Kayce John Dutton is a Montana rancher, who owns one of the biggest cattle ranches in the United States, son of late ranch owners John and Evelyn Dutton, husband of Monica Long, and father of Tate Dutton. He is played by Luke Grimes, with Rhys Alterman playing a younger version in several flashbacks.
Personal life[]
Family & marriage[]
Click here for the main page of the Dutton family.
Kayce was born on April 24, 1990, into a ranching family. Before his father John Dutton inherited the ranch, his ancestors had already settled in the Yellowstone vicinity. John and Evelyn Dutton were blessed with three more children: Kayce has two brothers (Lee and Jamie) and a sister (Beth). They grew up together on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
His mother died when he was young. On March 30, 1997 she was out riding with Beth and Kayce and fell off her horse. Beth went to look for help and Kayce - young as he was - tried everything to protect her and stop her from dying, but help came too late and she had breathed her last breath when her husband found her. [1]
In July of that year, Kayce's father met Rip Wheeler, an orphan boy that just killed his father after he murdered Rip's mother and brother. John Dutton welcomed the new boy onto his family's ranch, giving the orphan a home again. [2]
Kayce later started his own family by marrying Monica Long, the granddaughter of Indian elder Felix Long and the sister of Robert Long. Kayce and Monica had a son they named Tate and lived on the Broken Rock Indian Reservation. [3]
His oldest brother Lee died in a feud with the Reservation. Kayce was on the scene and saw his brother get shot by Robert Long, Kayce's brother-in-law. He murdered Robert to protect himself and his brother but found out he was too late as Lee's gunshot wound turned out to be fatal. [3]
His wife Monica was pregnant once again while their oldest son, Tate, was in his teens. He went with his mother to the hospital when she was about to give birth to her child, but they had a car accident and even though she gave birth to a son, who she and Kayce named John, he died shortly after, probably due to complications suffered because of the accident. [4]
Work[]
Horseman[]
At some point Kayce made it his job to tame wild horses. He did so when he came back from his military service in U.S. Navy SEALs and tried to make a living on the Broken Rock Reservation. [3]
Yellowstone Dutton Ranch[]
Click here for the main page of the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
When his father gave him a chance to come back on the ranch, Kayce went to live in the bunkhouse and started to work his way back in. [5] Later on, his father appointed him as the new foreman of the ranch, succeeding his brother Lee and Rip Wheeler, [6] and he and his family started to live in the ranch house. [7] After his father became Governor of Montana, he left Kayce and his family to run the ranch. [8]
Montana Livestock Association[]
Click here for the main page of the Montana Livestock Association.
Kayce followed in his father's and brother's footsteps when he started to work as a Livestock Agent for the Montana Livestock Association. [9] It gave him a higher authority in situations that ask for it. [10]
Incident(s)[]
- Kayce and Monica were witnesses to a drug lab explosion close to the road they were driving on. They survived but Kayce had to shoot a man to put him out of his misery. [11]
- When out driving with Tate, he stumbled upon an abandoned van. It turned out there was an abducted girl in it. Kayce had to kill her two abductors and with help from the girl's father tried to keep the happenings hidden. [1] However, the remains were discovered and he was arrested by the Tribal Police. [12] With help from his brother Jamie, he was able to explain and go free. [13]
- Monica was hit when trying to stop a fight between two schoolboys. She passed out while recovering at home [14] and in the hospital it turned out she had suffered an epidural hematoma and had to have brain surgery. [15] In the time of recovery, their marriage took a turn for the worse but it brought Kayce [5] (and eventually Monica and Tate [7]) back to his home ranch.[2]
- With Rip Wheeler and some other ranch hands, Kayce took part in the hanging of Dan Jenkins, an enemy of the ranch. They could have let him die then and there but used it as a warning and let him go eventually. [5]
- There has been some friction between Kayce and Rip Wheeler during the years they have known each other. They got in a fight more than once. At one point they took it far and Rip let Kayce win to let him have the most authority on the ranch. [6]
- When the rivalry between the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch and businessmen Malcolm & Teal Beck got out of hand, the Becks went after Kayce's son Tate. He was found missing when he was feeding his horse at night. [16]
Biography[]
Kayce Dutton is one of the main cast members on Paramount Network’s Yellowstone. Introduced in the show’s first season, Kayce quickly became a fan favorite. Like other main characters, Kayce has appeared in all seasons of Yellowstone.
Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, Yellowstone centers around the Dutton family and their Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. Kayce Dutton’s story arc revolves around his conflicts and relationships with his father, his own family, and being a part of the Dutton legacy. Here’s a comprehensive analysis of Kayce Dutton’s character in Yellowstone.
Early Life[]
Kayce and John had a complex and tense relationship, with John regretting his actions resulting in driving Kayce away from the ranch. Kayce and John had been estranged for sometime at the beginning of the series. It is later revealed that part of what drove them apart was that Kayce got Monica pregnant and they planned to keep the baby. That is when John forced Kayce to take the brand. Before the series, he was an ex-Navy SEAL who settled on the Broken Rock Reservation with his wife Monica and son Tate. He befriended some of the locals, including Monica's brother, Robert, who was also a military veteran.
Kayce Dutton : I didn't say I was fine. I said it went fine.
Rhys Alterman as Young Kayce Dutton in Yellowstone[]
The character was born Kayce John Dutton in Paradise Valley, Montana, on April 24, 1990. His biological father is John Dutton III (played by Kevin Costner), and his mother is Evelyn Dutton (Gretchen Mol). Kayce was raised with his three siblings, Lee Dutton (Dave Annable), Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly). Kayce lost his mother on March 30, 1997, about a month shy of Kayce’s seventh birthday. On that fateful day, Kayce, his mother, and older sister Beth were out riding when their mom accidentally fell off her horse. While Beth rode back to find help, Kayce stayed beside his mother, who died before help came.
While much isn’t known about his growing years, it’s safe to say he had a close relationship with his family and father until they had a major disagreement that would later define their relationship. The cause of his estrangement from his father was later revealed in Yellowstone. Kayce got Monica Dutton (née Long, played by Kelsey Asbille) pregnant and decided to keep the baby against his father’s wish. Monica Long is a Native American and lifelong resident of Broken Rock Indian Reservation, a rival threatening to claim the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch. The pregnancy and Kayce and Monica’s eventual marriage put a strain on their father-son relationship, as well as between their ranch and rival Broken Rock. As a punishment, John Dutton forced Kayce to take the Yellowstone brand.
[]
Yellowstone has yet to flesh out Kayce Dutton’s backstory properly. Much of what is known about Kayce Dutton has been presented through flashbacks. One major flashback is Kayce’s time as a U.S. Navy SEAL. In the season 4 finale (“Grass on the Streets and Weeds on the Rooftops”), during the Hanbleceya (an Indigenous ritual), Kayce’s life as a SEAL is shown. After being branded by his father, Kayce left the Yellowstone Ranch to join the United States Navy.
He was in Pakistan during one of his missions and was confronted with a high-value target that used his family to protect himself. When the man started shooting he couldn't do anything else but start shooting back, killing not only the man but his wife and daughter as well. [17]
Although he served his country dutifully, it left him with lots of PTSD. Several inadvertent mistakes and missions left him with pent-up anger and trauma. He was later discharged from the military service.
Kayce Dutton on the Broken Rock Reservation[]
After his discharge from military service, Kayce Dutton settled on the Broken Rock Reservation with his wife and son, Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill). While he struggled to fit in, he finally chose to do something he was extremely good at—taming wild horses. Although he does his best on the reservation and makes friends, he’s still largely considered an outsider. However, things turn awry when a herd of the Dutton’s cattle wander into the Broken Rock Reservation.
Broken Rock chairman Tom Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) chose to keep them. The Duttons, never known to back out of a fight, come to claim their lost cattle. As such, Kayce Dutton’s peaceful life at the Broken Rock Reservation is threatened. Kayce is forced to kill his wife’s brother, Robert Long (Jeremiah Bitsui), after he fatally shoots Kayce’s older brother, Lee. Although Kayce, Monica, and Tate briefly remain on the Broken Rock Reservation, they eventually leave to settle back at his family’s Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
Kayce Dutton on the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch[]
Kayce Dutton returned to his family’s ranch to be able to find security and provide for his own family. However, Kayce chose to live in the bunkhouse and work his way back in when he was deserving. While continuing to deal with his personal life and relationship with his wife, Kayce becomes a reliable rancher on his family’s ranch. In season, Kayce Dutton is made commissioner of the Montana Livestock Association, replacing his brother Jamie. His stay in Yellowstone allows Kayce and John to settle and reconcile.
