Yellowstone’s Rudy Ramos is a Director’s Dream Actor
Yellowstone, Episode 6 Paramount Network (Cable) Wednesday, August 1st, 10PM (ET/ST)
By Elia Esparza
Rudy Ramos
Veteran actor, Rudy Ramos, a Native American who is also part Mexican, hails from Lawton, Oklahoma, landed his first role on the 1969 TV drama, Ironside, where he had one scene with A. Martinez, and then came The High Chaparral in the 1970-71 season, as the half breed Pawnee boy, “Wind.” He was on a roll, because soon, he was also cast in a 90-minute special as a deaf mute Indian boy on The Virginian, also in 1971.
Ramos has been riding high from his iconic roles, a career that spans six decades and just when he thought that was about it for him as an actor, Director Taylor Sheridan comes a calling. Before he knows it, he’s “Felix Long” on Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelley Reilly and an all-star ensemble cast! Ramos might have been a little bewildered at first since he knew there is no shortage of veteran actors who would be great, but Sheridan saw something about Ramos that made him perfect to portray Felix Long, the head of his reservation living on America’s first national park, a man who often clashes with John Dutton (Costner) and land developers. With Dutton, it’s a complicated relationship because Felix’s granddaughter, Monica (Kelsey Asbille) is married to Dutton’s younger son, Kayce Dutton (Grimes).
With one TV credit, Ramos started his career on “The High Chaparral” and after six decades and dozens of credits, he bookends his acting career with another hit, a modern western, “Yellowstone.”
Yellowstone chronicles the Dutton family, led by John Dutton (Costner), who controls the largest contiguous cattle ranch in the United States. Amid shifting alliances, unsolved murders, open wounds, and hard-earned respect – the ranch is in constant conflict with those it borders – an expanding town, an Indian reservation, and America’s first national park.
Latin Heat is honored to aim the spotlight on the one and only, Rudy Ramos!
Latin Heat: From 1969 to 2018, it’s been quite a journey! How was it you managed to get yourself noticed for NBC’s hit series, The High Chaparral?
Rudy Ramos: It was my agent’s wife who recommended me. She knew Milt Hamerman, casting supervisor for the series. She knew they were having trouble casting the role of “Wind,” a Native American and said to him, ‘Hey, my husband represents this young kid who might be what you’re looking for.’ She knew that they had even screen tested two white guys, in black wigs and all… so I went to see him one morning and he asked be back to meet others from the show in the afternoon. I killed the audition, and before I knew it, they asked how soon I could get myself to Tucson. I got the part on a Friday. On Monday I was already doing the PR for show and Wednesday, started working as Wind.
Felix Long (R- Rudy Ramos) spends time with his great-grandson Tate (L-Brecken Merrill) on the Paramount Network series YELLOWSTONE.
LH: And here you are today, portraying Felix Long on Paramount Network’s mega-hit, Yellowstone! Congratulations! Tell us about this audition.
RR: I auditioned and then got a call back right away. I returned a week later and Taylor Sheridan [Yellowstone creator/director] was watching via Skype. When I finished, I heard a voice say ‘Yep, that’s it!’ I didn’t know until later when my agent called to say I had booked the job that the voice was Taylor’s. The initial two-episodes turned into six during this first season and I’ll be back for season two. I have to say that during my auditions, I was very ready, sharp and confident.
LH: Tell us about Felix Long.
RR: I have found a lot of myself in Felix. His passion for his family… his land and his people. He is the elder of the tribe and the reservation where he lives. He was taken from the reservation as a child by a government organization and sent to a Catholic school to learn the white man’s ways. He is a Vietnam Veteran but chose to come back to the rez and live his life with his wife and grandchildren.
He has had issues with John Dutton (Costner) and his granddaughter is married to Dutton’s youngest son. They also live on the rez instead of Yellowstone. It seems everyone respects Felix Long– Native and white. Dutton confides in him and they have made peace. He is not the chief but is definitely the spiritual leader of the rez.
LH: We understand that Episode 6 — which broadcasts on Wednesday, August 1, 2018, is one we cannot miss of you!
