Country Music Star Riley Green Makes Acting Debut in Yellowstone Spinoff
Riley Green, renowned for his country music, is venturing into acting with a role in Paramount’s Yellowstone spinoff series, Marshals. Green is keenly aware of the challenges this new role presents.
The singer-turned-actor plays Garrett, a former Navy SEAL grappling with the psychological scars of combat. In an interview with Military.com, Green emphasized the responsibility of accurately representing service members on screen. “There’s a level of pressure trying to represent something like that, that you don’t feel just playing any character,” he shared.
Learning From Navy SEALs
To prepare for his role, Green relied on the expertise of Navy SEALs present on set. These professionals served as technical advisors, guiding him through the nuances of military life. “I think we were beyond fortunate that there were Navy SEALs on set,” Green noted. He dedicated time to mastering combat mechanics, practicing actions like reloading weapons until they became instinctual.
“They said you need to be able to do it without thinking about it,” Green explained. This attention to detail was crucial for authenticity, as military viewers are likely to scrutinize such aspects.
New Challenges on Set
Accustomed to performing for large audiences, Green found stepping onto a television set to be a novel experience. “When I go to a show, everybody’s there to see me,” he said, contrasting it with being “the new guy” on a film set. This shift required him to adapt to the collaborative nature of filmmaking, where doing his part correctly was essential for the team.
Despite the pressure, Green embraced the challenge, drawing parallels to the mindset required in his music career. “When you’re on stage, you’ve got to be the happiest person in the room to be there,” he remarked.
Balancing Authenticity and Familiarity
Green’s character, Garrett, shares a link with his real-life persona through music, as Garrett plays guitar. This element serves as a subtle nod to Green’s background without overshadowing his character. “I didn’t want it to seem like it was just Riley Green on this show,” he explained. Instead, music acts as a “tip of the cap” to his identity.
Respect for Military Service
Green hopes his portrayal resonates with viewers, particularly veterans, fostering respect for military service. “I think I speak for all the cast that we’re extremely appreciative of everybody who served in the military,” Green expressed. Working on Marshals offered him a deeper understanding of the realities faced by service members, even if only through acting.
Potential Future Appearances
Green’s character is featured in several episodes of Marshals. While he hinted at a possible return, he remains focused on exploring further acting opportunities. “It was a challenge…And something I’d like to explore and try to do more of,” he stated.
Green’s journey in Marshals begins on Sunday, April 19, with the episode “Blowback,” airing from 8 to 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS. Viewers can also stream it on Paramount+, available live for Premium subscribers and on-demand the following day for Essential plan users.
