There’s no doubt that Luke Grimes is experiencing one of his busiest seasons yet. For him, life lately has been a balancing act, with equal parts changing diapers, reading scripts, and writing deeply personal songs.
Since welcoming a son in the fall of 2024, the Marshals star has been juggling fatherhood, a demanding filming schedule, and, most recently, the release of his brand-new album, Red Bird, which offers fans a closer look at who he is off-screen.
But if there’s one thing Grimes makes clear, it’s that he wouldn’t have it any other way. Still, something has to give, and this year, it’s touring. “Unfortunately, I’m not going to be able to do it this year,” Grimes shared in a recent interview with Music Mayhem, explaining that production for Marshals has taken up a large part of his schedule. “I start filming Marshals again in May, and I go until Christmas break pretty much. And when I’m doing that, it’s 60, 70-hour weeks, so it’s just not even a possibility.”
For the actor-turned-country singer, it’s a rare break from the road, and he himself doesn’t hide his disappointment.
“It’s a bummer,” he admitted, noting it’s the first time in a while he’s had to press pause on performing live shows for his fans. Still, he remains optimistic, already looking toward early next year as a chance to reconnect with audiences in a live setting.
Though his prior commitments are set, Grimes has found a way to successfully make both of his entertainment careers, even if one is a bit more flexible than the other. “With acting, it’s not really up to me when we shoot or where,” he explained. “….That’s hundreds of people and a big production and a lot of money that I kind of have to show up for.”
Music, on the other hand, is where things get personal and a little more on his terms.
“What’s great about music is it’s my thing,” he said. “It’s more about me, and it’s more personal; I can kind of do that whenever I want to. So we just base it on when I can. When I’m not shooting, I’m either recording or playing out.”
Although his music and acting worlds differ, they’re beginning to overlap in exciting ways. As the leading man of Yellowstone spinoff Marshals, Grimes is helping shape a show that continues the Dutton family story and really embraces the country music scene that’s been in its DNA from the start. Case in point: Riley Green and Ashley Cooke.
“I’ve never met Ashley, but I’m very aware of her music and her talent, but I’ve never met her,” Grimes shared.
As for Green, the two are friends, and the chart-topping artist, 37, is gearing up to make his acting debut on Marshals on Sunday, April 19. It turns out Grimes had a large hand in making it all happen.
“He and I were writing a song together, and he started talking about maybe wanting to act one day,” Grimes recalled of Green. “And this is when Marshals was sort of coming together. And I thought, ‘Hey, you know what? Why don’t you try to be in my show?’ That’d be a good way in for you. I could help you out a little bit.’”
Even with Green’s star power, Hollywood still made him audition, something Grimes found both surprising and amusing.
“Hollywood people don’t really know country music that well. They made him do a funny audition. He’s kind of a big deal, guys,” he said with a laugh. “….He got the part. And honestly, on the merits of like, he did a really good audition. He’s a really talented guy.”
Green takes on the role of Garrett, a former Navy SEAL, and a character that fits seamlessly into the show’s rugged appeal. And, Grimes is more than open to bringing in additional country talent, too, including female country powerhouse Ella Langley.
“I would love to have [her],” he confirmed, pointing out that the two of them had recently worked together on her “Choosin’ Texas” music video, where he played the role of her ill-fated love interest. “And I met her a long time ago at Jamey Johnson’s wedding, and she was talking about wanting to act. So I think if anybody, look, talent is talent, I think. And if you can get up on a stage for an hour in front of a microphone and entertain people, I have a feeling you have a knack for being able to act a little bit too.”
For Luke Grimes, it’s all about surrounding himself with “his people” and creating opportunities for artists to step into new spaces.
“So bring them all, man. I would love it. These are my people, so I’d love to have them on the show,” he says.
Marshals, which premiered March 1 on CBS, airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET/PT.
