1883 is the predecessor to the hit series Yellowstone, and is proving as much as a hit with fans and critics alike.

1883 is a dramatic series set in the American west created by Taylor Sheridan. The series stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, Isabel May, LaMonica Garrett, Marc Rissmann, Audie Rick, Eric Nelsen and James Landry Hébert and is a prequel to Sheridan’s massive hit show, Yellowstone.

The series follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. It is a stark retelling of Western expansion, and an intense study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land – Montana. We discover how the Duttons came to own the land that would become the Yellowstone Ranch.

One of the shows stars, LaMonica Garrett, was completely blown away when he was first approached to star in 1883. His initial reading of the script was an eye opening experience and he was pleasantly surprised by how his character was depicted in the show.

Garrett plays Thomas, a former buffalo soldier who serves as the right hand to wagon master Shea (Sam Elliott), is the only Black person participating in the arduous journey. What immediately stood out to Garrett was the grace and respect that Thomas was given, especially for a Black man during that time in history.

He immediately went to work getting down and dirty by attending cowboy camp to learn extensively how to ride, and tend to the horses. It was hot and dusty but Garrett cherished every minute of getting into his role for the show.

1883: Yellowstone, An Origin Story is available on available on Blu-ray and DVD on August 30, 2022

Our Bonnie Laufer spoke to LaMonica Garrett about his preparation, working with Taylor Sheridan and much more.

Check out their interview below.