In a heartfelt reflection following the death of his father, actor Wings Hauser, Cole Hauser, known for his role as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone, revealed details about their complex relationship. Wings Hauser, who passed away at 78, was a multifaceted talent—starting his career as a musician and singer before becoming a prolific character actor in the late 1970s. Cole, who shared a passion for acting with his father, had a rocky start with him due to their early estrangement, but their relationship would evolve later in life.  

Early Estrangement: Cole’s Journey to Understanding Who His Father Was

Cole Hauser’s childhood was marked by the absence of his father. After Wings and Cole’s mother, Cass Warner, divorced when Cole was just two years old, the young actor grew up without much contact with his father. The estrangement lasted for years, and it wasn’t until Cole was 15 that he reconnected with Wings.

In a 2021 interview with Cowboys & Indians magazine, Cole recounted the first time he learned about who Wings Hauser was. As a child, Cole watched a movie and noticed the name “Wings Hauser” in the credits. At that moment, he didn’t realize the actor on screen was his father. After watching the film, Cole went to his mom, asking her about the actor he had seen.

“Hey mom, I just saw a guy on TV, his name’s Wings Hauser,” Cole recalled. “She looked at me and said, ‘Wow!’” His mom then explained who Wings was, and it was in that moment that Cole learned about his father’s career and identity.

Reconnecting in Los Angeles: A New Relationship

Despite their early disconnect, Cole and Wings eventually reconnected when Cole moved to Los Angeles. Though their relationship was still in its infancy, Cole moved in with his father for a year, allowing them to slowly get to know one another. However, as Cole noted in a 2002 interview with Film Freak Central, Wings didn’t have a significant impact on the types of roles he pursued. Their careers, while both in acting, had taken very different paths.

Wings, who had become a well-known character actor, was a font of wisdom for Cole when it came to navigating the entertainment industry. Cole reflected that although their careers didn’t align, his father had valuable insight into the “acting world” and show business.  

A Changed Relationship: Wings’ Pride in Cole’s Success

Despite their early years apart, Cole and Wings were able to form a deeper connection as adults. Wings was even a “huge fan” of Cole’s high-profile role on Yellowstone, a show that became a major part of Cole’s career and brought him widespread recognition. Cole shared that his father loved the series, particularly because of its Western roots, which aligned with Wings’ love for cowboy culture.

“We have family in Helena and Livingstone and all over [Montana],” Cole explained, referring to the Hauser family’s strong connection to the state. “My family, the Hauser side, are all Montanans. So, it’s very close to him.”

Wings, who had been involved in various genres of entertainment, was proud of Cole’s success and his work on Yellowstone. Despite the years of estrangement, their relationship had grown stronger, and Wings’ admiration for his son’s work was evident.

Cole’s Early Career and Reflections from Friends

Cole’s path to stardom was not an overnight success. He made his film debut in 1992, and his breakout role came in Dazed and Confused (1993), a film that would later become a cult classic. Alongside future stars like Ben Affleck and Matthew McConaughey, Cole showcased his raw talent early on.

Ben Affleck, in a 2023 interview with Bill Simmons, reminisced about working with Cole in Good Will Hunting (1997), a film where Cole and Affleck both starred. Affleck admitted to being “mystified” by how Cole wasn’t already a huge star, pointing to Cole’s astonishing talent. Matt Damon, another Good Will Hunting co-star, also praised Cole’s ability, saying that both he and Ben agreed that Cole had been “the best actor” in the cast. Damon described Cole as having “raw talent” and being “the sweetest soul,” showcasing the high regard in which Cole was held by his peers.

Yellowstone and the Legacy of Wings Hauser

As Yellowstone became Cole Hauser’s most high-profile role to date, Wings was undoubtedly proud. In fact, Cole shared that his father was especially drawn to the show’s Western themes, something that connected deeply with Wings’ own passion for cowboy culture. The elder Hauser was a big supporter of his son’s work on the show, and Cole acknowledged that Wings’ pride in him was unwavering, despite their complicated past.

With Yellowstone concluding its final season in December 2025, Cole’s character, Rip Wheeler, remains one of the most beloved figures in modern television. As Cole reflects on his father’s passing, he carries with him the legacy of a man who had a profound impact on his life, despite their early years apart.  

Conclusion: The Hauser Legacy Lives On

Wings Hauser may have left this world at the age of 78, but his legacy continues through his son, Cole, who has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. The bond between father and son, though complicated, evolved into something meaningful later in life. While Cole had a rocky start with his father, he now carries the lessons and wisdom Wings imparted on him, particularly in navigating the world of acting and show business.

As Yellowstone ends, Cole Hauser’s story is far from over, and his father’s influence will continue to guide him in his career. Wings may be gone, but his spirit lives on in the success of his son.