Exploring The Interconnected Worlds Of 1883, 1923, And Yellowstone
How Does 1883 Connect to 1923? Yellowstone Prequels Explained
1883, 1923, and Yellowstone may be part of the same timeline, but it hasn't stopped a number of actors from pulling double duty and starring in multiple shows of the TV series. Taylor Sheridan's Yellowstone universe is set to get even bigger with the launch of 1923 in December on Paramount+, a year after the massive success of 1883. Both shows act as preludes to Yellowstone, and tell the stories of the Dutton family and how they came to own the biggest ranch in Montana.
We already know that in 1923, we'll be seeing characters who we previously met in 1883, but the roles have been recast as they're 40 years older. However, there are some actors who first appeared in Yellowstone, only to appear in 1883, and now vice versa. This unique structure creates a rich tapestry of storytelling that allows audiences to connect with the characters over generations.
Here’s a list of actors who have appeared in both Yellowstone on Paramount Network and 1883 on Paramount+.
Taylor Sheridan
Travis Wheatley in Yellowstone and Charles Goodnight in 1883
The co-creator of Yellowstone and the creator of 1883 has given himself small but impactful roles in both of his shows so far. He first appeared in the first season of Yellowstone as the horse trader Travis Wheatley. An acquaintance of John Dutton, he played a bigger role in Season 4 as he drove the ranch hand, Jimmy, to the Four Sixes Ranch in Texas. This move laid the foundations for the upcoming spin-off show 6666, which will launch on Paramount Network in 2023.
Taylor Sheridan plays both Travis in "Yellowstone" and Charles Goodnight in "1883."Paramount Network / Paramount+
A couple of episodes into 1883, Sheridan appeared again, this time playing the real-life role of Charles Goodnight, an American rancher who was inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners. With another series 1923 coming up, Sheridan could play a different character, or we could see Goodnight again as he died in 1929.
Martin Sensmeier
Martin in Yellowstone and Sam in 1883
Native American actor Martin Sensmeier first starred in multiple episodes during Season 2 of Yellowstone where he played Monica's physical therapist, Martin. He played a much more prominent role in 1883 as he joined towards the end of its 10-episode run. He played Sam, a skilled Comanche warrior who falls in love with and marries Elsa Dutton. Though they didn't have any children, their marriage adds Sam to the Dutton family tree.
Martin Sensmeier plays both Martin in "Yellowstone" and Elsa's husband Sam in "1883."Paramount Network / Paramount+
James Jordan
Steve Hendon in Yellowstone and Cookie in 1883
Actor James Jordan is a favorite of Sheridan's, having appeared in both Yellowstone, 1883, and his movies Wind River and Those Who Wish Me Dead. In Season 2, he joined Yellowstone as Steve Hendon, a livestock agent who works with Kayce Dutton. This is a regular role and he's returned several times on the show.
James Jordan plays livestock agent Steve Hendon in "Yellowstone" and Cookie in "1883."Paramount Network / Paramount+
He joined the settlers on the Oregon Trail in 1883 as the cook, Cookie. He was a tough-talking member of the group but was ultimately killed, as many of the other travelers were over the course of the series.
