Who Plays Walker on Yellowstone? Meet Ryan Bingham

Walker joins the Yellowstone Dutton Ranch as a ranch hand after he is released from jail. He often gets into disagreements as he doesn’t want to get involved in any of the Dutton’s fights.

In addition to bringing drama to the bunkhouse, Walker also brings music as well. After he quits his job at the ranch and Kayce spares him a trip to the train station, Walker begins to pursue his passion for music.

After being discovered singing at a local bar, Walker was given a second chance. Walker is also a Yellowstone-branded man, meaning (usually) he is committed to the ranch for life.

However, did you know that much like Walker is into ranching and music, so is the award-winning music actor who plays him?

Learn more below about the fascinating actor who plays Walker on Yellowstone.

Who Plays Walker on Yellowstone?

Walker is played by Ryan Bingham, an American actor, singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He was born on March 31, 1981, in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Born:	March 31, 1981 (age 41)
Birthplace:	Hobbs, New Mexico, U.S.
Height:	5ft 10 (177.8 cm)
Occupation:	Singer, song writer, musician, actor
Children:	3
Social Media:	YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
Website:	ryanbingham.com

With a prosperous career in the music industry, Ryan Bingham has also found success on the big screen. He is most recognizable as ranch hand Walker on Yellowstone.

Bingham’s passion for music has even carried over to his acting career, as his character Walker on Yellowstone sings and plays guitar throughout the show. He is currently based out of Los Angeles, California.

Ryan Bingham Songs Featured on Yellowstone

• “Sunrise” Season 1, Episodes 4 & 5
• “All Choked Up Again” Season 1, Episode 5
• “Wolves” Season 1, Episode 7
• “My Diamond Is Too Rough” Season 2, Episode 1
• “Bread & Water” Season 2, Episode 2
• “The Weary Kind” Season 2, Episode 10
• “Tell My Mother I Miss Her So” Season 3, Episode 8
• “Snake Eyes” Season 3, Episode 9
• “The Other Side” Season 4, Episode 2
• “Wishing Well” Season 4, Episode 2
• “Take It Easy Mama” Season 4, Episode 6
• “The Poet” Season 4, Episode 7
• “Hallelujah” Season 4, Episode 9
• “Nobody Knows My Trouble” Season 5, Episode 6

Ryan Bingham TV Shows & Films

• Crazy Heart (2009) as Tony  
• Jackie & Ryan (2015) as Cowboy’s Brother 
• A Country Called Home (2015) as Jack
• Hostiles (2017) as Sgt. Paul Malloy
• Yellowstone (2018-present) as Walker

7 Facts About Ryan Bingham

He Left Home at Age 17 For the Rodeo Circuit

Bingham had a rough childhood, as his mother drank herself to death and his father committed suicide. Since both his parents were alcoholics, he had no choice but to leave at 17 to travel the rodeo circuit.

On the rodeo circuit, Bingham competed in bull riding in the Southwest. He became close with the guys he was rodeoing with, as they took care of each other as family.

During his time on the rodeo circuit, Bingham had some wild times. On one occasion, he drunkenly rode a horse down a Main Street in nothing but cowboy boots.

He also got his two front teeth knocked out while riding a particularly volatile bull and now has fake front teeth.

He Almost Had a Job at Disneyland in Paris

When Ryan Bingham was around 20, his friend mentioned to him that Disneyland Paris was looking for a cowboy to be in a Wild West show. Bingham called them up and was told a guy was about to quit his role and Bingham could take his spot.

Upon arriving at Disneyland in Paris, a worker told Bingham that the guy never quit and they are unable to hire Bingham. At this point, Bingham has only $10 in his pocket and nowhere to go.

Fortunately for him, one of the actors in the Wild West show learned of his scenario and offered him a place to stay. The actor lived with a group from the Wild West show, all from New Mexico and Texas.

After crashing at the house due to exhaustion from jet lag, Bingham is awoken to a sound of a party upstairs. To his surprise, he hears his music being played at the party. It turns out one of the Wild West show actors was a cousin to a guy Bingham had given his music to at a rodeo.

