We Regret To Inform You: The Rejection Podcast Rejecting Yellowstone
Mar 5, 2025
Taylor Sheridan, the acclaimed creator and showrunner of Yellowstone, shares his incredible journey from having just $800 to landing a $200M deal with Paramount. He reflects on his struggles as an actor in Hollywood, the pivotal decision to pivot to screenwriting, and the skepticism he faced while pitching Yellowstone. Sheridan humorously recounts living in his car while chasing his dreams and highlights the transformative power of rejection, illustrating how these challenges ultimately led to his groundbreaking success.
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From Cowboy to Actor
- Taylor Sheridan's family moved to rural Cranfills Gap, Texas, where he reluctantly became a cowboy.
- Initially dreaming of an NFL career, injuries led him to acting after his drama teacher suggested a role in "Grease".
From Texas to Hollywood
- Inspired by "Dances with Wolves", Sheridan considered filmmaking but pursued acting after a chance encounter with a talent scout.
- He moved to Los Angeles, slept in his car, and took on odd jobs while securing minor roles in TV shows.
The Pivot to Writing
- After 20 years of struggling as an actor, Sheridan decided to quit and move to Wyoming.
- An acting student suggested he try writing, leading Sheridan to purchase scriptwriting software and begin his writing career.