Yellowstone Season 5: Who Is Billy Klapper and What You Need to Know About His Real Life

SPOILER ALERT!

If you’re a fan of Yellowstone, you know how every little detail matters in the show. From the Dutton family drama to the gorgeous Montana landscapes, the show pulls you in and never lets go.

But in Season 5, Episode 9 (Desire is All You Need), something caught our attention that we weren’t expecting—a name dropped by Lloyd Pierce (Forrie J. Smith) while chatting with Rip Wheeler (Cole Hauser): Billy Klapper. Wait, who? If you’re wondering who he is, don’t worry, we’re here to give you all the info on this unexpected reference.

Klapper was no ordinary person. He was a legendary spur maker whose legacy still lives on, and Yellowstone honored him by including his name in the show. Want to know more? Let’s dive in!

Who is Billy Klapper in Yellowstone?

Billy Klapper wasn’t just some random name tossed into the Yellowstone universe for fun. This man was the real deal in the world of cowboy gear—specifically, spurs. Klapper was born in 1937 in Lazare, Texas, and though he started out as a ranch hand working on some of Texas’ biggest ranches, he eventually found his true calling: making spurs.

And we’re not talking about any ordinary spurs. Klapper was famous for crafting spurs out of a single piece of steel, a rare skill he learned from his mentor, Adolph Bayers. Klapper got his start making spurs in 1966, and by 1968, he decided to go full-time.

According to High Noon, over the years, he became a master of his craft, making over 200 spurs each year and creating 680 different custom designs. His work was so well respected that ranchers and cowboys from all over the world came to him for his custom-made spurs and bits.

In fact, when you see Rip Dutton admiring a pair of spurs in Pampa, Texas, in Yellowstone, those were made by Klapper himself. For cowboys, owning a pair of Klapper spurs was like owning a piece of history.

Billy Klapper Was Not There to Witness His Reference in Yellowstone

You thought Billy Klapper was just a character in Yellowstone? Well, surprise, surprise—it wasn’t at all! That was Billy Klapper himself! But here’s the bittersweet part: the scene was filmed after his passing in September 2024. So while we all got to enjoy watching the man himself on screen, he sadly wasn’t there to witness it.

He was 87 when he passed away in his hometown of Pampa, Texas, surrounded by his family. But before that, he had an absolutely iconic career, crafting spurs and bits that made him a household name in the cowboy world.

Carmichael Whatley reported that Klapper was survived by his two daughters, six grandchildren, and a whole host of extended family. His wife, Roberta, had passed away in 2021 at the age of 48. Still, his work lives on in the spurs he crafted and the people he mentored.

Taylor Sheridan Wears Billy Klapper’s Legendary Spurs

Taylor Sheridan‘s spurs were made by the master himself, Billy Klapper, at his workshop in Pampa, Texas, right near Dixon Creek (via The Land Report). As Yellowstone perfectly put it, his death marked the end of an era—but his legacy will shine on forever.

And let’s be real, a lot of those cowboys who wear his spurs today owe him more than just a thank you. They owe him the very boots they walk in.

So, as we say goodbye to Klapper, we also say thank you. His legacy is etched into the fabric of cowboy culture, and his contribution to the world of ranching and spurs will never be forgotten.

Yellowstone is available to stream on Peacock!