Bingham was able to start playing at local parks in Paris for tips. He was able to save up enough money to buy a plane ticket back to Texas.

Ryan Bingham’s Music Spans Multiple Genres

Ryan Bingham is an acclaimed artist whose music spans multiple genres. Though music has been part of his life since he was a kid, he received his first major-label debut in 2007 with Lost Highway Records.

Bingham made a name for himself and even began his own band, The Dead Horses. The band consisted of drummer Matthew “Papa” Smith, guitarist Corby Schaub and bass player Elijah Ford. They released multiple albums together, including hit songs “Hard Times”, “Junk Star” and “Big Country Sky.”

Bingham has also found success releasing music as a solo artist. His work has also been featured in movies including Crazy Heart and Joe.

He also collaborates with upcoming country musicians and fellow Yellowstone co-star Luke Grimes.

Yellowstone is His First TV Role

Though Bingham is well-established in the music industry, Yellowstone is his first TV role as an actor. He had four small movie roles prior to Yellowstone in Crazy Heart, Jackie & Ryan, A Country Called Home, and Hostiles.

A Country Called Home was directed, written, and produced by Bingham’s ex-wife, Anna Axster. So far, Yellowstone is the only TV show credit Bingham has to his name. He has made guest appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, and Good Morning America.

He Enjoys Surfing

Despite not growing up near the ocean, Bingham loves to surf. He first began surfing in Corpus Christi, Texas, and has continued the hobby since moving to California.

He also likes to surf and finds it a great way to help clear his mind.

He Partnered With Live Nation to Host His Own Music Festival

In 2019, Ryan Bingham paired up with Live Nation to host his own music festival, The Western. The festival took place in Luckenberg, Texas, featuring a line-up of country music and food.

Though the festival was a hit, it has not been back since its inaugural kickoff.

He Competed on the Rodeo Team at Tarleton State University

In 2000, Ryan Bingham enrolled in college at Tarleton State University. During his time at college, he competed in bull riding for the university’s rodeo team.

Bingham was a good bull rider and did well on the team, however, he soon realized his real calling was in music.

Also read: 35 Best Yellowstone Quotes

FAQs About Ryan Bingham

Is Ryan Bingham a Real Cowboy?

Ryan Bingham is a real-life cowboy. He grew up riding horses and doing a lot of cowboy stuff with his family, who ranched out in New Mexico. He would rope and bull ride, with bull riding becoming a big part of his youth.

Bingham’s background as a real cowboy helped gain him a spot in Yellowstone. Originally, Bingham was just supposed to write a few songs for the show. However, after connecting with the show’s producer, writer, and director, Taylor Sheridan, over riding horses, Sheridan offered him a role in Yellowstone.

Also, check out our similar guide about Taylor Sheridan.

Is Ryan Bingham Married?

Ryan Bingham married director Anna Axster in 2008. However, after 12 years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2021. His current relationship status is unknown.

Ryan Bingham and Anna Axster share three kids together. The couple shared a home in Topanga Canyon, California with their children before separating.

What is Ryan Bingham’s Net Worth?

Ryan Bingham has an estimated net worth of $15 million. He makes the majority of his money from his successful music career.

What Did Ryan Bingham Win a Golden Globe For?

In 2010, Ryan Bingham won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song for ‘The Weary Kind.’ Bingham and T Bone Burnett co-wrote and produced the song for the movie Crazy Heart.

In addition to his Oscar, Bingham has also received other notable awards. In 2010, he won the Americana Music Association Artist of the Year, Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Original Song, and the Golden Globes Award for Best Original Song.

Bingham also took home the 2009 Satellite Award for Best Original Song and the 2011 Grammy for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

What is Ryan Bingham’s Most Famous Song?

Ryan Bingham’s most popular song is ‘Southside Of Heaven‘ which came out on his album Mescalito in 2007. He wrote the hit song while living in Stephenville, Texas.

‘Southside of Heaven’ was the first song on the album Mescalito, and it is the song that got his career rolling. His ex-wife Anna Axster directed a music video for the song. To date, it has been listened to over 50,000,000 times on Spotify.

Also read: 10 Facts About Luke Grimes, Kayce Dutton on Yellowstone