If you’re a roping fan, chances are you already were familiar with Sterlin English long before his role as Austin Lewis on Dutton Ranch. During the filming of the latest show in the Taylor Sheridan universe, English hightailed it to the 2025 Riata Championships where he won over $100,000 across two ropings. Though roping might be English’s first love, acting has been a close second. His passion for the craft might have been influenced by his father, cowboy John English, who famously doubled for Kiefer Sutherland in The Cowboy Way. As for acting, English is quick to explain: “I’ve always kind of wanted to be an actor.I kept taking a bunch of acting classes and it led to a manager and agencies and all that. Now, we’re here, and I’m very thankful.”
While English previously made guest appearances on Big Sky, Ransom Canyon, and The Winchesters, Dutton Ranch marks his first big role as Austin Lewis, one of 10-Petal’s long-standing ranch hands who starts asking questions after his friend Wes (Nakoa DeCoite) goes missing. Even after his arm is broken by another ranch hand, Chet Davis (Hart Denton), Austin refuses to give up his quest to find out what happened to Wes and uncover the shady dealings of the Jackson family.
“Austin is in a scary spot right now,” said English. “He’s trying to find the answers.” In his hour of need, Austin turns to Zachariah (Marc Menchaca) for help because he “respects his age and wisdom.” Naturally, Zachariah takes him to Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) to share everything he knows about the Jackson’s illegal cattle operation in Mexico. “He’s starting to get the picture and put the pieces together, but I don’t think he yet has the full story,” said English. “He’s leaning on Zachariah and Beth and Rip to confirm his suspicions.”
English hopped on a Zoom with Decider to talk about this week’s big episode, share what it was like working with his co-stars, and more.
DECIDER: You are a professional roper! When did you first get interested in acting?
STERLIN ENGLISH: When I was around 17. My dad worked with Kiefer Sutherland for a while. He doubled for Kiefer on The Cowboy Way, and then ran a ranch for him for a while. I’ve always kind of wanted to be an actor. I kept taking a bunch of acting classes, and it led to a manager and agencies and all that. Now, we’re here, and I’m very thankful.
I know every Taylor Sheridan production starts with cowboy camp, but it feels like you had a bit of a head start on a few of your co-stars. Did you feel like the elder statesman?
Not really [laughs]. I just felt like one of the guys. I was happy to be there. All the wranglers were great. They really taught the cast everything they needed to know. I was just along for the ride. I didn’t step on toes or anything, but if anybody did have a question, I was there to lend a hand if I could.
Episode 8 is an important episode for Austin. What were you told about your character’s trajectory during and after the audition process?
I wasn’t told a whole lot during the audition process. After I booked the job, the team started to mention a few things about Austin. I knew at some point his arm would be broken and he would be wearing a cast for a while. Eventually, Austin’s path was revealed to me. Austin is in a scary spot right now. He’s trying to find the answers to everything.
Austin never lets the others forget that Wes is a person and something very bad happened to him. Was that something you found motivating for your character?
Yeah. Austin just really stands up for what he believes in. He has no backup in him. He doesn’t even really care what happens to him. Austin might not be the biggest guy in the room, but he’s definitely not scared. That drive in him to find the truth is a really strong force.
Why does Austin choose to open up to Zachariah?
Austin feels at home with him. You can see the chemistry between them when they’re branding and roping. They have this back-and-forth crap talking, you know what I mean? Just guys being guys. Austin can appreciate Zac because Zac throws it right back at him. Zac’s also an older cowboy, and Austin respects his age and wisdom.
Obviously, Austin knows the Jacksons are bad people. Does he fear for his own life or is exposing them more important?
If Austin knows something isn’t right, he’s not going to just let it sit. Even if there’s danger around him. Anyone would be scared when mysterious and violent stuff starts happening, but Austin’s got a pretty good poker face. He has been pushed to a point where he doesn’t really care anymore. Finding answers is more important than what could happen to him.
Zachariah encourages Austin to open up to Rip and Beth about what the Jacksons are involved in. Is Austin aware that their herd was destroyed thanks in part to this operation?
There were rumors about the Dutton Ranch herd, but Austin can’t even think about that right now. He’s just kind of grabbing at thin air. He doesn’t really know what’s happening. He’s starting to get the picture and put the pieces together, but I don’t think he yet has the full story. He’s leaning on Zachariah and Beth and Rip to confirm his suspicions. Austin’s been at the 10-Petal for a while. He’s got a good idea about all the stuff that has gone down, but he has to be sure before he takes action.
What are Cole Hauser and Kelly Reilly like as scene partners? Did you feel supported by them during Austin’s big moment?
They were so amazing. Marc Menchaca was sitting right next to me too. I just wanted to show up for them. I wanted to be very prepared. I knew that was a big moment. They were so supportive. The whole crew was too. Between every take, they were checking in with me and encouraging me. They’re just great people. They really are.
You’re no stranger to the spotlight given that you are on the professional rodeo circuit. How have you received the new attention from your role in Dutton Ranch?
It’s amazing. My dad and I put on team roping events. I went and helped him a couple weekends ago. There were people wanting pictures and autographs and stuff like that. I love talking to everybody that has any questions. I mean, I’m not going to spoil anything [laughs], but I love having all the conversations.
Before you got your role on Dutton Ranch, were you a fan of other SheridanVerse shows?
My whole family was. They’ve watched everything. I just started watching Landman. Billy Bob Thornton is phenomenal. His character is really, really cool to me. Everybody where I’m from loves Yellowstone and Dutton Ranch. It’s really amazing.
Can I ask if you can tease anything about next week’s season finale?
You can ask, but I can’t tell you nothing [laughs]. You’ll just have to watch and find out.
