WARNING: SPOILERS ahead for American Primeval.
Netflix and Peter Berg’s popular Western seriesAmerican Primevalfeatures a surprising and overlooked celebrity cameo that draws similarities to another unexpected guest appearance on a new Taylor Sheridan series.American Primevalhas become a Netflix hit, celebrated for its gritty portrayal of the mostly uncharted Utah Territory during the late 1850s.American Primevalseason 2has yet to be confirmed but there is speculation about a potential prequel or spinoff series.
Director Peter Berg has a cameo inAmerican Primevalbut he is more noticeable than thesurprising and nearly random appearance of Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay. Irsay, whose family has owned the NFL franchise since 1972, has appeared in a handful of films and television shows throughout his career but has never actually acted in one beforeAmerican Primeval. He appeared as himself in two episodes of Parks & Recreation in 2013 and in the classic Tom Cruise sports dramedyJerry Maguirein 1986.
Indianapolis Colts Owner Jim Irsay’s Cameo In American Primeval Explained
Irsay Plays “Bathing Mountain Man” In American Primeval Episode One
Irsay takes on his first-ever acting role portraying someone other than himself inAmerican Primeval. He appears early on in episode 1 around the 5-minute mark as a charactercredited as Bathing Mountain Man but called Robert in the scene. Irsay actually has a speaking role inAmerican Primeval, spotting Shawnee Pourier’s Two Moons character steal a knife and yelling out, “A-ha! Knife thief! Run, girl, run!”. Robert’s back is being treated by a doctor who is better known as a blacksmith.
In an interview withThe Hollywood Reporter, Berg explained what brought Irsay into theAmerican Primevalfold. “Jim is a friend of mine and an incredible human being, and I’ve been working on a documentary about him. When I told him about this, he got so excited, so I was like, come on down.” Berg also credited his friend Irsay forseamlessly fitting into the aesthetic ofAmerican Primeval. “Jim naturally looks that way. He looks like he could have been thriving in 1857. He’s just got that kind of Americana, old school quality.”
American Primeval’s Cameo Comes After Landman’s Dallas Cowboys Owner Cameo
Jones Delivers A Heartfelt Monologue To Jon Hamm’s Landman Character
Irsay appeared in Netflix’sAmerican Primevaljust four days after longtime Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made a surprise cameo on Taylor Sheridan’s celebrated series,Landman.Jones appears inLandmanseason 1, episode 9as a visitor to Jon Hamm’s Monty Morris after he’s been hospitalized for recurring heart issues. Jones delivers a heartfelt monologue about how fortunate he is to work for the Cowboys alongside his family and children. Although Irsay’s Colts and Jones' Cowboys both missed the 2025 NFL Postseason, both can say they were featured in one of the best new Western shows on television.
Jones has also portrayed himself inThe League(2012) andEntourage(2010).
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