after an 18-month hiatus.

There’s been considerable speculation surrounding the show’s direction and character fates, culminating in Colby’s shocking demise.

Denim Richards: I learned about Colby’s fate back in May, so I’ve been sitting on that information for months. It became quite tricky during interviews when fans ingeniously speculated on Colby and Teeter’s storyline. We often have to maintain general responses, given the secrecy surrounding the show. Personally, forming deep connections with the cast and crew makes such reveals even more poignant, as we all cultivate these personal narratives while performing together.

Colby’s Demise Reflects a Greater Narrative in Yellowstone

A Complicated Journey to Filming Colby’s Death Scene

Denim Richards as Colby Mayfield looking intensely at something in Yellowstone season 5 episode 12 (2)

How did you feel upon learning about Colby’s fate after so many years of bringing this character to life?

Denim Richards: It’s a balancing act between the character and my personal feelings. After being connected for so long, it’s easy for emotional threads to blur. Ultimately, our role as artists is to serve a story greater than ourselves. I’ve learned that high levels of introspection help maintain focus on the craft rather than becoming too self-referential. This role has been a rigorous test of my professional growth, preparing me for whatever future challenges may come.

The filming of that death scene must have been challenging. What was that like?

Denim Richards: While we had a stunt double, I performed much of the action myself. It brings an added layer of authenticity when a character faces such a fate. The day of filming was exceptionally emotional for me, recognizing it was the last day in that trailer and on set. However, we faced numerous weather delays, extending the wait as emotions simmered. Ultimately, on filming day, it transformed into just another job, despite the high stakes.

Richards Speculates on Colby’s Hypothetical Reaction to Teeter’s Death

“I’m very happy for her that she didn’t have to experience that side of it…”

Teeter talking to Colby on the phone in Yellowstone season 5 part B

Given the close connection between Colby and Teeter, how do you think Colby would respond if the roles were reversed?

Denim Richards: Their relationship has evolved into a complex dynamics over the seasons. Should Teeter face Colby’s fate, it would undoubtedly weigh heavily on him. Colby tends to be stoic, yet her vibrant spirit adds a dynamic that he deeply values. It’s a profound emotional moment that each actor absorbs and experiences in reality as well, given our close relationships outside of the narrative.

Colby’s Tragic Fate Will Resonating Among the Cowboys

“…that’s what allows the weight and the gravity for a show like this to happen.”

Finn Little as Carter holding a gun in Yellowstone season 5 episode 12

There’s been chatter about redacted scripts this season. Can you share insight on how Colby’s death will affect the other cowboys?

Denim Richards: From my perspective, knowing the outcome enhances the emotional depth as these characters react. Colby’s loss will indelibly change the group dynamic. This season has poignantly exposed the realities and challenges of cowboy life, which naturally intertwine with the narrative weight carried throughout the show’s arc. I believe the characters will endure a profound emotional journey in the wake of such a significant loss.

Richards Ready to Seize Future Opportunities with Sheridan

What Richards Will Miss Most About Yellowstone

Denim Richards as Colby looking into the distance in his sunglasses and cowboy hat in Yellowstone season 5 part B

As the final season approaches its end, what will you miss most about your role or the Yellowstone experience?

Denim Richards: What I will cherish most are the bonds formed among the cast and crew—from the executives to my co-stars. The immersive nature of filming led to shared experiences that deepened our connections. We endured challenges together, weathering everything from COVID restrictions to industry strikes. This uncommon unity makes the show distinct, and that’s what I will miss the most. It’s a team effort where every role contributes to a fantastic narrative. Yellowstone represents a significant milestone, but I look forward to the pearls I’ll gather in my career.

I sincerely hope that future projects allow you to reunite with your Yellowstone family. Given Taylor’s knack for casting familiar faces, which project excites you most for a potential collaboration?

Denim Richards: Anytime Taylor extends an invitation to work, my answer is undoubtedly “yes,”and then I’ll ask for details later. He has an impressive catalogue, and I’m eager to tackle new challenges away from the ranching genre to prevent any overlap with my character. Regardless of the project, I’m ready to contribute and showcase what I’ve learned in the Yellowstone universe.

Overview of Yellowstone Season 5 Part B

The epic saga of Yellowstone traces the lives of the Dutton family, headed by John Dutton, who presides over the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the U.S. The narrative intertwines themes of shifting loyalties, unresolved conflicts, and familial ties, as the ranch confronts challenges from neighboring developments, indigenous lands, and America’s first national park.

Co-created by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, alongside John Linson, the series boasts executive producers like Kevin Costner and David C. Glasser. Distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution, Yellowstone continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pifXtqxDPkE

This Season on Yellowstone | Paramount Network (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pifXtqxDPkE)