Who did Neal McDonough play in Yellowstone? Character role explored

Yellowstone, a neo-Western drama television series, first aired on June 20, 2018, on Paramount Network. The season 5 finale premiered on December 15, 2024. Created by Taylor Sheridan and John Linson, it shows the rough life of the Dutton family, who own Montana's biggest ranch. The series shows how they fought to keep their land safe from developers, Native American groups, and other people who wanted power.

The plot of Yellowstone revolves around the Dutton family's fierce protection of their ranch, located on the shared borders of Yellowstone National Park, the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, and neighboring land developers.

With the progression of the Dutton family series, the Duttons face various conflicts. Malcolm Beck, portrayed by Neal McDonough, turns out to be one of their formidable antagonists in season 2 of Yellowstone.

Malcolm is a ruthless businessman who, alongside his brother, Teal, aims to bring down the Dutton family. Getting control over Montana's valuable land and resources has always been in his mind.

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Exploring Malcolm Beck’s role in Paramount's Yellowstone

Neal McDonough’s character, Malcolm Beck, is introduced as a businessman. He seems to have strong connections to the political and criminal world. Alongside his brother Teal, Malcolm plays a key role in the battle for control of Montana’s land and resources.

The Beck brothers are worried about the competition they face from Thomas Rainwater, head of the Broken Rock Indian Reservation, along with the real estate developer Dan Jenkins. Both men plan to build a casino in the valley, threatening the Becks’ financial interests.

Malcolm and his brother Teal push their schemes against the Dutton family too far by kidnapping Tate, Kayce’s son. Kayce goes on torturing Teal to get Malcolm's location. He shoots Teal in the stomach, leg, and chest. John Dutton takes matters into his own hands and confronts the Beck brothers, clearing their house of militia members.

Right there outside, he spots Malcolm and the two engage in a shootout. John outmatches Malcolm. John shoots him in the stomach and wrist as Malcolm tries to reach his fallen pistol.

As Malcolm lies dying, John demands to know where Tate is. After a moment of silence, Malcolm relents and reveals Tate’s location.

Despite John’s offer to send a helicopter for him, Malcolm refuses, knowing he won't survive the journey. John asks if Malcolm wants company in his final moments, but he chooses solitude. As John walks away, Malcolm’s last words are a bitter regret: “I wish I had never met you.” John coldly replies, “I bet you do.”

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About Neal McDonough

American actor Neal McDonough was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, on February 13, 1966. McDonough, known for his screen presence, has played military men and powerful villains.

McDonough's role as Lieutenant Lynn "Buck" Compton in the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers (2001) was very popular, and he is known for playing intense and memorable characters in film and television.

In the DC Arrowverse, Arrow, Legends of Tomorrow, and The Flash showcased McDonough as Damien Darhk. He proved his versatility in various films and series of the Marvel Cinematic Universe portraying Timothy "Dum Dum" Dugan. McDonough is one of Hollywood's popular villains for his ability to bring depth to morally ambiguous characters.

McDonough's voice work in animated series and video games complements his extensive filmography. Neal McDonough is also popular for his portrayal of Dr. William Birkin, the lead villain, in Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City (2021).

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Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock.