“Landman”’s Jacob Lofland Says Father-Son Scenes Hit Close to Home After His Dad’s Death (Exclusive)

**Jacob Lofland Draws Deeply Personal Insights into His Role in ‘Landman’ Amid Family Tragedy**

Jacob Lofland, the actor starring as Cooper in the Paramount+ series *Landman*, recently opened up about how his real-life experiences have intertwined with his character’s emotional journey. Speaking to *PEOPLE*, he revealed that the emotional weight of filming a key father-son scene with co-star Billy Bob Thornton was particularly poignant following the passing of his own father.

In a heartfelt moment captured on set, Lofland and Thornton engaged in a quiet conversation, echoing the dynamics between a son and his father figure, Tommy Norris. This scene resonated with Lofland, as he mourned the loss of his dad, who passed away in July 2025. “Me and Billy in the truck, talking about how much a son loves his dad. It was a nice moment,” he shared, noting that the authentic emotions brought to the scene were deeply personal.

Reflecting on his loss, Lofland admitted that losing a parent creates a profound void. In a previous interview with *Interview Magazine*, he articulated the feelings of emptiness that accompany such a loss. “You’ve always had that person that no matter what you could call. … Once that’s gone, there’s just a lonely feeling,” he explained. Yet, he also recognised that such experiences can catalyse personal growth, asserting, “I do believe that losing the man who made you, you have no choice anymore; you better become the man that he taught you to be.”

This harrowing journey informed Lofland’s portrayal of Cooper, allowing him to imbue the character with a genuine emotional depth that reflects both his on-screen and off-screen realities. *Landman* explores the turbulent and often high-stakes environment of the oil industry—a setting deeply familiar to Lofland. His father’s history as a worker in the oil fields has given him a unique perspective on the material, lending authenticity to his performance.

Lofland’s family has long-standing ties to the oil industry, with stories of his father and uncles working as “roughnecks and welders” in the Texas oil fields during the late 1970s and early 1980s. Growing up in Arkansas, he absorbed tales of the industry’s demanding nature, which further enhances his connection to the narrative of *Landman*.

When reflecting on the crafting of his character, Lofland noted that both he and Thornton channeled their shared experiences of loss during critical scenes. “Me and him both worked off things that … I just lost my dad last year and he lost his years ago. That’s what makes that scene real,” he said.

Prior to joining *Landman*, Lofland had admired the storytelling prowess of Taylor Sheridan, creator of *Yellowstone*. He expressed enthusiasm for being part of a project from a creator whose prior work he greatly respected. Sharing the screen with seasoned actors like Thornton and Sam Elliott has also provided Lofland with invaluable lessons, primarily through observation and learning from their artistry.

Within the series, Lofland’s character, Cooper, undergoes significant development, particularly in his relationship with Ariana, portrayed by Paulina Chávez. He has described building that on-screen chemistry as one of the most rewarding aspects of the season. “We’ve really gotten comfortable and found something special on screen,” he commented, highlighting the evolving dynamics of his role.

As the second season of *Landman* progresses, viewers can expect to see these personal experiences and emotional truths resonate throughout the show’s narrative. For Lofland, the blend of real-life challenges and artistic expression has contributed to a profound journey, both as an actor and as an individual coping with the complexities of love and loss.

*Landman* is currently available to stream on Paramount+, offering audiences a glimpse into the raw emotional landscapes of its characters, illuminated by Lofland’s unique and heartfelt contributions to the story.