Wendy Moniz has been there since the beginning, and is now saying her final goodbyes to “Yellowstone.”
The actress, 55, shared a touching message to Instagram on Sunday after filming her last scenes as Governor Lynelle Perry for the second half of Season 5 — the show’s final season.
“Series wrap for me on Yellowstone🎬 and been having alllll the feels; sentimental, proud, grateful to name a few,” Moniz wrote, posting behind-the-scenes photos from the set.
“What a beautiful experience I’ve had here; just incredibly fortunate to have worked with so many talented, dedicated, and kind people since 2017,” she continued. “I completed my last scene Aug. 1, then recalled having previously shared a gratitude post … looking back, it was on the SAME DATE two years ago 🤯.”
Moniz continued reflecting on her time on the show, writing, “There’s been a lot to reflect on, because this place, with the exceptional people who make it live and breathe, has often felt like a home away from home over these last 7 years.”
In the second slide, she referenced one of her 2022 posts, in which she expressed her gratitude for being part of the series. She called it a “privilege” and a “gift” to be surrounded by so many talented actors.
While the plot for the upcoming season remains under wraps, it’s known that Kevin Costner will not be returning as the show’s lead, John Dutton.
The Oscar-winning actor, 69, announced his departure in a June 20 Instagram post.
“Thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love. I just realized that I’m not going to be able to continue, Season 5 or into the future,” he said.
“I loved it and I know you loved it. I just wanted to let you know that I won’t be returning,” Costner added. “I love the relationships that I’ve been able to develop. And I’ll see you at the movies.”
Rumors about Costner’s exit surfaced in May 2023. That same month, it was announced that the show would end with Season 5. This led to speculation that the series was ending in part due to his departure.
“Kevin has been a big part of Yellowstone’s success,” a Paramount Network spokesperson said in a statement to The Post. “While we had hoped that we would continue working with him, unfortunately, we could not find a window that worked for him, all the other talent and our production needs in order to move forward together. We respect that Kevin has prioritized his new film series and we wish him the best.”
In June, Costner told People his decision to leave was influenced by the long break between the first and second half of Season 5, as well as the uncertainty of when the final batch of episodes would release.
Costner has instead shifted his focus to his four-part film saga “Horizon.” The first movie, “Horizon: An American Saga — Chapter 1,” released on June 28 and tanked at the box office, earning $11 million its opening weekend.
The second entry hits theaters on August 16, and the third is currently filming. Parts 3 and 4 do not have release dates.
The second half of “Yellowstone” Season 5 will premiere on November 10 on the Paramount Network and will be available to stream on Paramount+.
