‘Yellowstone’ Star Luke Grimes on ‘Happiness for Beginners’ and Loving Wife
Luke Grimes, known for his intense portrayal of Kayce Dutton in the hit series “Yellowstone,” is taking a refreshing turn in his career. The 39-year-old actor is now stepping into the lighthearted world of romantic comedies with his role in the Netflix film “Happiness for Beginners.” After years of diving into dark and emotionally charged performances, Grimes is ready to embrace a lighter side in this new cinematic venture.
In “Happiness for Beginners,” Grimes sheds his dusty cowboy hat from “Yellowstone” and dons the attire of Jake, a carefree character who finds love during an outdoor survival course. His chemistry with Ellie Kemper, who plays Helen, brings a heartwarming romance to the screen. Grimes shared his excitement about taking a break from heavy roles and exploring the realm of romantic comedies. He mentioned, “I’ve done ‘Yellowstone’ for a few years with so much dark, emotional material. I mean, I get to do some juicy stuff… But I wanted to do something lighter and just experience that one time. A rom-com was always on the bucket list.”
Here’s a closer look at Luke Grimes’ journey with “Happiness for Beginners” and his career fueled by his “Yellowstone” fame.
A Transition from Cowboy to Romantic Adventurer
Grimes, originally from Dayton, Ohio, found a sense of familiarity while working on the film set of “Happiness for Beginners.” The movie, set on the Appalachian Trail, allowed him to tap into his own camping and backpacking experiences. Grimes revealed, “I’ve been camping and backpacking my whole life. Patagonia is no stranger to me… Actually, it was the cowboy thing that was new to me. I’d never even ridden horses before ‘Yellowstone.’ That’s such a cool part of my life I didn’t see coming.”
The camaraderie on set was evident as the cast, including “The Office” star Ellie Kemper and “Superstore” actor Nico Santos, bonded over outdoor hikes and shared stories. Grimes fondly recalled their time together, mentioning hikes through Connecticut’s picturesque fall foliage and ghost stories told at their historic bed and breakfast lodging. These connections extended beyond the film, with Grimes planning to attend Santos’ upcoming wedding to fiancé Zeke Smith.
Real-Life Romance and Dedication
In “Happiness for Beginners,” Grimes portrays a character who is as kind-hearted as he is charming. This portrayal aligns with the recurring theme in his roles, including his enduring TV marriage as Kayce Dutton to Monica Long-Dutton. Grimes shared his perspective on portraying characters with such qualities, saying, “I try for the parts playing people you don’t always like, but I end up getting the sweetheart, try-hard guy… I probably gravitate to these parts because that’s who I want to be.”
In his personal life, Grimes’ commitment to his Brazilian model wife, Bianca Rodrigues Grimes, is evident. While Grimes doesn’t engage much on social media, he made an exception by sharing a rare personal photo of him and Bianca. The heartfelt moment captured them kissing at the Stagecoach music festival, accompanied by a caption expressing his love for her. Grimes values his relationship deeply, stating, “I just wanted to make it very clear. I’m a very married person and I love my wife to death. We’ll be together forever.” Their bond is enriched by the endearing nickname she uses for him: “anjo,” the Portuguese word for angel.
A Musical Journey and Career Crossroads
Grimes’ artistic endeavors extend beyond acting, as he explores the world of country music. With his debut single “No Horse to Ride” featured in the midseason finale of “Yellowstone,” he marked his entry into the music scene. His second single, “Hold On,” was released in April, generating curiosity among his fans about an upcoming album. While Grimes remains tight-lipped about the album’s specifics, he acknowledges the significance of music in his life.
The intersection of acting and music has led Grimes to ponder the future impact on his career. He mused, “I’m asking myself the same thing. I’m going to do whatever seems right in the moment, and music has been speaking to me lately… I love acting, but the business is a very different game than when I started. I just happened to land in a lucky spot with ‘Yellowstone,’ which is a (really) great TV show.”
The Evolving Landscape of “Yellowstone” and Beyond
The success of “Yellowstone” has been a defining chapter in Grimes’ career. However, the future of the show remains uncertain, with Paramount announcing its end after the upcoming second half of Season 5. Public disagreements between star Kevin Costner, who plays patriarch John Dutton, and the production team contributed to this decision. A sequel series without Costner is in the works, possibly featuring an entirely new cast.
While Grimes prefers not to delve into the off-screen drama, he emphasizes his focus on other projects. Films like “Happiness for Beginners” and personal milestones, such as his long-awaited Hawaiian honeymoon with Bianca, take precedence. Grimes’ philosophy revolves around finding happiness in every moment: “The most important thing to me is to enjoy my days on this Earth because there aren’t many of them… If it’s music, if it’s acting, if it’s one day, raising children, I don’t care. I just want to do what makes me happy.”
In essence, Luke Grimes’ journey from the intense world of “Yellowstone” to the heartwarming landscape of “Happiness for Beginners” reflects his dedication to evolving as an artist and embracing the diverse facets of his career and personal life.
