Kelsey Asbille

Can you tell us about your character Swanee Capps on “Fargo”? 

She’s an outlaw, maybe not a very good one? But she’s committed. This installment of Fargo is a deconstruction of the American dream, and about the experiences of those who are placed outside of that dream. The systematic nature of oppression, and how people survive it. 

What has been the most memorable part of being in the Season Four ensemble alongside Chris Rock, Jason Schwarzman, Timothy Olyphant, and Jesse Buckley? 

This cast was one for the books. I was just trying to earn my keep! There really was a sweeping sense of gratitude and enthusiasm to be there telling this story. One of my favorite days on set was shooting at Union Station in Chicago. Not only do you have this iconic landmark as a backdrop, but you had this surreal moment of 2020 passengers exiting past 1950 passengers arriving. Those little moments are so special and unique to this job.  

You are currently filming Season Four of record-breaking Yellowstone on Paramount Network. How has Monica Dutton evolved over the past three seasons? 

Last season we saw Monica reconnect with her community, and I think we will continue to see that role develop. Her story has always been one of resistance, breaking out of the traditional Western narrative that locates Indigenous peoples in the past and ignores contemporary struggles. She is an Indigenous woman who is engaged in the fight for her people’s liberation and healing, as well as her own. 

Season Three ended on a major cliffhanger, did you have a feeling about how you can prepare and proceed with Season Four? 

This is a first for me – playing the same character for this long, but the work is never done. With each new season, I think it’s important to challenge yourself, to take the time in between to improve on your previous work and bring new complexities to light.

Do you enjoy filming Yellowstone in Montana? 

Shooting Yellowstone in Montana is one of my favorite parts of the job. Especially since I’ve been quarantining here in Brooklyn! We just finished shooting Season Four, and I think it’s our best yet. We had all been in lockdown for months, so to have the opportunity to get the family back together and go to work – It gives you a new appreciation for what you do, and for the people you get to spend that time with. And I think that will reflect in the work. 

Would you ever change the New York scene for Montana nature if you had a chance? 

I’m grateful to have the balance of both, but I’m very loyal to NYC. Even in these times when the city doesn’t quite look or seem like itself, it’s still the greatest city in the world. I’m proud of the way the community has stepped up to take care of each other.  

Again, you are part of such a stellar ensemble in Yellowstone with Kevin Costner, Luke Grimes, Kelly Reilly, and many others. Do you feel your performance elevated among such strong cast members? 

Working with actors of this caliber is an education. They’re also just incredible people, and a joy to work with. 

You were part of Louis Vuitton’s 2020 and 2019 Pre-Fall Campaign as well as Oliver Peoples Spring 2020. How do you feel about crossing over to fashion? 

That part of the job was really unexpected but incredibly rewarding. Louis Vuitton invited me to be a part of their campaigns after Wind River. It’s been very surreal and deeply meaningful to have people like that believe in you and your work, and then empower you with this beautiful armor so you can step out into the world and present the best version of yourself.

Do you have any specific fashion era/decade that you are drawn to? 

90s

We are all going through major changes during this pandemic. How are you keeping in touch with loved ones? 

I’m lucky I have my sister here in the city. I miss the rest of my family terribly. We facetime and call each other. One of my best friends loves old postcards so we’ve been writing love letters back & forth via snail mail. 

Can you elaborate on your experience studying at Columbia? Not to mention such an amazing major in Human Rights with an emphasis on Indigenous Rights. 

Because of the pandemic, Yellowstone was put on hold and I was able to go back to school for the summer semester. Going back to school at 30 – it’s definitely not a conventional education, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. It’s hard to define what you’re going to be at 17. I think my experiences and my (old) age have allowed me to fully participate in my education, and better contribute to the process. 

Originally, I wanted to study Public Health. My grandparents worked with the World Health Organization. My dad has also dedicated his life to the health and wellbeing of others. So I wanted to follow in their footsteps and, while Public Health isn’t offered as a major, Human Rights certainly encapsulates that. Acting always felt like an outlet for me, it’s something I love to do so my education became focused on how I can be of service. 

Do you have any hobbies, or how do you prefer to spend your downtime outside from filming? 

I’m a dog mom so I don’t have time for hobbies. But these pups certainly make life better!