'Yellowstone' star Cole Hauser hailed after launching scholarships for families of fallen American heroes
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA: At 48 years old, Cole Hauser, who plays Rip Wheeler on the TV series 'Yellowstone', is actively involved with the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, a charitable organization that offers scholarships to children who have lost their military parents. In an interview, Hauser, expressed his support for second chances, particularly emphasizing the significant impact of losing a family member on children.
As a father of two sons, Ryland, 18, and Colt, 14, and a 10-year-old daughter, Steely Rose, Hauser feels a deep connection to the cause, stating, "Maybe it's just my way of serving. You know, this country, the soldiers, their families," reported CBS. Having collaborated with the organization for two decades, he has witnessed over 1,100 scholarships being awarded to deserving recipients.
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Cole Hauser's impactful initiatives
Alongside financial contributions, the actor, known for his role in '2 Fast 2 Furious', also embarked on a United Service Organizations tour in Afghanistan. Additionally, he made personal visits to the Walter Reed Medical Center, forging meaningful relationships with severely injured service members. Hauser recounted a heartwarming encounter with a triple amputee, sharing how a lighthearted comment initiated a smile and conversation. "I walked in and I [said], 'God, you look like a rat's ass,' but it got him to smile, you know? And then we would start talking, and it was just, you know, it broke the ice," Hauser shared.
As a member of the charity's board of directors, Hauser, together with foundation president Clay Hutmacher, has worked tirelessly to establish scholarships for families who have lost a non-military parent. Hutmacher highlighted the significance of alleviating the financial burden on these families, emphasizing, "When they're calculating what they're going to do in the future, funding of their children's education is not part of that equation. We got that."
'Just to see somebody go through that moment of like, grace!'
Hauser's motivation to continue his philanthropic endeavors stems from his desire to honor the legacy of his grandfather, Milton Sperling, a World War II Marine and Hollywood producer, and screenwriter. He explained, "I think it's as good as it gets as a human, like just the human element of wanting to help. Just to see somebody go through that moment of like, grace."
Recently, Hauser and his wife, Cynthia, enjoyed a family vacation in Italy, where they were seen exploring the picturesque Tuscany region on bicycles. The actor shared glimpses of their trip on social media, showcasing the joy of their two sons, Ryland and Colt, and Steely Rose, as they immersed themselves in the idyllic countryside.