In Season 4 of “Yellowstone,” Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) is sent off to the 6666 ranch to get himself sorted out and see if he can finally become a real cowboy after all these years. One of the people that Jimmy meets in his new home is an old-timer named Ross (Barry Corbin), a legendary cowboy who is revered even by those who work beside him on the ranch.

Jimmy meets Ross in Season 4, Episode 5 (“Under a Blanket of Red”), and the old cowpoke gives him some no-nonsense advice on the life he’s signing up for by trying to become a cowboy. His words seem to touch a vein in the struggling ranchhand, finally helping him to get his bearings for this kind of work.

Considering the level of respect that Taylor Sheridan evidently has for Wilford Brimley, it’s even reasonable to suggest that the character was included in “Yellowstone” to honor the “Country,” “Rodeo Girl,” and “Death Valley” star. As for the actor himself, though he died in 2020, it’s clear from that title card alone that his absence will cast a long shadow across the trail for years to come.

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