Podcast Summary: Gil Birmingham – The Journey to Chief Thomas Rainwater on Yellowstone
Released on February 20, 2025, "The Bobby Bones Show" hosted by Bobby Bones dives deep into the life and career of Gil Birmingham, renowned for his portrayal of Chief Thomas Rainwater on the acclaimed series Yellowstone. This episode offers listeners an intimate look at Birmingham's multifaceted journey from engineering to acting, his creative process, and his insights into the evolving entertainment industry.
1. Introduction to Gil Birmingham
Bobby Bones opens the episode by expressing gratitude for the podcast's positive reception and introduces Gil Birmingham, highlighting his role as Chief Thomas Rainwater on Yellowstone. Bones emphasizes Gil's diverse background, including his engineering roots and bodybuilding phase, setting the stage for an engaging conversation about his transition into acting and his collaborations with Taylor Sheridan.
2. From Engineering to Acting: Gil's Diverse Career Path
Engineering Beginnings
Gil Birmingham shares his initial career path, stating, “[...] when you're young, you're just looking for something to support yourself. And that seemed like a good one at the time” ([05:37]). He explains his five-year stint as a petrochemical engineer, a decision influenced by his parents' recommendations. However, his passion for creativity led him to explore other avenues.
The Bodybuilding Phase
Birmingham recounts his time in bodybuilding, describing it as “a healthy lifestyle” and an entry point into acting. His dedication to shaping the human form like a Greek statue not only honed his physical presence but also led to his discovery by industry scouts during gym sessions. This phase was pivotal, as it bridged his engineering background with his emerging interest in the arts.
3. Crafting Chief Thomas Rainwater: Character Development and Perspective
Understanding the Character
Gil delves into his portrayal of Chief Thomas Rainwater, discussing the complexities of embodying both a “bad guy and a good guy.” He reflects, “[...] my development of that character was always for the interest of my people to save the land” ([03:02]). This nuanced approach allows Rainwater to navigate moral ambiguities, making him a relatable and multifaceted character.
Taylor Sheridan's Influence
Birmingham praises Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, highlighting Sheridan's ability to weave personal history and societal themes into his storytelling. He notes, “Taylor's so great at that. He's such an observing person...” ([10:08]). This collaboration has been instrumental in shaping Gil’s approach to acting and character immersion.
Script Surprises and Storyline Evolution
Discussing the unpredictability of television storytelling, Gil mentions unexpected plot developments, such as challenges to Rainwater’s leadership, which added depth to the narrative. He observes, “It was the preservation of the land. I think that was the highest integrity of character for both of them” ([05:24]), emphasizing the shared motivations between Rainwater and John Dutton despite their differing methods.
4. Personal Insights: Inspirations and Influences
Favorite Book: "The Power of Now"
Gil reveals his favorite book as Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, describing it as “a pivotal, conscious turnaround” ([08:55]). This philosophy of living in the present moment resonates deeply with him, influencing both his personal life and professional approach.
Childhood Parallel to Character
Drawing parallels between his own life and his character, Gil shares, “My parents didn't really let us know we were even native until I was like 14” ([10:08]). This personal connection enriches his portrayal of Rainwater, adding layers of authenticity and emotional depth.
Passion for Music
A self-proclaimed “music nerd,” Gil discusses his love for guitar and classic rock artists like Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton ([17:04]). Music remains a significant part of his life, serving as both a creative outlet and a source of inspiration. His interactions with fellow musicians, including Keith Urban, further highlight the role of music in his personal and professional spheres.
5. Navigating the Acting Industry and Future Prospects
Post-Yellowstone Career Thoughts
As Yellowstone concludes, Gil contemplates his next steps in the acting world. He expresses optimism yet acknowledges the industry's uncertainties, mentioning factors like AI concerns and shifting production dynamics ([13:55]). Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful and open to new opportunities that align with his interests and passions.
Script Selection and Personal Growth
Reflecting on his script-reading experiences, Gil admits, “No. Remember reading Hell or High Water?... I don't know where this movie's gonna go sitting there at the Oscars” ([14:50]). This candid admission underscores the unpredictability of the industry and the importance of meaningful projects over predictability.
6. Memorable Experiences on Other Projects
"Hell or High Water"
Gil reminisces about his role as Ben in Hell or High Water, highlighting the camaraderie with co-stars Jeff Bridges and Chris Pine. He shares a fond memory of jamming music with Bridges during filming, stating, “...our improv stuff. There was a bit of improv between us” ([15:22]). This experience not only enriched his acting skills but also reinforced the value of collaboration and friendship in the arts.
7. Recommendations and Final Thoughts
Favorite Shows and Projects
When asked for show recommendations, Gil enthusiastically endorses Taylor Sheridan's body of work, including Lioness and Landman. He praises Sheridan’s unique storytelling and world-building capabilities, reinforcing the strong creative synergy between actor and creator ([22:16]).
Advice and Inspirational Messages
Gil emphasizes the importance of self-belief and taking risks, sharing his journey from engineering to acting as a testament to pursuing one’s true passions. He reflects, “It's this sense of belief we have in ourselves... exploring exactly what your potential is” ([21:31]).
Conclusion
Bobby Bones wraps up the episode by expressing his admiration for Gil Birmingham, highlighting the actor’s depth, versatility, and genuine passion for his craft. The conversation offers listeners valuable insights into the life of a dedicated actor navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry while staying true to his artistic roots.
Notable Quotes:
- “The only thing that exists is right now.” – Gil Birmingham ([09:38])
- “You can actually be really good at something and not have that confidence yourself.” – Gil Birmingham ([21:54])
Follow Gil Birmingham:
- Instagram: @GilBirmingham
- Notable Works: Yellowstone, Hell or High Water, Wind River
Recommended Shows:
- Yellowstone
- Lioness
- Landman
This episode serves as an inspiring narrative of passion, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of one’s true calling, embodied by Gil Birmingham’s remarkable journey in the world of acting.