Kayce oversees the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch as his father becomes Montana’s Governor. Kayce and Monica lose their second son after Monica is involved in a car crash. The couple grow closer as they bury the baby in the ranch’s family cemetery, following the Native American traditions. While Jamie plots to impeach their father as Governor in the finale of season 5, Part 1, Kayce Dutton continues to look after the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch.
Character profile[]
Kayce Dutton, son of John Dutton and a former Navy SEAL, is a complex and compelling character in the hit TV show Yellowstone. Throughout the series, Kayce grapples with the inherent conflict between his loyalty to his family and his own sense of justice, leading to thought-provoking storylines that delve deep into the complexities of human nature. His exceptional bravery and unwavering moral compass further add depth to his character, making him a truly captivating figure.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Kayce's character is his struggle with loyalty. As a member of the Dutton family, Kayce is expected to prioritize their interests above all else. However, his experiences as a Navy SEAL have shaped his perspective and his understanding of justice. This creates a constant tension within him, as he often finds himself torn between doing what is right in the larger context and staying true to his family's desires.
This internal strife is not uncommon among individuals who have served in the military. When one has been exposed to a broader world vision and has honed a strong moral compass, it can be challenging to reconcile one's duty to family and loved ones with a commitment to justice and the greater good. Kayce's struggles showcase the complexity of such a predicament and invite viewers to reflect on their own allegiances and sense of justice.
Kayce's background as a Navy SEAL also plays a significant role in shaping his character. The Navy SEALs are renowned for their bravery and unwavering dedication. Kayce embodies these qualities magnificently, fearlessly facing danger and putting himself in harm's way to protect those he cares about. His bravery is not only physical but also extends to the realms of emotional and moral courage.
Despite his role as a protective and heroic figure, Kayce's moral compass is not without its flaws. His sense of justice can sometimes be clouded by his emotional attachment to his family and the desire to maintain unity. These flaws make him a multidimensional character, relatable and believable. They serve as a reminder that even the most formidable heroes are fallible, which adds depth to the overall narrative.
Kayce's character also serves as a conduit for viewers to explore high-minded concepts such as loyalty, justice, and the battle between personal values and familial responsibilities. These philosophical ideas are seamlessly integrated into the down-to-earth narrative, ensuring that the audience can both enjoy the show's gripping storyline and reflect upon these deeper themes.
In conclusion, Kayce Dutton is a fascinating character in Yellowstone, known for his bravery and moral compass, as well as his internal struggle between loyalty to his family and his own sense of justice. His background as a former Navy SEAL adds depth to his character, as it exposes him to a wider perspective and challenges his allegiances. Kayce's struggles and flaws make him relatable and multidimensional, further enhancing the show's narrative. Through his character, viewers can explore thought-provoking concepts and reflect on their own beliefs. Yellowstone's portrayal of Kayce is a testament to the show's ability to combine complex and high-minded ideas with a down-to-earth and easy to understand style, resulting in a captivating and resonant television experience.
Trivia[]
- The U.S. Navy Amphibious Forces include two special forces: Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT) and Sea-Air-Land Teams (SEAL). Virtually all SEAL team members have graduated from the ranks of the UDT and received additional training for their new combat duties. This is primarily intended to enable them to operate with reduced support and in enemy waters, or eventually on a battlefield on land.
- They can be transported close to shore by ship, submarine or plane, which is why they are trained as paratroopers. They are organized into two groups: NSWG 1, based at Coronado Naval Base in San Diego, formed by SEAL Teams 1, UDT 11 and 12; NSWG 2, based in Little Creek, Virginia, is made up of SEAL 2 and UDT 21 and 22. Each SEAL team is made up of 27 officers and 156 soldiers, divided into five platoons, each of which is qualified to carry out any operations independently. The training course lasts 24 weeks. The first four weeks are devoted to physical preparation.
- Then comes a few weeks of theoretical exercises, open-water swimming, demolition work and reconnaissance training. One week is for escape and evasion training, survival and navigation on land, followed by three weeks of parachuting and finally diving school. In addition to all this training, there is a combat stage, where they become familiar with the characteristics of unconventional warfare. They must have knowledge of foreign languages. Their weapons include the Stoner M63A1 5.56 mm machine gun, with a capacity of eight hundred rounds, the M16 A1 rifle and the Smith & Wesson 9 mm pistol, specially manufactured for the SEALs, in stainless steel to prevent corrosion from salt water. They do not wear special uniforms, except when in action, wearing clothing suitable for diving.
Quotes[]
- We are covered in evil. You [Kayce] and me. We gotta wash it off.
