Get to Know the Cast of '1883' Before Watching the 'Yellowstone' Prequel

You'll recognize James Dillard Dutton from the Yellowstone season 4 flashback—he's the man whose dream started it all. 1883 finds JD at the start of his journey as a homesteader heading out West to make a name for himself. He has yet to figure out where he'll settle, and initially proposes Washington State as a land of mild winters and cool summers—but somehow, his journey will ultimately lead to the Yellowstone ranch in Montana.

Tim McGraw is best known for his career as a hit-making country singer, but he has also garnered acclaim for his roles in Friday Night Lights and Country Strong.

Also recognizable from her appearance in Yellowstone, Margaret Dutton is the matriarch of the show—but she's certainly not your typical 1880s wife. Strong, formidable, and tender, Margaret would rather hop on her own horse than bounce around all day on the backboard of the family wagon.

In real life, Faith Hill is also a country singer with formidable acting chops. She has previously appeared in The Stepford Wives and Dixieland. Faith and Tim are also adorably married in real life.

Sam Elliott plays the hardy Shea Brennan, a Pinkerton agent and the group's guide out West. While Brennan may be tough-as-nails, 1883's opening scene reveals the root of his character's tough shell and inner sadness.

The veteran actor can be recognized for his long and impressive film and television career, with memorable roles in popular works like A Star Is Born, Road House, The Ranch, and The Hero.

LaMonica Garrett's character first appears working alongside his former war buddy Brennan, but distinguishes himself as the "soul of the show." A former Buffalo soldier in the Civil War, Thomas helps showcase the immense role that Black cowboys had in the pioneering of the United States.

Before joining the 1883 cast, LaMonica appeared in such shows as Designated Survivor, Sons of Anarchy, and Arrow.

Although the eldest child of James and Margaret is a wide-eyed dreamer, she proves herself to be an indispensable part of the caravan's leadership on the road West. Her narrative offers insight into the inner workings of a young woman's experience on the pioneer journey.

Prior to working on 1883, 21-year-old Isabel May starred in the TV series Alexa & Katie and Young Sheldon. She also has a new romantic comedy coming out.

Audie Rick plays the younger version John Dutton Sr—otherwise known as Kevin Costner's character's father, who previously appeared in a Yellowstone flashback as a much older version of himself. In 1883 he is the youngest (and cutest!) traveler in the Dutton bunch.

At just five years old, 1883 is Audie's second acting credit. He first played a young Luke Skywalker in the film Kenobi: A Star Wars Story.

Josef is the only person in the immigrant group who can speak English, which makes him their de facto leader and spokesperson.

Actor Marc Rissman is well acquainted with period pieces, as he's best known for his roles as Harry Strickland in Game of Thrones and Wilhelm Goertzmann in The Man in the High Castle.

Ennis is one of a few cowboys hired by Brennan to help round up wild cattle. Ruthless and witty, Ennis begins a new flirtation with Elsa and decides to hop on the road West.

Eric Nelson is known for playing Fred in Nightmare Cinema and Howie in A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Noemi questions how she and her two young boys will survive after becoming widowed on her journey West. She quickly learns English and begins to bond with some of her fellow travelers. (She also brings some serious style to the show!)

This is the first major role for Gratiela Brancusi, a Romanian-born actress. She's doing a great job!

Traveling with her sister's family after the loss of her husband, Claire Dutton isn't the biggest fan of her brother-in-law's plans. She frequently quotes her bible, but Margaret implies that she weaponized it for her personal uses.

Actress Dawn Olivieri has previously appeared in American Hustle, Bright, and Den of Thieves.

Mary Abel Dutton is as hard-headed as her mother. While her cousin does everything a young woman isn't supposed to do, Mary appears as pious as her name implies. But sometimes piety doesn't have a place on the rough trail West.

Emma Malouff is a young actress who has appeared in American Crime Story, Aimee, and Sauce Boys.

Wade is the other cowboy who joins the troupe with Ennis, though he's a bit less outgoing than his friend.

The actor is most recognizable as Clem from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.

Marshal Jim Courtright doesn't appear until episode 2 and is actually based on a real historical figure. Billy Bob Thorton brings the straight-shooting famed Fort Worth lawman to life in 1883.

Another major name on the roster, Thorton is known for such films as A Simple Plan, The Man Who Wasn't There, and Sling Blade.

You may recognize the actor who plays Sam from Yellowstone. That's right—Martin Sensmeier previously appeared on Yellowstone as Monica's flirtatious physical therapist. In 1883, his character Sam is Comanche Native-American Warrior. It's unlikely that there will be any connection to his future "look-alike" but you can't rule anything out in the Yellowstone universe.

Prior to joining the cast of 1883, Martin appeared inThe Magnificent Seven, Wind River, and Westworld.

Tim McGraw asked his long-time friend Tom Hanks to make a notable appearance in 1883's second episode as the famed Union General George Meade. While it's not a recurring role (1883 takes place 20 years after the Civil War), the flashback helps inform the history of the present-day characters.

Tom has received critical acclaim over his long acting career for films like Forest Gump, Cast Away, and Apollo 13, and many more

Rita Wilson also guest stars in 1883, though she shows up in a different episode than her husband. The actress plays Carolyn, a storekeeper at Doan's Crossing who offers Margaret some respite with a bit of whiskey punch.

Rita is a popular country singer who's also known for her roles in films like Sleepless in Seattle and Runaway Bride. More recently, she appeared appeared on TV in Girls and The Good Wife.