WARNING: This article contains spoilers from Yellowstone.

Yellowstone season five part two has finally began, featuring actor Wes Bentley reprising his role as the conniving Jamie Dutton.

After a hiatus of over a year, the iconic Paramount Network drama is back on our screens, although its return is tinged with sadness as the series approaches its conclusion.

Jamie Dutton, portrayed by Wes Bentley, has been central to many of the show’s most dramatic moments, from his feud with sister Beth Dutton (played by Kelly Reilly) to the murder of his biological father.

As we inch closer to the final episode, Jamie is figuring out his next move following the death of their patriarch, John Dutton (Kevin Costner).

With the show’s return, fans are eager to learn more about Wes Bentley, the actor behind Jamie.

Early days

Bentley was born in September 1978 in Jonesboro, Arkansas, and grew up in Little Rock as the third of four sons.

His father was a minister and his mother a chaplain and ordained elder, both serving in the United Methodist denomination.

During his childhood, he honed his acting skills performing improv with his brothers. He was offered a place at the prestigious Juilliard School but chose to gain real-life experience instead.

His breakthrough came in 1999 when he secured a role in the romantic comedy American Beauty, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture.

Since starring in American Beauty, Wes Bentley has secured roles in blockbuster hits like Interstellar and The Hunger Games, and TV favorites such as American Horror Story.

Spider-Man

Fans of Yellowstone might be surprised to learn that the 46-year-old once had the chance to portray Peter Parker in the iconic Spider-Man film series.

Nevertheless, he declined the opportunity twice, telling Men’s Health: “I didn’t want to do it because, at the time, comic-book movies weren’t appealing. They were not cool.”

Ultimately, the coveted role was famously snatched up by Tobey Maguire, who made a nostalgic return in the 2021 hit Spider-Man: No Way Home.

Drug addiction

In the aftermath of his American Beauty fame, Bentley succumbed to the lures of the Hollywood scene, embarking on a perilous journey with “hard drugs” and slipping into cocaine and heroin use.

He confessed his obsession with outdoing others also applied to his drug habits; he aspired to become “the most impressive drug addict ever”.

Highlighting a dangerous period in his life, he recollected: “That period was incredibly dark. I did really dangerous stuff. I went downtown.”

“I went and hung with really shady people. I wasn’t trying to kill myself or anything. That was just me: Go far. Be the guy who went the furthest.”

Bentley references his addiction as “the fire”, revealing to audiences the extent of his downfall: “I lost everything in the fire. I had no car, I had no clothes, I had no money I was $400,000 in debt.”

Marriages

His marriage with actress Jennifer Quanz suffered as a result of his struggles, leading to their divorce in 2009 after eight years due to his battles with substance abuse.

The following year, he tied the knot with producer Jacqui Swedberg, whom he met while filming a movie in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Bentley has candidly admitted that she was a significant reason for his decision to strive for lasting sobriety after previous rehab stints and subsequent relapses.

He shared: “I met a girl, and this girl was awesome and funny and just had the weirdest sense of humor.

“She made me laugh and made me want to live again-like, live, live, not go deal drugs.”

Bentley and Swedberg went on to welcome their son in 2010, followed by their daughter four years later.

Heath Ledger’s friendship

Bentley met Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger while filming the 2002 action drama The Four Feathers.

The Yellowstone actor referred to Ledger as a “brother” who was deeply invested in Bentley’s recovery.

He disclosed: “He [Ledger] even begged me to get sober in an email.

“Last email, he was beggin’ me. I didn’t, at first, but later, getting sober, I’d think of that email all the time.”

Ledger tragically died from an accidental drug overdose in 2008, and Bentley missed the memorial service because he was “really messed up”. “I’d never felt love from someone like him.

“And he didn’t care what I was, or what I was like, the stupid things I was doing. He just wanted me to be better.

“I always thought of him as a brother, and I wish I could’ve given that back.”

Yellowstone is available to watch on Paramount Network and Paramount+.