A Rising Star in Acting
Taylor Sheridan, the mastermind behind Yellowstone and its spinoffs, started his career as an actor, not a writer. Born in North Carolina and raised in Texas, he grew up loving the cowboy life, which later shaped his hit shows. Before creating Yellowstone, Sheridan played Deputy Chief David Hale in the popular TV series Sons of Anarchy. His role as the lawman clashing with a biker gang made him a fan favorite for 21 episodes. But his time on the show ended suddenly, and the reason why is a story of ambition and tough choices.
The Role of David Hale
In Sons of Anarchy, Sheridan’s character, David Hale, was a straight-laced deputy who often went head-to-head with the show’s main character, Jax Teller. The series, created by Kurt Sutter, mixed intense drama with gritty action, and Hale was a key part of the early seasons. Fans liked his no-nonsense attitude, but in Season 3, Hale was killed off in a shocking drive-by shooting at a funeral. This brutal exit left viewers stunned, and Sheridan himself wasn’t thrilled about how it went down. He later called it a “f*ck-you car crash,” showing his frustration with the writing.
Why Sheridan Walked Away
Sheridan’s exit from Sons of Anarchy wasn’t just about his character’s death. It came down to money and respect. While promoting his Yellowstone prequel 1883, Sheridan told Deadline that the show offered him a low wage compared to other actors. He said it wasn’t enough to quit his second job, which made staying on the show tough. Feeling undervalued, he decided to leave acting behind and focus on writing. A business attorney’s advice also pushed him to take control of his career, sparking his shift to creating stories like Sicario and Yellowstone.
Key Moments in Sheridan’s Career Shift
After leaving Sons of Anarchy, Sheridan’s career took off in a big way. Here’s a look at his journey:
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2010 | Left Sons of Anarchy after Season 3 |
| 2015 | Wrote Sicario, his first major screenplay |
| Project | Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Sicario | Writer | Critical acclaim, Writers Guild nomination |
| Yellowstone | Creator, Writer, Actor | Massive hit, spawned spinoffs |
His choice to leave acting paid off. Just three years after exiting the show, his script for Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, became a hit. This success led to more films like Hell or High Water and eventually Yellowstone, which premiered in 2018 and grew into a TV empire.
Lessons from Sons of Anarchy
Sheridan’s time on Sons of Anarchy shaped his approach to storytelling. He learned from Kurt Sutter’s character-driven writing, which let characters guide the plot naturally. This style shows up in Yellowstone, where the Dutton family’s choices drive the drama. Sheridan also vowed to avoid weak plot devices like the one that killed off his character. He told The Hollywood Reporter he doesn’t do “f*ck-you car crashes” in his own work, a jab at his Sons of Anarchy exit. This focus on strong writing has made his shows stand out.
Building a TV Empire
Leaving Sons of Anarchy was a risky move, but it turned Sheridan into a powerhouse. Today, he’s known for creating Yellowstone, 1883, 1923, and other shows like Tulsa King and Landman. His experience as an actor gave him a unique edge as a writer, letting him craft real, gritty characters. Fans of Yellowstone can thank that tough choice to leave Sons of Anarchy for the sprawling Dutton saga they love today. Sheridan’s story shows how standing up for yourself can lead to something bigger than you ever planned.