'Yellowstone' star Luke Grimes reveals why he decided to move to Montana: 'LA scared me to death'
BITTERROOT VALLEY, MONTANA: Best known for playing Kayce Dutton on the popular television series 'Yellowstone,' Luke Grimes has talked about his life-altering choice to relocate to Montana on a full-time basis after years of filming the series in the state's stunning Bitterroot Valley.
The actor, who had previously alternated between Montana and Los Angeles, claims that the peace and simplicity of country life have had a significant influence on his perspective, leading him to reevaluate his goals and ultimately choose to make Montana his permanent home.
Luke Grimes opens up about his move to Montana and how it changed his life
Recently, Luke Grimes spoke with Men's Health about the conclusion of Yellowstone, the lessons he learned from playing Kayce Dutton, his plans for the future, and more. He also shared his thoughts on moving to Montana.
“We film in this place called Bitterroot Valley, and I actually moved there four years ago,” Grimes said, per Whiskey Riff.
“I started falling in love with it little by little, and then I started noticing that it felt weird to leave and go back to Los Angeles. It’s like I slowly started switching gears. LA scared me to death, honestly,” he further added.
Grimes and his wife chose to move to Montana during the pandemic, as health restrictions required the cast and crew to travel to Bitterroot Valley to film the entire season.
“The options were ‘come the whole time or don’t come at all.’ So she came. We rented a really nice house there. And we got so into it. We built a house, and it’s the best place I’ve ever lived,” he went on to say.
Luke Grimes reflects on how Montana shaped 'Yellowstone' and captivated audiences
Luke Grimes further stated that Montana influenced Yellowstone as a whole. “I think Montana is the biggest character in the show. It’s about the land. It’s about the ranch and the scenery. And that’s probably why a lot of people fell in love with the show so much,” he remarked.
He continued, “We started to get a serious audience [during the pandemic]. It was a time where everyone was locked inside, and there was something so romantic about watching a show where everyone’s on horseback looking at endless beautiful vistas.
Luke Grimes talks about Kevin Costner’s exit
Luke Grimes, also claimed that the new season is the "easiest" to film following Kevin Costner’s departure. In a recent interview with Esquire, Grimes admitted he hasn’t watched the show yet, saying he plans to revisit it in a few years after cleansing the "palate."
He also discussed Costner’s exit, noting that while it was tough for fans, it was "time" for his character to leave. Grimes explained that Costner's departure removed some of the conflict, making the filming process easier.
Despite the controversy, he believes the show is ending at the right time, after seven years. Grimes reflected on his character Kayce, saying he just wants a peaceful life with his family and no longer desires the violence his character once embraced.
