Piper Perabo Says She Was Intimidated by ‘Big, Bright Movie Star Light’ of Kevin Costner While Filming “Yellowstone ”(Exclusive)

Piper Perabo, known for her notable roles in film and television, recently shared her experiences of being starstruck, particularly when working alongside the legendary Kevin Costner on the hit series Yellowstone. In an interview with PEOPLE, the actress spoke candidly about the daunting feeling of sharing the screen with such a prominent figure in the industry.

Perabo, who first gained prominence as Violet “Jersey” Sanford in the 2000 movie Coyote Ugly, has had an extensive career featuring numerous impressive co-stars. However, it appears that the radiance and charisma of Costner genuinely left an impact on her. Reflecting on their initial scene together, Perabo remarked on the intensity of working alongside someone of Costner’s stature. “The first time we did a scene together, he’s picking me up at a jail. He gets out of his truck with his hat on and whatever. I went into the jail and they fluffed on my hair and they’re like, ‘Okay, action.’ And I walked in the jail and he got out of the truck and I was like, ‘Oh, whoa.’ I forget, oh, giant movie star,” she shared.

Despite having amassed substantial acting experience, Perabo admits to feeling awed by her fellow actors, particularly when they possess a commanding presence like Costner. She explained that his arrival on set often brought a sense of intimidation, saying, “When Kevin Costner walks into a scene, it’s a little intimidating because that big, bright movie star light is a little stunning at first.” According to her, it required a few moments of collected breathing before she could fully engage in the scene: “It took a couple of breaths for me to be like, ‘Be cool, be cool, here we go.'”

In Yellowstone, Perabo portrayed Summer Higgins, a vegan activist who challenges the status quo of the ranching lifestyle represented by Costner’s character, John Dutton. Over the course of the series, which has enjoyed immense popularity and critical acclaim, the dynamic between the two characters, and the underlying tension of their differing ideologies, has captivated audiences. Costner himself, at 71 years of age, has played the ranching patriarch for five seasons, further solidifying his status as a Hollywood icon.

Meanwhile, Perabo is currently the face of Bliss’s Fab Girl Firm Body Firming & Contouring Cream, a collaboration that signifies her diverse interests beyond acting. During the interview, she expressed her desire to seek out and immerse herself in unique narrative worlds through the roles she chooses. “Usually, what I’m looking for is a world I’ve never seen before,” she stated. Her fascination with travel, literature, and global cultures greatly influences her project selections.

She noted that her work could lead her into unexpected realms, reminiscent of picking a surprising book from a shelf, saying, “You just learn about the world in ways that you didn’t expect. It’s like picking a random book off the bookshelf. You’re like, ‘Oh, I have no idea what this is about.’ And then, you’re sort of living in it and eating it and listening to it. And it’s really fun.”

Perabo’s reflections underline the enriching experiences that come with acting, which allows her not only to explore new environments but also to inhabit diverse roles that offer different perspectives on life. The actor’s insights illustrate her dedication to honing her craft and seeking roles that challenge her outlook, making her contributions to the screen even more compelling.

As she continues her career in acting, fans can expect to see more of Perabo in diverse characters that allow her to push her artistic boundaries while sharing the screen with some of the industry’s finest talent. Her passion for acting and the worlds she creates through her roles undoubtedly contribute to her enduring presence in the entertainment world.