Yellowstone Season 4’s pilot episode didn’t only throw fans straight back and deeper into the Dutton drama but also gave tribute to two men – Allan Robert Murray and Milt Bradford. Both men played important behind-the-scene roles in the production of Paramount’s flagship series. And thanks to them, Yellowstone has achieved record-breaking success in Western drama.
Unfortunately, they did not live long enough to see the series peak into heights. Milt Bradford passed away at 71 last May 1, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer.
Who is Milt Bradford?
Milton Emerson Bradford was born in Lufkin, Texas on April 22, 1950, to a Baptist preacher dad and a schoolteacher mom. He spent his childhood mainly in Huntington but also did years in Del Rio and McAllen, Texas where his father pastored. During his teen years, he explored his interest in horses and cattle. And when it turned out to be a passion of his, he designed his life around it.
He worked for Raymond Havard in Lufkin, then, after several years and experience, he built his own horse auction company. In 1990, he partnered with Oxbow Ranch for the launch of his auctions, starting in Fort Worth and then across the country. Milt retired from the horse sale business in 2013 with the sale of the Western Bloodstock company. Four years later, he partnered with Don Bell for his next real estate venture, which he did until his passing.
Aside from horses and properties, Milt and his wife Mary also owned and showed cutting horses, where they earned not only millions of dollars but also champs.
Did he ever appear in Yellowstone?
Milt Bradford was a behind-the-scene guy, and he never appeared in any episode of Yellowstone. But it was his insights into the history and geography of the famed Dutton family ranch region that gave the show its authenticity.
Stay tuned for Yellowstone Season 5, which will premiere on November 13, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Paramount. And again, rest in power, Milt Bradford, who helped create one of the most authentic Western dramas of the modern time.
