Discover Cole Hauser’s Unexpected Start in the Classic Film ‘School Ties’ Before ‘Yellowstone’!

by

Before captivating global audiences with his outstanding portrayal of Rip Wheeler, the dedicated ranch foreman in the hit television series Yellowstone, Cole Hauser first graced the silver screen in the 1992 sports drama School Ties. This was his initial film role, where he shared the limelight with other budding acting stars such as Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, Chris O’Donnell, and Ben Affleck. In this movie, Hauser portrayed a skilled football player who encountered challenges and discrimination due to his Jewish faith while attending an elite prep school.

Regardless of the modest box office performance, “School Ties” proved to be a significant career booster for Matt Damon (Hauser) and his fellow gifted cast members. Even the legendary Roger Ebert couldn’t help but praise their captivating performances and the film’s powerful message. Join us as we delve into this ’90s gem, uncovering why it remains relevant over three decades later.

Hollywood’s Finest Young Performers Join Forces for ‘School Ties’

In September 1955, the sports drama “School Ties” showcases a talented young ensemble including Brendan Fraser, Matt Damon, and Chris O’Donnell. The story revolves around 17-year-old David Greene (Fraser), who secures a transformative football scholarship to an elite Massachusetts prep school. Upon enrolling at St. Matthew’s Academy, David conceals his faith due to the prejudiced attitudes he encounters among his wealthy peers.

In his struggle to adapt to a new football team, David clashes with teammate Charlie Dillon (Damon). However, he finds support from roommate and fellow player Chris Reese (O’Donnell). Despite striving to concentrate on his on-field and academic performance, David’s religious beliefs are exposed, causing many of his peers to reject him. As the hostility in his environment intensifies, David is drawn into a cheating scandal involving Charlie, culminating in a heated confrontation between the two.

17-year-old Cole Hauser, who was already a rising star on Yellowstone, made his screen debut in the drama “School Ties,” portraying Jack Connors, a talented yet rebellious football player. After quitting high school at 16 to chase his acting dreams, inspired by his father’s stardom and a role in a summer theater camp production, Hauser found significant success with this film that marked an essential milestone in his Hollywood career.

‘School Ties’ Becomes a Criminally Underrated ’90s Gem

School Ties debuted on September 18, 1992, yet failed to leave a mark at the box office, earning only $14.7 million against a production budget of $18 million. The film received a mixed reaction from critics, with many praising the acting talent portrayed, but criticizing its uneven script and overt message concerning prejudice. Notably, renowned critic Roger Ebert, writing for the Chicago Sun-Times, was highly impressed by the sports drama, giving it three out of four stars and describing it as “surprisingly impactful.” He further commented that the film is not solely about anti-Semitism, but also about the destructive effects of bigotry, which can breed deceit.

Originally overlooked, this ’90s gem now boasts a strong 69% Popcornmeter from viewers and a 6.9 IMDb rating based on 28,000 reviews spanning three decades since its premiere. Although it didn’t achieve commercial success as a blockbuster, the movie offered several of its talented cast their initial leading roles on the big screen. Brendan Fraser, who gained fame in the ’90s and beyond, starred in beloved films such as George of the Jungle, The Mummy trilogy, Crash, and Journey to the Center of the Earth. Later, he experienced a career resurgence and won an Academy Award for his powerful performance in the 2022 drama The Whale.

Just like Matt Damon, I found myself catapulted into the limelight following my captivating performance in the critically acclaimed film “Good Will Hunting” in 1997. Not only did I receive recognition for my acting skills, but I also penned and starred in this masterpiece, which earned me a golden statuette. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of leading ensembles in numerous box-office hits such as “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Saving Private Ryan,” the “Bourne” series, “The Departed,” and the “Ocean’s” trilogy. Chris O’Donnell, a fellow actor, also experienced success that year when he shared the screen with Al Pacino in the Academy Award-winning film “Scent of a Woman.” He then moved on to portray Dick Grayson/Robin in “Batman Forever” and the infamous “Batman and Robin.” Later, he joined the cast of the long-running crime drama series “NCIS: Los Angeles.

Previously discussed was the fact that School Ties marked Cole Hauser’s first acting gig, serving as a stepping stone towards his thriving Hollywood career. This breakout role led to further opportunities in movies like Dazed and Confused, Higher Learning, Good Will Hunting (where he collaborated with Damon again), and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Hauser gained massive popularity when he started playing the hardened character Rip Wheeler in Taylor Sheridan’s hit Western show, Yellowstone, from 2018 to 2024, earning him a devoted fanbase. He will reunite with Kelly Reilly in an upcoming spin-off series as Beth Dutton and Rip Wheeler, leaving fans thrilled. Catch School Ties on Pluto TV.

Read More

2025-04-20 21:34