Meet Chef Gabriel Guilbeau, better known as Chef Gator. This iconic Yellowstone actor has carried his reptilian nickname since his high school days in Southern California, where he traded catching waves for exploring the swamps of South Louisiana. With roots in the region, he honed his cooking skills with family-taught recipes, eventually finding his way onto film sets in places like Baton Rouge. It was there that the renowned creator of Yellowstone, Taylor Sheridan, took note of Guilbeau’s talent and brought him into the Dutton universe. Now, when he’s not busy feeding hundreds of people on location in Utah, Montana, or Texas, this cowboy-loving chef is releasing his own collection of recipes in Yellowstone: The Official Dutton Ranch Family Cookbook and working on his line of hot sauces during the current actors’ strike. Recently, Guilbeau sat down with us to discuss his experiences on Yellowstone and his bittersweet feelings about the show’s end.
- Yellowstone cast’s favorite dishes
As Chef Gator reveals, the Yellowstone cast members appreciate the comforting taste of homemade meals on set. Their taste buds are particularly delighted by his delicious Cajun cuisine, such as étouffée and gumbo. According to Guilbeau, the cast has their own preferences, with Ian Bohen (Ryan) being a big fan of étouffée. On the other hand, Kevin is known for his simple tastes, enjoying hot dogs, chicken pot pie, and classic pot roast.
- Challenges of serving on location
Guilbeau and his team have mastered the art of handling all kinds of challenges while making sure the cast and crew are well-fed. Weather conditions are often their biggest hurdle, with wind, rain, hail, snow, extreme cold, and scorching heat testing their adaptability. Serving in remote outdoor locations necessitates strategic menu planning that considers the surroundings. It’s not as simple as setting up tables on asphalt or concrete surfaces. Often, they find themselves on top of mountains or on the other side of a river, forcing them to create portable and easy-to-eat dishes that can be enjoyed on the go. Whether it’s wrapping soup in Saran wrap for off-road transport or serving meals on the tailgate of a four-by-four, Guilbeau ensures the crew is well-nourished in any situation.
- Guilbeau’s experience as an actor on Yellowstone
With a background in the film industry and previous experience in reality TV, Guilbeau dove into the world of acting on Yellowstone. Although nerve-wracking at first, he quickly adapted to the scripted character role and gained confidence with time and practice. He attributes his growth as an actor to the support and wisdom of his fellow cast members, learning from some of the industry’s finest talents.
- Thoughts on Yellowstone coming to an end after Season 5
While Chef Gator is sad to see one chapter of the Yellowstone story close, he remains optimistic about the future. He believes that there is still more to explore and unfold within the Yellowstone universe. Although this particular part of the story may be wrapping up, Guilbeau hints at the possibility of further adventures if and when filming resumes. The end of Season 5 may not mark the end of Yellowstone after all.
Disclaimer: The interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
