Michelle Randolph opens up about her unforgettable experience filming Landman, from sharing Bud Lights with Billy Bob Thornton to working with TV legends like John Hamm and Ali Larter. Her breakout role in this explosive series has left audiences hooked, and she reveals her memorable moments from the set
The world of Landman is teeming with oil, secrets, ambition—and one powerhouse performance after another. Yet among the glitzy cast of Hollywood heavyweights like Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, Ali Larter, and Demi Moore, it’s Michelle Randolph who’s stealing the spotlight in the most unexpected way. A breakout star with roots in Taylor Sheridan’s expanding Yellowstone universe, Michelle is blazing a trail all her own, and fans can’t stop talking about her unforgettable scenes—including one viral moment that has everyone gasping and laughing in equal measure.
It’s that jaw-dropping line from her character, asking her father point-blank, “Are you two having sex, Daddy?”—a question delivered with equal parts shock and dry humor. The moment may have gone viral for its boldness, but it’s only a small glimpse of what Randolph brings to Landman—a series that doesn’t shy away from the gritty underbelly of the oil industry.
Playing the daughter of Billy Bob Thornton and Ali Larter, Randolph found herself in the company of two seasoned pros, and the bond they formed both on and off set helped shape some of the most emotionally charged scenes in the series. “They’re just incredible,” Michelle gushes. “We shot in Texas for about five months, and honestly, we probably spent too much time together—but in the best way possible.” Whether it was late-night filming or long days under the Texas sun, their shared experience fostered a natural chemistry that leaps off the screen.
When asked about her character, Michelle beams with affection. “I overthink everything in my real life,” she says, “but this character—she’s the total opposite. She’s confident, impulsive, and never second-guesses herself. That contrast was so refreshing to play.” In a show that’s soaked in high-stakes drama, betrayal, and backdoor deals, Michelle’s fearless energy provides an electric jolt.
But what truly makes her journey unforgettable? “Drinking Bud Light with Billy,” she laughs. “That man drinks it like it’s water. It’s the only beer he touches. And we had a lot of it.” It’s a memory Michelle says she’ll hold onto forever—those candid behind-the-scenes moments that remind her just how surreal this ride has been.
Michelle’s Landman role might feel like a rocket launch to stardom, but she’s already made a big impression in Taylor Sheridan’s cinematic world. Before Landman, Michelle starred in Sheridan’s Yellowstone prequel 1923, sharing the screen with legends Dame Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford. “That experience changed my life,” she reflects. “Helen was just incredible. Every day on set felt like a masterclass.” Playing Elizabeth Strafford in 1923, Michelle proved she could hold her own among some of the biggest names in Hollywood, and Sheridan clearly took notice.
In fact, it was Sheridan himself who handpicked Michelle for Landman, seeing something in her that he knew would light up the screen. And she hasn’t disappointed. With a blend of wit, vulnerability, and fire, Michelle’s performance has brought heart to a story drenched in corporate greed and personal betrayal.
While 1923 Season 2 is set to drop next month, it’s Landman’s finale—airing this Sunday on Paramount+—that has fans buzzing. Will Michelle’s character uncover a long-buried family secret? Will her blunt questions and fearless pursuit of the truth shake up the show’s power dynamics? Those answers are just around the corner, and fans are bracing themselves for a finale full of twists, showdowns, and maybe even redemption.
The larger Yellowstone universe is known for its gritty storytelling and deeply human characters, and Landman continues that legacy with a modern spin. Set against the oil-rich backdrop of West Texas, it explores how wealth, power, and loyalty are bought, sold, and shattered. Michelle’s character, a firecracker in designer boots, brings a new kind of voice to the landscape—one that refuses to stay quiet, even when the stakes are life and death.
The success of Landman has also bolstered Billy Bob Thornton’s already-celebrated career. With this being his seventh Golden Globe nomination, the actor has nothing but praise for the show and his castmates. “It’s always an honor to be part of something you’re proud of,” Thornton said recently. “And when you’re working with people like Michelle, Jon, Ali, and Demi—you know you’re part of something special.”
Michelle feels the same way. “I pinch myself every day,” she admits. “Going from working with Helen and Harrison in 1923, to filming Landman with this incredible cast, it’s all a dream.”
Dream or not, Michelle Randolph is living it. Whether she’s delivering viral one-liners or drinking Bud Light with legends, she’s proving she’s more than just a rising star—she’s a force to be reckoned with in Taylor Sheridan’s empire. With Landman’s explosive finale around the corner and 1923 Season 2 on the horizon, Michelle’s story in the Yellowstone universe is far from over. In fact, it may just be beginning.
So buckle up, because if Landman has taught us anything, it’s that in Sheridan’s world, anything can happen—and Michelle Randolph will be right at the center of the storm.