Yellowstone star Cole Hauser’s heartbreaking confession resurfaces after father’s death

Wings Hauser died on March 15, 2025, at age 77. Although the actor’s son, Yellowstone star Cole Hauser, is yet to comment, a heartbreaking interview in which he opened up about his father has resurfaced following the news. 

Once dubbed the “biggest star you’ve never heard of,” Wings appeared in more than 100 movies and TV shows over the years, some of his most notable acting credits including Vice Squad, Tough Guys Don’t Dance, and The Young and the Restless.

Last week, his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, announced that he had died of natural causes at their Santa Monica home. His son shared the same gift for acting as his father, with Cole famously portraying Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s hit series.

Despite their shared talent, the pair didn’t develop a relationship until later in life, as reflected in a 2021 interview with Cowboys & Indians magazine. 

Cole Hauser found out about his father Wings on TV

Wings left Cole’s mother Cass Warner when Cole was just two years old, and he didn’t know who his dad was until he was around nine or 10. 

When asked how old he was when he realized what his father did for a living, the Yellowstone actor replied, “That’s a good question. I think I was about nine or 10 years old, something like that. 

“Yeah. I saw him on TV, and I didn’t know he was my dad. I waited for the finish of the film, and I saw Wings Hauser [in the credits]. 

“So, I went into my mom’s room, and I said, ‘Hey mom. I just saw a guy on TV, his name’s Wings Hauser.’ And she looked at me and went: ‘Wow!’ And I said, ‘Yeah, I saw this guy.’ And she goes, ‘Yeah, well, let’s talk about that.’ 

“And so, she explained to me who he was. And that’s how I found out about my dad.”

Despite being absent in his earlier life, Cole and Wings eventually established a relationship, with Cole confirming that he and his father spoke about Yellowstone. 

“Yeah, he’s a huge fan of the show, and is obviously very proud of what I’ve done in it. He’s an old cowboy, after all,” he continued. 

“Our family, the Hauser side of the family, are all Montanans. So, it’s very close to him. We have family in Helena and Livingstone and all over the state.”

Learn about Sheridan’s TV universe with rundowns on the upcoming spinoffs 6666, The Madison, and Yellowstone 1944.