Ash Santos Lands Role in 'Yellowstone' Spinoff 'Marshals' After Losing Part in Taylor Sheridan Film

The actress opens up about the emotional journey of landing the role and working with Luke Grimes on the new CBS series.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Ash Santos, who plays Andrea Cruz on the new CBS series "Marshals," a spinoff of the hit show "Yellowstone," reveals that she lost out on a role in a Taylor Sheridan film just weeks before auditioning for the new show. Despite the initial disappointment, Santos landed the part and is now thrilled to be part of the "Yellowstone" universe, working alongside lead actor Luke Grimes.

Why it matters

The "Yellowstone" franchise, created by Taylor Sheridan, has become a major success for Paramount, and the addition of "Marshals" as a spinoff series further expands the show's reach and popularity. Santos' story highlights the ups and downs of the acting industry, and her perseverance in landing this role after a previous setback demonstrates the determination required to succeed in Hollywood.

The details

Santos revealed that she had auditioned for a role in a new Taylor Sheridan film called "F.A.S.T." to play the wife of character Brandon Sklenar. However, she found out she didn't get the part on the same day she was taping her audition for "Marshals." The news left her in tears, but she was able to collect herself and deliver a strong audition. Despite a last-minute flight cancellation that caused her to forget her lines during the callback, Santos ultimately landed the role of Andrea Cruz on "Marshals."

  • A few weeks before the "Marshals" audition, Santos auditioned for a role in Taylor Sheridan's new film "F.A.S.T."
  • The day Santos found out she didn't get the "F.A.S.T." role was the same day she was taping her "Marshals" audition.

The players

Ash Santos

An actress who plays the role of Andrea Cruz on the new CBS series "Marshals," a spinoff of the hit show "Yellowstone."

Taylor Sheridan

The creator of the "Yellowstone" franchise, including the new spinoff series "Marshals."

Luke Grimes

The lead actor on "Marshals" who reprises his role as Kayce Dutton from "Yellowstone."

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What they’re saying

“I just start crying. I was a mess. I was sobbing. But I was with one of my best friends and we took a walk. I cried all my makeup off, I'm swollen but I collect myself.”

— Ash Santos, Actress (timebulletin.us)

“Finally getting to be a series regular on one of his projects, it felt like that quintessential 'I've made it' moment. This is something that I could have only dreamed of a few years ago.”

— Ash Santos, Actress (timebulletin.us)

“I wasn't prepared for how much of a mushy gushy bear Luke is. He is the sweetest thing in the world. Every day that he would show up on set, he was showing you pictures of his baby.”

— Ash Santos, Actress (timebulletin.us)

What’s next

The premiere of "Marshals" on CBS on Sunday, March 1, 2026 will be the next major milestone for the show and the continued expansion of the "Yellowstone" universe.

The takeaway

Ash Santos' journey to landing the role on "Marshals" after initially missing out on a part in a Taylor Sheridan film demonstrates the resilience and determination required to succeed in the entertainment industry. Her positive experience working with lead actor Luke Grimes and the rest of the dedicated "Yellowstone" team further highlights the appeal of this expanding franchise.