Cole Hauser

Cole Hauser (born March 22, 1975, in Santa Barbara, California) is an American screen actor known for bringing a tough-edged intensity and grounded charisma to both film and television. Across decades of work, he has moved comfortably between studio thrillers, character-driven dramas, and action fare, building a reputation as a dependable presence in ensemble casts.

Hauser first gained wide attention with memorable roles such as Billy McBride in Good Will Hunting and William J. Johns in Pitch Black, then leaned into high-stakes genre projects including 2 Fast 2 Furious as villain Carter Verone. His filmography also highlights performances in Hart's War, White Oleander, The Hi-Lo Country, The Cave, and Dirty, where his characters often balance menace with vulnerability.

On television, Hauser reached a new level of popularity as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone, a role that showcases his ability to combine stoicism, loyalty, and emotional restraint. He has also taken key parts in series such as Rogue, Chase, The Lizzie Borden Chronicles, and High Incident.

Hauser’s connection to Hollywood runs deep: his family includes notable screenwriters and producers, with ties reaching back to early studio history. That legacy, paired with his own range, has helped shape a career defined by durability and screen presence.