Ashley Erin Campbell
Introduced during the “Freight Trains and Monsters” episode, Ashley pops up throughout the season as Beth Dutton’s (Kelly Reilly) newest assistant, Susan. And, unfortunately Beth has previously proven a total B to her underlings, so all we can say is – good luck!
Of course, the real Ashley will be fine. Evidently, she has co-written her own TV pilot and is in-development on a feature film. She has emerged an indie creator with over 15 projects, including "Life After," "Those Lips," and "Above Jewels." She has also grabbed a slew of festival awards from Zed Fest, Golden Door, Indie Fest, Filmed in Utah, and Demon Chaser. Ashley has also made appearances on the ABC drama "The Rookie" and the FX comedy "Baskets."
Ashley Erin Campbell recently dished all about the drama “Yellowstone”:
Tell us about your role in “Yellowstone.”
ASHLEY: I play Beth’s assistant, replacing the previous assistant who met an untimely end in the previous season. I’m there to help Beth as she’s figuring out who Rourke Morris is and what he’s up to.
What would you consider your characters ‘best’ quality? And ‘worst’?
ASHLEY: I think my character’s best and worst quality is ambition. I went into it with the idea that my character was just as smart as Beth, and would end up being her right-hand-man. I knew who I was working for, and I knew some of the scandals the Dutton’s have surrounding them…you know…people talk. But I also knew that the Dutton’s would protect me if I was loyal, so I just needed to let ’em see what I could do. Turns out making Beth Dutton happy is as difficult as it looks.
How was it to work alongside Kelly Reilly?
ASHLEY: I have been a fan of Kelly Reilly since I saw her as Caroline Bingley in “Pride and Prejudice” years ago. I’ve always really respected her choice of material and what she has to say in interviews. Watching her work her way through each scene and inhabit Beth Dutton was a really cool experience. Sometimes you’ll hear about actors staying consistent to one accent or staying in character during filming so they don’t mess up, but she could just go in and out without a second thought. One second, she’s Kelly Reilly getting notes from the director, then suddenly, Beth Dutton is there in full force.
Any interesting stories from behind the scenes you can share with us?
ASHLEY: The costumers on the show are phenomenal. Every last detail is perfectly planned. I would show up to set and go to wardrobe first thing. Anything that didn’t fit was perfectly was tailored then and there. After hair and makeup, when I’d get to my trailer, my costume was all laid out for me - including nylons, jewelry, etc. The second time I shot, they ended up changing my outfit three times to make sure I wasn’t wearing the same color as Beth. It’s a lot of work, but if you look back through the images from the show you can see what a difference that attention to detail makes.
Were you a fan of the show before stepping on-set?
ASHLEY: Absolutely! The creator, Taylor Sheridan, is an actor/writer/director who wrote “Sicario,” “Hell or High Water,” and “Wind River.” He’s pretty much got the career I aspire to. And Kevin Costner is legendary. Getting to see what the sets look like in person versus the finished product we see on screen was so cool!
What’s the biggest lesson you learned from working on this project?
ASHLEY: I think, for me, the biggest lesson was seeing how much work it really does take to create a world as stunning as we see on “Yellowstone.” Of the film and television sets I’ve worked on, “Yellowstone” is by far the most cinematic. I loved getting to see how all of the elements (set, costume, makeup, lighting, camera work, sound) combined to make such a beautiful show.
And, now just for fun:
Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
ASHLEY: Tom Hanks! I’m a die hard. I don’t know that I should ever meet him because the pedestal I have him on is so high, but every person I know that’s had an encounter with him seems to confirm how delightful a human he is.
What role from the past do you wish you could have played?
ASHLEY: Probably Elizabeth Bennett from “Pride and Prejudice.”
Favorite movie or TV show from your childhood.
ASHLEY: I was obsessed with “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” the TV show.
Tell us one thing that would surprise our readers to learn about you.
ASHLEY: I learned to speak Spanish by watching telenovelas. “Rebelde,” featuring the group, RBD, was my absolute favorite.
How can fans keep up with you?
ASHLEY: Come find me on social...
Instagram: @ashleyerincampbell link
Twitter: @Campobella_Ash link
Thanks, Ashley -- and we hope Beth goes easy on you!
Ashley Erin Campbell in "Yellowstone" (photo courtesy Paramount Network)
