Riley Green’s Acting Debut in ‘Marshals’ and the Controversial Alabama Line
Riley Green, a 37-year-old country singer from Alabama, is making his acting debut in the CBS “Yellowstone” spinoff “Marshals.” In the show, he plays Garrett, a former Navy SEAL who reunites with Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) and delivers a controversial line about Alabama. The comment, which references the I-20 interstate, has sparked some discussion among fans.
Green clarified that the line is purely for dramatic effect and not a reflection of his personal views. “The only good thing to come out of there,” Garrett says of Alabama, “is the I-20, myself included.” Green emphasized that this is just part of the character’s story, not a real opinion. “One thing about my fans, especially my Alabama fans: They know how I feel about being from here, and I am proud of this area where I’m from.”
The line serves a purpose in the narrative, indicating that Garrett is a troubled veteran who arrived in Montana by bus, carrying little more than a guitar case. “It tells a story about the troubled veteran who arrives to Montana by bus, carrying little more than a guitar case,” Green said. “The statement signals that Garrett is rough, and that growing up where he did caused that.”
A Well-Timed Acting Debut
Green’s role in “Marshals” comes at an exciting time in his career. He recently received four nominations for the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards, including best male artist and album of the year for “Don’t Mind If I Do.” With his piercing blue eyes, natural comic timing, and rugged appeal, Green was bound to land somewhere in the Taylor Sheridan-verse.
The opportunity came from songwriting sessions with Luke Grimes. “I mentioned I had some interest in acting,” Green said. “I didn’t know it would turn into a job so quickly. (Grimes) certainly threw me a bone getting me on this show.”
The Role of a Lifetime
Green’s first scene involved an intense PTSD experience, waking up with night terrors in Kayce’s house. “They threw it on me so fast I didn’t have to get nervous about it,” he said. “I wanted this to be a real acting gig, and I was lucky. This character has a lot of range and there’s a lot of emotion. He’s a really kind of damaged guy.”
The rapport with Grimes and Garrett’s campfire singing moment (in the April 26 episode) came naturally. Green had his song “My Way” in his back pocket. “When I was told I was performing, and I didn’t know I was at first, I thought 100% this song was so perfect for that moment,” he said. “There are some songs that are very cowboy-type songs.”
The campfire song scene showcases that Kayce Dutton is still missing his late “Yellowstone” wife, Monica (Kelsey Asbille), who died off-screen before the transition to the CBS prime-time series. “Obviously, Kayce’s wife is no longer with us,” Green said. “The song is all about missing a lost love. Kayce gets teared up, and it’s not from the campfire smoke.”
A Star with a Mustache
‘Marshals’ also showcases Riley Green’s famed mustache. Besides the guitar, Green also brought his trademark mustache to “Marshals.” The singer was surprised that producers didn’t ask him to change a thing. “I guess I look sort of Western with the mustache, the scruffy beard, and I cut my own hair half the time when I’m on the road. It isn’t much of a stretch from me what Garrett looks and dresses like.”
The bonus for fans is that Green had to keep the ‘stache during two months of filming for continuity. His fans mourn on social media when the “Different ‘Round Here” singer spontaneously shaves. “The tough part for me through these two months of filming was I couldn’t wake up and shave in the morning if I wanted to. I’m pretty bad. If it’s hot out, I just shave it off randomly.”
What Happens Next?
Green won’t say what happens with Garrett at the end of the four episodes, teasing that “there’s the possibility that he could be back.” But there already is more interest in Green acting, including a random call from the Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA). “Somebody called me from the SAG office trying to give me a check for some show that I was on one time, and they wanted my Social Security number,” Green said. “I wouldn’t give it to them over the phone. They said, ‘We need to validate it’s you.’ I said, ‘Hell, you called me.'”
Green believes his Corgi Blue Heeler mix, Carl, a frequent star at his concerts, could eclipse his Hollywood career if the dog didn’t love the Alabama farm so much. “I noticed pretty quick on the road that people in the meet-and-greet line are looking at my feet. They just want to see if Carl is there. He knows he’s famous. It’s just that he’s got it made down here on the farm.”
