Taylor Sheridan’s Wife Inspired One of ‘Landman’s’ Most Hilarious Storylines

Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” struck a chord with audiences on Paramount+ during season 1, blending the gritty realities of West Texas oil exploration with moments of unexpected humor. While the star of the show is definitely Billy Bob Thornton as Tommy Norris, one of the standout storylines during the first season focused on Ali Larter’s Angela Norris and her daughter Ainsley (Michelle Randolph) bringing joy to a retirement home with alcohol-fueled activities. During a recent interview, Larter revealed where Sheridan found inspiration for this unique detail.

‘Landman’s’ Retirement Home Arc Came From Taylor Sheridan’s Wife

Halfway through the first season of “Landman,” Angela and her daughter Ainsley transform a local retirement home into a place of laughter and excitement. Their activities included risqué card games, flowing drinks, and even a memorable trip to a strip club. It was definitely comic relief amid the show’s darker themes.

According to Larter, this whole idea came from Sheridan’s wife, Nicole Muirbrook. The actress and model has been married to Sheridan since 2013, and she was the real-life inspiration for “Landman’s” retirement home scenes.

Nicole Muirbrook: The Heart Behind the Story

Muirbrook is a 42-year-old Utah native who shares one son with Sheridan, a 14-year-old named Gus. She’s best known for her role in a season 3 episode of “How I Met Your Mother,” Muirbrook has also appeared on several magazine covers. Like her husband, she grew up around horses and started competitive cutting as an adult. She also enjoys volunteering at nursing homes.

While the on-screen antics, like Ainsley convincing her boyfriend to perform a strip tease for resident Ethel (Louanne Stephens), might be more exaggerated, they do reflect Muirbrook’s real-world efforts to uplift seniors. 

“A lot of his [Sheridan’s] stories are inspired by his wife,” Larter told The Hollywood Reporter.  “She does that. She goes to the homes here and has these incredible relationships. She plays games and sets up a bar for them. It’s the way it should be.”

Larter added that Muirbrook has “really opened up this world of the way that we can see senior citizens, how we can treat them and have with them.” She applauded Muirbrook for showing how little effort it takes to bring happiness to someone’s life. Especially for people who are “shoved into these awful retirement homes where nobody loves or cares for them.”

Ali Larter Praises Taylor Sheridan Writing For Women ‘In Their Prime’

Larter had to go through a grueling audition process to land the role of Angela. But, she says it was absolutely worth it. She wanted to work with Sheridan, whom she described as a “brilliant writer.”

She describes Angela as “ballsy and confident” and a woman who does not give a (expletive) what the world thinks about her.” She’s also very comfortable in her body and her sexuality.

“I love that Taylor writes for older women — women in their prime, that were still allowed to be alive! I love that he writes that. I know so many women who are like that. I love that she’s able to express that side of herself,” Larter said.

“Landman” season 2 is currently in production. Season 1 is now streaming on Paramount+.