Brian Konowal may not be one of the lead stars in 1923, the popular Yellowstone prequel, but his role as Clyde, a character with a hidden agenda, has certainly captured the attention of viewers.
Known for his appearances in various films and TV shows such as Clockers and The Newsroom, Konowal adds depth to the story as the spy working behind the scenes against the Dutton family.
He sat down with DailyMail.com to talk about his journey to landing the role and what it’s like working alongside heavyweights like Helen Mirren and Harrison Ford.
Auditioning for the Yellowstone Universe: The Journey to Clyde
Konowal shared his experience auditioning for not just 1923, but also the flagship series Yellowstone and the prequel 1883.
He recalled how he had auditioned for a nice role in 1883 but didn’t land the part. “I thought it went well, but you never know,” he said.
It was at least a year later, after 1883 wrapped up and 1923 came around, that he knew he had to give it another shot.
“I love the writing, I love the show, please, I’ve gotta get on there,” Konowal shared about his enthusiasm for the series.
From Audition Tape to Big Break: How Konowal Landed the Role
The process for landing his role as Clyde was different than what many actors are used to.
Konowal revealed that for 1923, he only had to send in an audition tape, which was reviewed by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of the Yellowstone franchise.
“I didn’t have to audition with Taylor,” Konowal explained.
“He watches all the tapes, which is a real testament to how much trust he has in actors.
He just kept writing more stuff for me.”
Working with Legends: Scenes with Helen Mirren and Robert Patrick
Konowal’s character of Clyde interacts with some of the most legendary figures in Hollywood.
His big scene in Season 1 of 1923 was with Helen Mirren and Robert Patrick, two actors he has a deep respect for.
He marveled at the experience, saying, “All my scenes are with legends, so that’s been amazing.”
Clyde’s Role Unfolds: A Spy with a Hidden Agenda
Clyde, introduced in the first season of 1923, initially seems like just another applicant for the Livestock Agency, but as the story progresses, it becomes clear that he is secretly feeding intel on the Dutton family to their enemies.
Konowal teased the mystery of his character, saying that viewers would have to decide for themselves whether Clyde’s backstory is true or fabricated.
“Is Clyde spinning a yarn, or did he have another life?” he asked.
The Cold and Beautiful Montana Landscape: Filming in a Dream Location
For Konowal, filming in Montana was an experience unlike any other.
“I’d never been to Montana before filming,” he said, adding that it was a “dream” to explore places like Bozeman, Butte, and Missoula.
He mentioned some of the incredible locations, including Glacier National Park, where he and the cast participated in a cold plunge.
“It’s beautiful when we catch the end of summer, but Montana doesn’t waste time turning cold. Within an hour, there’s a foot of snow!” Konowal laughed.
The hospitality from the locals also stood out to him, with many people expressing love and support for the show.
Improvisation Meets Tight Scripts: How Konowal’s Improv Skills Helped
Konowal, who has a background in improv comedy, shared that although 1923 has tight scripts, his improv skills still play a role.
“There’s not a lot of improvising with Taylor’s scripts,” he explained, “but having that ability to react honestly in the moment is crucial.”
He added that the experience of working with legends like Helen Mirren and Robert Patrick made it important to stay flexible and present during each scene.
A Funny Moment with Timothy Dalton: Rehearsing in the Snow
Konowal also shared a humorous behind-the-scenes moment with Timothy Dalton while rehearsing in the bitter Montana cold.
“It was so cold!” Konowal laughed, recalling how Dalton jokingly complained about the freezing temperatures during a rehearsal.
“He said, ‘I’ve never experienced cold like this!'”
What’s Next for Clyde: More to Come in 1923
Fans can look forward to seeing more of Konowal’s character Clyde in the upcoming episodes of 1923, including his involvement in the legendary “train station” scene that’s already become part of Yellowstone lore.
The series is currently streaming on Paramount Plus, and with more episodes on the way, Konowal’s role promises to continue to intrigue audiences as the story unfolds.
In the end, for Konowal, being a part of the Yellowstone universe has been a thrilling ride, one that brings him face-to-face with some of the most iconic figures in television while also allowing him to bring his own unique character to life.