If you’ve spent any time watching Yellowstone, 1883, or Tulsa King, you know Taylor Sheridan doesn’t just write about the West; he lives it. But while the rugged filmmaker is often the one in the spotlight, fans constantly ask: who is Taylor Sheridan married to? The answer isn't just a "Hollywood wife" stereotype. It's Nicole Muirbrook, a woman who is arguably more "cowboy" than many of the actors Sheridan hires.
They didn't meet on a red carpet. Honestly, their story is a lot more grounded than that. It’s a mix of "starving artist" grit and a shared obsession with horse cutting.
Meeting at the Bottom
Most people don't realize that before the billion-dollar Yellowstone universe existed, Taylor Sheridan was just a guy trying to pay rent. He was acting in Sons of Anarchy, but he was also coaching other actors on the side to keep the lights on. That’s how he met Nicole Muirbrook. She was a successful model and actress—you might recognize her from a 2008 episode of How I Met Your Mother where everyone thought she was the "Mother"—who signed up for his acting class in Los Angeles.
It wasn't a glamorous start. Nicole has been vocal about the fact that they were "literally starving" in those early years. They weren't dining at the Ivy; they were just trying to scrape together enough for a mortgage payment.
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They dated for several years before getting married on September 18, 2013. By that point, they already had their son, Gus, who was born in 2010. It’s a relationship built on the "before times," which probably explains why they seem so unfazed by the sudden explosion of fame that hit when Taylor started writing scripts like Sicario and Hell or High Water.
More Than Just a Model
Nicole Muirbrook’s resume is... well, it's varied. She was scouted at a mall in Salt Lake City by NEXT and went on to grace the covers of Vogue and Marie Claire. She lived in Milan. She did the high-fashion thing. But if you check her Instagram today, you’re more likely to see her covered in dirt than wearing couture.
She’s a self-described tomboy. Always has been. Growing up, she spent her time on her grandparents' ranch in Wyoming. That connection to the land is what eventually pulled the couple out of California. Taylor famously told her one morning in Park City, Utah—where they had moved to escape LA—that he couldn't stand the snow anymore. He basically said, "Honey, we're getting the hell out of here," and they headed for Texas.
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Life on the Ranches
Today, the couple owns a massive chunk of Texas real estate. We're talking about the Bosque Ranch in Weatherford and the legendary 6666 Ranch (the "Four Sixes").
- Bosque Ranch: This is the headquarters. It's over 600 acres and serves as a filming location for Yellowstone.
- 6666 Ranch: A historic 350,000-acre property that Taylor and a group of investors bought for somewhere around $350 million.
Nicole isn't just sitting in the ranch house, though. She’s deeply involved in the horse business. She competes in cutting—an equestrian sport where a horse and rider work to separate a single cow from a herd. In 2020, she even won her first buckle at a celebrity cutting competition. She’s also on the board of the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame.
The Influence on Sheridan's Work
It’s no secret that Taylor uses his real life as a blueprint for his shows. If you’ve noticed a character being particularly tough or a scene involving horse reining feeling authentic, Nicole probably had a hand in that.
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Interestingly, Ali Larter (who stars in Sheridan’s Landman) recently mentioned that a storyline involving a retirement home in the show was actually inspired by Nicole. Apparently, Nicole spends time setting up games and bars for senior citizens, showing a side of her that isn't just about ranching or modeling. Speaking of bars, she actually has her own spot at the Bosque Ranch aptly named "Nic's Bar," which serves as a hangout for the cast and crew during long shoot days.
What Most People Miss
People often assume that being married to a Hollywood powerhouse means a life of luxury and assistants. While they certainly have the resources now, the Sheridans' lifestyle is surprisingly manual. They raise over 100 horses. Their son, Gus, is being raised as a "little cowboy," spending more time fishing and roping than staring at a smartphone.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow the Sport: If you want to see the "real" side of their life, look up NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association) events rather than Hollywood news. That’s where they actually spend their time.
- Visit the Brand: The Bosque Ranch has its own line of coffee and merchandise. It’s a way to engage with the "Sheridan lifestyle" without needing a 300,000-acre ranch of your own.
- Watch the Credits: Nicole often appears at premieres and events, but she stays out of the tabloid fray. Her influence is mostly felt in the authenticity of the "Western" lifestyle portrayed on screen.
Basically, Taylor Sheridan found a partner who didn't just tolerate his dream of moving to a Texas ranch—she was already there waiting for him. They’ve gone from "literally starving" in LA to running a $600 million ranching empire, and they did it by staying true to a culture they both actually grew up in.