One of the most distinctive features of Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton in Yellowstone is his raspy voice, which adds to the gritty and rugged persona of his cowboy character. However, in real life, Costner’s voice is quite different from that of his on-screen counterpart. So, what is the reason behind Kevin Costner’s raspy voice in Yellowstone?
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Kevin Costner’s Voice Transformation for Yellowstone
Kevin Costner deliberately changed his voice for Yellowstone to sound more like the iconic western characters of old. He believed that a raspy voice suited the gritty personality of his character, John Dutton. This change was inspired by some of the legendary actors of the Western genre.
As many fans on Reddit have pointed out, Costner seems to draw inspiration for John’s voice from none other than Clint Eastwood. Eastwood is widely regarded as one of the most iconic Western actors of all time, making it logical for Costner to find inspiration in his voice.
In an interview with Hollywood.com, Costner even admitted that he is not a fan of his own voice and felt that it didn’t match his character. As an actor, he constantly strives to create different voices to portray his roles effectively.
Kevin Costner’s Inspiration From “How the West Was Won”
While Kevin Costner’s raspy voice may remind viewers of Clint Eastwood in Yellowstone, he also has another favorite Western actor from his childhood. Costner has a deep admiration for Spencer Tracy, especially for his role in the movie “How the West Was Won” (1962).
Costner recalled his first encounter with narration in the movie, saying, “It was probably 1962, I was a seven-year-old, and I went to see the movie ‘How the West Was Won.’ It was a four-hour-long movie, and I was captivated by the whole story. The first voice I heard was Spencer Tracy’s, talking about the map of America, describing how it was just rivers and mountains before the roads and state markers came into existence.”
Costner even revealed that if he had to choose someone to narrate his life, it would be Tracy. This idea resonates with him, especially in his role on Yellowstone. He appreciates the untouched beauty of nature before the development of cities and finds Tracy’s voice to be legendary and unique.
The Role of John Dutton and Kevin Costner’s Connection
Kevin Costner’s portrayal of John Dutton on Yellowstone has been highly acclaimed. He was drawn to the show not only because of the compelling dialogue but also because it is filmed in Montana, a place he finds visually appealing.
“The dialogue had a fun, realistic approach to it. It was raw, dysfunctional, and set against the picturesque backdrop of mountains, rivers, valleys, and people on horseback, which was very appealing,” said Costner.
Interestingly, the creator of Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan, had met Costner before the show was even conceived. Impressed by Costner’s body of work, Sheridan immediately sent him the pilot episode script. Costner recognized the potential and greatness of the show and eagerly accepted the role of John Dutton.
Originally planned as a 10-episode series, Yellowstone’s immense popularity led to its expansion into several seasons.
Kevin Costner’s Earnings on Yellowstone
Kevin Costner’s stellar performance on Yellowstone has not only earned him critical acclaim but also a substantial income. He is currently being paid a staggering $1.3 million per episode for Season 5 of Yellowstone. With 14 episodes in this season, Costner stands to make an incredible $18.2 million if he appears in every episode, which seems likely.
When Costner initially accepted the role of John Dutton, his salary was $500,000 per episode. However, thanks to the overwhelming success of the show, his compensation has experienced a significant boost.
For more fascinating insights into the Yellowstone cast’s personal lives, relationships, and marriages, visit 5 WS.
By providing a glimpse into Kevin Costner’s voice transformation, inspirations, and his connection to the role of John Dutton, we hope to offer a deeper understanding of his portrayal on Yellowstone.
