James Jordan is one of those actors you might not immediately recognize by name, but if you’ve watched any of Taylor Sheridan’s TV shows or movies, you’ve definitely seen him. He’s become something of a “Where’s Waldo?” in the Sheridan universe, popping up in Yellowstone, 1883, Mayor of Kingstown, Special Ops: Lioness, and most recently, Landman. But why is he such a staple in Sheridan’s projects? Let’s dive into his backstory, his connection with Sheridan, and what’s next for this versatile actor.
Who is James Jordan?
Born on March 14, 1979, in Houston, Texas, James Jordan grew up in Texas and later moved to Missouri with his family in the early 1990s. He attended Missouri Southern State University, where he studied theater before earning an MFA in Acting from UCLA. His passion for acting led him to co-found DAFT Inc., a non-profit theater company in Los Angeles, where he originated roles in several productions. This foundation in theater helped him hone his craft before transitioning to film and television.
Jordan’s career started with guest roles on popular TV dramas like CSI, The Mentalist, and True Blood. He also appeared in independent films such as Seraphim Falls and Certain Women. However, his big break came when he began working with Taylor Sheridan.
The Taylor Sheridan connection
James Jordan’s collaboration with Taylor Sheridan began with the 2017 film Wind River, where he played Pete Mickens, a disturbing character who left a lasting impression. This marked the start of a fruitful partnership between the actor and the acclaimed writer-director. Sheridan seems to have a knack for reusing actors he trusts—think of him as the Quentin Tarantino of neo-Westerns—and Jordan fits perfectly into the gritty worlds Sheridan creates.
Since Wind River, Jordan has appeared in nearly every major Sheridan project:
- In Yellowstone, he plays Steve Hendon, a recurring character who works as a livestock agent.
- In 1883, he portrays Cookie, adding humour and depth to the prequel series.
- In Mayor of Kingstown, he takes on the role of Ed Simmons.
- Most recently, he starred as Two Cups in Special Ops: Lioness and has a main role in Landman.
Sheridan clearly values Jordan’s ability to play complex characters—whether they’re morally ambiguous or outright antagonistic. His versatility makes him an asset to any ensemble cast.
What makes him stand out?
Jordan isn’t your typical leading man; instead, he excels at playing supporting characters who add layers to the story. His performances are often raw and intense, making even minor roles memorable. For example, in Wind River, his portrayal of Pete Mickens was chillingly authentic. Similarly, his recurring role in Yellowstone adds depth to the show’s depiction of rural law enforcement.
Fans have started noticing his frequent appearances in Sheridan’s work, dubbing him the “Where’s Waldo?” of the Sheridan-verse. This kind of recognition speaks volumes about his consistency and talent.
Personal life
While James Jordan keeps much of his personal life private, we do know that he spent his childhood moving between Texas, Colorado, and Missouri before pursuing acting full-time. He’s also an avid baseball fan and a proud member of SAG-AFTRA.
On social media, Jordan shares glimpses into his life and career—his Instagram bio humorously reads “Leap before ya look,” which seems fitting for someone who frequently dives into intense roles.
What’s next for James Jordan?
Jordan shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to his work on Taylor Sheridan projects like Landman, he continues to take on roles in independent films and other television series. Given his track record with Sheridan, it wouldn’t be surprising to see him pop up in future projects from the prolific creator.
For parents like us juggling work-life balance while sneaking in some TV time after bedtime routines (you know how it is), James Jordan is one of those actors who adds value to every show he’s in. Whether it’s a tense drama like Mayor of Kingstown or a sprawling Western like Yellowstone, you can count on him to deliver.
So next time you’re watching one of Taylor Sheridan’s shows and think, “Hey, isn’t that guy familiar?”—yep, it’s probably James Jordan doing what he does best: stealing scenes and keeping us hooked.
Also check out my post – My 5 Favourite James Jordan characters.