RR: Yes, episode six is a powerful one for Felix and I hope the viewers will relate to the emotions of a man who loves his family without boundaries or conditions.
LH: What’s it like to be directed by Taylor Sheridan and work with Kevin Costner?
RR: I love working with Taylor. He is a wonderful storyteller and a director that trusts his actors. He gives you a lot of freedom. I also love working with Kevin. He is very easy to work with and a nice person. They are both smart and humble people who care about the universe and all mankind.
My take on Yellowstone story line is it is a modern day western with all the trimmings that big time ranchers have. The good and the bad. It is kind of like a Western Sopranos! –Rudy Ramos
LH: You’ve worked on some major iconic movies: Colors (’88), Open House (87), Beverly Hills Cop II (87), Quicksilver (86), Defiance (80), The Driver (78), The Enforcer (76), & Helter Skelter (76). Which was your favorite?
RR: I’d have to say The Enforcer, the ‘Dirty Harry’ movies, because the one scene I did with Clint Eastwood, opened up so many doors… Eastwood allowed me to shine. Another favorite film that didn’t get a lot of publicity, is Defiance (80). Loved working on Colors with Dennis Hopper… he actually talked me into this role because I actually wanted to portray someone else. He said, ‘No, you have to be my lieutenant.’
LH: Theater is an important part of your acting DNA, your one-man show, Geronimo, has received rave reviews every time it is performed. Why the fascination with this famous Native American warrior?
RR: I grew up in Lawton, Oklahoma, where Geronimo was a prisoner of war during the last 15 years of his life. I stood in the cell he was imprisoned in… have been to his grave… love hearing his stories, his battles, and his escapes. As a young boy I didn’t see him as a bad but good and I draw from him in my work as Felix Long.
LH: Theater has been a catalyst in your film and television career, would you agree?
RR: Yes. I have done a lot of theater in the Los Angeles area. Many times at LATC [Los Angeles Theatre Company]. I have been a working actor since 1969, and Yellowstone is my fourth series. I don’t know why I have been so fortunate to earn a living all these years, but I have never stopped my training. When not working on a film or TV show, I’m acting in theater, exercising my acting chops. You have to exercise some type of acting everyday. It has not gotten easier for me because there still are not many roles for Native/Latino actors.
LH: What do you tell a young actor just starting out, what pearls of wisdom do you share?
RR: My only advice to young actors and actresses is to get proper training if you want to last. Don’t worry about the Red Carpet. That will come if the work warrants it.
LL: Throughout your career, has this lack of casting diversity affected you or is it something that has gotten worse in recent years? What’s your take on it now?
RR: The roles that are more plentiful are for the younger talent as it should be. So many more talented Latino/Native actors and actresses to compete with. The young ladies are all so beautiful and the young men so handsome and they all have so much talent! I am lucky I do not have to compete with them. If they are prepared, skilled at their craft, and persevere, they will book the gigs. Like I said, ‘it’s more than just getting your photo taken on the Red Carpet.’
Thank you, Rudy Ramos! You’re an inspiration and proof that young actors, especially those of diverse backgrounds, more than ever, can push their way through with positive energy, hard work, training, and never thinking a role is too small to portray. Watch Rudy Ramos on tonight’s episode of Yellowstone, 10pm Et/ST, check your cable servers for channel. Follow Rudy on social media: Facebook
Yellowstone Paramount Network, Wednesdays, 10PM (ET/PT) Writer/Director: Taylor Sheridan (Wind River, Hell or High Water, Sicario) Executive Producer: Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, John Linson, Art Linson and David C. Glasser Cast: Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilley, Wes Bentley, Cole Hauser, Kelsey Asbille, Brecken Merrill, Jefferson White, Danny Huston, Gil Birgmingham, Rudy Ramos
Paramount Network enjoyed record-setting viewership in its freshman season and has already given an early second-season renewal to its critically praised drama series, Yellowstone, starring Kevin Costner. Season 2 will again consist of 10-episodes and will be shot entirely in Utah and Montana. Season one finale airs Wednesday, August 22nd at 10 PM, ET/PT. Check your cable servers for the Paramount Network channel. If you’re cable server is DirecTV, it’s Ch. 241.
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