Yellowstone star Gil Birmingham's life from heritage confusion to Diana Ross connection

Yellowstone official trailer

Yellowstone wouldn't be the same without the presence of Broken Rock Reservation chief Thomas Rainwater, portrayed by actor Gil Birmingham but what do we know about this talented performer?

The eagerly awaited second part of season five has finally premiered on Paramount Network and Paramount+, following an almost two-year break.

However, the comeback is tinged with sadness as it marks the final series.

So, with only a few episodes remaining, what should fans know about Gil Birmingham, the man behind Thomas Rainwater, away from the popular Western drama?

Career Switch

Born in July 1953 in San Antonio, Texas, Birmingham was the eldest of five children. His family moved frequently due to his father's role as a military police officer. 

Despite spending most of his life under the spotlight, the 71-year-old initially embarked on a completely different career path.

Birmingham earned a degree in administration from the University of Southern California and subsequently worked as a petrochemical engineer for four years.

Inside Yellowstone star Gil Birminghams life from Diana Ross link and confused heritage to hopes of spin-off (Image: PARAMOUNT NETWORK)

Actor Gil Birmingham featured in Diana Ross' 1982 music video Muscles after he was scouted at the gym. (Image: DIANA ROSS PRODUCTIONS) Diana Ross connection

Uncertain about his future, Birmingham turned to bodybuilding and began honing his physique at the gym.

Little did he realise that this new hobby would alter his life trajectory as he was spotted and recruited to appear in Diana Ross' 1982 music video for Muscles.

In a 2016 interview with The Independent Critic, he revealed: "I couldn't do the engineering anymore. I wanted to explore this aesthetic world of body-building.

"Then, I got tapped by a producer who came to the gym and asked me to be part of this video for Diana Ross. I thought 'Diana Ross, that sounds fun! What? I'm mostly naked?'"

Successful career 

It was this moment in Diana Ross's music video that provided a stepping stone into acting for the now well-known star.

He would later grace screens in a range of successful roles across television and cinemas, such as The Legend of Calamity Jane, Body And Soul, Into The West, the famed Twilight saga, House Of Cards, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and more recently, Pieces of Her.

One of his latest roles, other than the character Thomas Rainwater in Yellowstone, involved him playing Detective Bill Taba in Under The Banner Of Heaven.

Heritage 

The actor had faced uncertainties regarding his heritage during the early years of his life.

Despite now being recognised as having Comanche lineage, which is a Native American tribe, he spent years under the belief that he shared Spanish and Mexican ancestry with his mother, misled by fears his father had of discrimination towards Indigenous people.

Reflecting on the connection he shares with his Yellowstone persona, Birmingham opened up: "Thomas Rainwater wasn't knowledgeable about his heritage.

Actor Gil Birmingham was behind Billy Black in the Twilight franchise. (Image: SUMMIT ENTERTAINMENT) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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"In season one they researched his adoption papers and kept him in the dark, which kind of parallels my life."

"[My parents] didn't tell me until I was fourteen. We moved around a lot. My dad was in the Army as a policeman, my mom was devoutly religious, and it was quite a constraining home life and very isolating.

"It wasn't until I left home at fourteen that I explored a sense of self.

"I became a ward of the court, and it was somewhat abusive. I lived in a boys' home, then was taken into a foster home. It deeply parallels Thomas Rainwater being adopted."

Spin-off hopes

As for the future of Yellowstone, while the curtain may be falling on the original series, there's buzz about potential spin-offs in the pipeline.

Birmingham holds out hope that any such expansions would see him playing a significant part.

In conversation with Screen Rant about discussions with creator Taylor Sheridan, he quipped: "Yeah, I always challenge him in arm wrestling contests to make sure one of those things happen.

"Taylor [Sheridan] is such an independent and prolific mind, he might be open to suggestions, and I'm sure it's not just a biased position that I would love that to happen, but I've heard friends in his circle say as much.

"Hes aware of it, no doubt, but with his full schedule already, it all hinges on the right timing. Should the idea mature well, then he might embark on that journey, and that would be fantastic."

Yellowstone continues every Sunday on Paramount Network and Paramount+.