- You know what I think? I think a man who does that to himself never changes sides. I know I won't.
- I didn't do this to myself. We don't get to choose our fathers.
- Wouldn't make any difference if we could. We'd just choose wrong.
- Son doesn't look like you.
- No. He got lucky.
- Looked like you when he was born, though, didn't he? Just like you.
- Like a mirror.
- Every child looks like their father when they're born. Doesn't matter, boy or girl. Doesn't matter who they look like three days later. When they come out of the womb, they are a perfect reflection of the man who made them.
- He was.
- You wanna know why? It's nature's way of proving that you are the father. So that you don't think the baby belongs to someone else, and kill it.
- There's no such thing as a good man, Kayce. All men are bad. But some of us try real hard to be good.
- man: Stones are ready.
- Your first sweat?
- [Kayce confirms.]
- The ceremony doesn't end when the sweat ends. Study the things you see. They're a map of your future. The good thing about maps is if you don't like the path that you're on, you can always choose another.
- When does the ceremony end?
- When you die, and the next one begins.
- What is that one?
- It's a Silver Star.
- You got one of those? What do you have to do to win one?
- You got to kill someone to get one of those. Ain't that right, Kayce?
- What about that one?
- That's the Navy Cross. You wouldn't believe what I had to do to get that one.
- Kayce: Wasn't Jenkins.
- John: It had to be.
- Kayce: No, I looked him in the eye. It wasn't him.
- John: What happened?
- Kayce: It's fine.
- John: No, I mean you, you don't look fine.
- Kayce: Didn't say I was fine. I was just saying it went fine.
- John: You know, sometimes I look at you, and I I don't recognize the man looking back at me. What happened to you over there, son?
- Kayce: I don't like to talk about it. I notice you don't, either.
- John: I never talked about it 'cuz I never saw the point. We might be more alike than you wanna admit.
- Is this where you ate ice cream when you were a boy?
- This wasn't here when I was a boy. None of this was. I will say this though. These transplants sure can make some ice cream.
- What's a transplant?
- It's, um, a person who moves to a place, and then they try to make that place just like the place they left.
- That don't make sense.
- Not one bit.
- It's all right. Here. Give me that. Hold that in both hands and eat it from the top so it don't fall off again.
- Is he a transplant?
- They're all transplants.
- Kayce: You wanna hear a war story?
- John: Yeah. If it helps explain the man looking at me, then yes, I do, son.
- Kayce : We were in Pakistan. Weren't supposed to be there, but that's where we were. We're hitting a high value target. We blew the door off his house, making our way down the hallway, and this piece of shit comes out of his bedroom, using his wife as a shield and he's got 8-year-old daughter on a leash, in front of him. And he's holding an AK-47 over their heads, and starts sending rounds at us. And everybody froze because his family until it got my weapons sergeant and my medic killed. So, I had a decision to make and in a tenth-of-a-second I made it. I killed him and his wife and that little girl.
- John: [silence]
- Kayce: Soldiers don't tell war stories anymore, Dad. 'Cause wars these days it's just about trying to live through 'em.
Appearances[]
Check out the table(s) below to find out in which Yellowstone episodes Kayce made an appearance.
- O = appeared in this episode
- - = did not appear in this episode
Season 1[]
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Season 2[]
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Season 3[]
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Season 4[]
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
Season 5[]
| 01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O | O | O | O | O | O | O |
| 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |
| O | O | O | O | O | O | * |
* To be announced
Images[]
Videos[]
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Season 1, episode 3: No Good Horses
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Season 1, episode 8: The Unravelling: Part 1
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Season 1, episode 1: Daybreak
- ↑ Season 5, episode 1: One Hundred Years is Nothing
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Season 1, episode 9: The Unravelling: Part 2
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Season 2, episode 2: New Beginnings
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Season 2, episode 7: Resurrection Day
- ↑ Season 5, episode 8: A Knife and No Coin
- ↑ Season 2, episode 3: The Reek of Desperation
- ↑ Season 2, episode 4: Only Devils Left
- ↑ Season 1, episode 2: Kill the Messenger
- ↑ Season 1, episode 4: The Long Black Train
- ↑ Season 1, episode 5: Coming Home
- ↑ Season 1, episode 6: The Remembering
- ↑ Season 1, episode 7: A Monster Is Among Us
- ↑ Season 2, episode 9: Enemies by Monday
- ↑ Season 2, episode 5: Touching Your Enemy