Recent rumors claiming Yellowstone star Cole Hauser has died are not true—instead, what has been widely reported and confirmed is the sad death of his father, veteran actor Wings Hauser, not Cole himself. Wings Hauser, an accomplished character actor with a career spanning nearly six decades, died on March 15, 2025, at his home in Santa Monica, California, after battling health issues including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forbes+1 The announcement was made by his wife, Cali Lili Hauser, who shared a heartfelt tribute on social media honoring his life, work, and legacy. Forbes

Wings Hauser was known for his extensive body of work in both film and television, including memorable roles in movies like Vice Squad and TV series such as The Young and the Restless—where he played Greg Foster in the late 1970s and revived the role in 2010. Forbes His career included over 100 credits across genres, and he was respected as a prolific character actor who brought depth and intensity to his performances, whether playing villains, anti‑heroes, or tough supporting roles. Forbes

Importantly, Cole Hauser remains alive and active in his career. The confusion likely stems from the very public nature of Wings Hauser’s passing and the close association many fans make between the two—as father and son. Wings Hauser’s daughter Bright and son Cole survive him, and his death deeply affected Cole and the family. Forbes Cole Hauser, best known for his role as Rip Wheeler on Yellowstone, has spoken openly in the past about his complicated relationship with his father and the emotional journey they shared, especially in the final years. Chemical City Paper

In recent years, Cole has continued to expand his professional and personal life. He’s been working on various projects as Yellowstone moves toward its conclusion and has plans beyond the franchise, including potential roles in new productions and even creative work behind the camera. Chemical City Paper Off screen, he’s married to Cynthia Daniel, with whom he shares a family, and has spoken about how fatherhood and partnership have shaped his priorities. AOL

The false claim of his death is a reminder of how rapidly misinformation can spread online, especially when connected to emotional stories involving celebrities and their families. In this case, multiple reputable news outlets confirmed that the actor who passed away was Wings Hauser, not Cole himself. People.com Though there’s sadness surrounding the loss of a respected industry figure, Cole Hauser continues to live and work, and there is no credible report indicating otherwise.