He’s Something of an Actor Himself: Taylor Sheridan’s Best TV Roles So Far

Taylor Sheridan has long been a creative mind behind the camera that was filming his Yellowstone, Tulsa King, Lioness or Landman, but he doesn’t shy away from turning into a character for a movie or a show himself.

Whether it’s a role in another director’s project or in his own show that at some point provided a guest appearance for its creator, Sheridan’s acting work also deserves some more recognition, especially since he, just like Tarantino, knows for sure what part he’s destined to play in his own cinematic universe.

Cody Spears, Lioness (2024)

A spy thriller show and Sheridan’s pride and joy, Lioness stars Zoe Saldaña as CIA agent Joe who works with female operatives called Lionesses preparing them for undercover missions.

Since Joe is a character that aims for career heights at the expense of her personal life, she’s expected to be surrounded by similarly ambitious undercover agents, just like Cody Spears who Taylor Sheridan portrayed in three episodes of Lioness’ season 2.

Fans surely didn’t have enough of the character’s presence on the screen, enjoying his quick-passing appearances, which is a solid proof of Sheridan’s ability to carefully choose characters for himself. His cameo in Lioness is yet another unforgettable performance he can add to his acting resume.

David Hale, Sons of Anarchy (2008 — 2010)

This is probably what only Sheridan’s most devoted fans are aware of, but Yellowstone’s creator actually kicked his career off with acting jobs, and some of them made him a strong game player on modern TV.

Before finding himself as a TV writer, Sheridan starred in a 2008 crime drama show Sons of Anarchy where he portrayed strict police officer David Hale. In the series where the leading roles were given to Hollywood’s darlings Charlie Hunnam and Ron Perlman, Sheridan’s character turned into one of the fan-favourites, despite not appearing on the screen that much.

Sheridan remained the cast member until season 3 where his character was killed off, thus leaving the show on a high note amid many heartbroken fans’ complaints. All this didn’t happen without its own advantages though, since that was the time Sheridan started conceiving ideas for his own projects.

Travis Wheatley, Yellowstone (2018 — 2024)

Taking on another guest role in his own show, this time Sheridan didn’t really have to go into character as he was partially playing, well, himself. In Yellowstone, Travis Wheatley is the owner of The Four Sixes (6666) Ranch which is actually Sheridan’s own property, in the show serving as a place to promote authentic Texan experiences like cowboy rides.

Fans were delighted to see Sheridan stepping into the show as the Dutton family’s friend, yet he still caused some controversy by making himself look like a typical ranch man who has a soft spot for young models.

Well, Travis Wheatley isn’t coming back anyway after his last appearance in Yellowstone’s final season, but even if he did, Sheridan could do whatever he wanted with his character — that was his brainchild and show after all.