Michelle Randolph, a rising star in the Taylor Sheridan universe, shines as Ainsley Norris in the new drama Landman. This Yellowstone spinoff dives deep into the gritty world of the Texas oil boom, and Randolph’s portrayal of the wild and uninhibited daughter of Billy Bob Thornton‘s Tommy Norris is grabbing headlines.
Who Is Michelle Randolph?
Michelle, 27, hails from Napa Valley, California, and isn’t a stranger to Sheridan’s projects. Fans may recognize her from her role as the reserved prairie wife, Elizabeth Strafford, in the Yellowstone prequel 1923, where she starred alongside Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren.
Beyond Sheridan’s creations, Michelle has featured in films like House of the Witch, The Resort, and A Snow White Christmas.
Ainsley Norris: A Bold Role
Playing Ainsley, the 17-year-old bikini-clad, rebellious daughter, has been a transformative experience for Randolph. She describes Ainsley as a “wild” character who is learning to navigate the flaws of her parents, Tommy and Angela (played by Ali Larter).
“Ainsley is this interesting medium between her parents,” Randolph shared. “She loves them but is on a journey of realizing they’re flawed people.”
In Landman, Ainsley’s bold and carefree personality is evident in her relationship dynamics, including a cringe-worthy encounter where she introduces her football star boyfriend to her disapproving father.
More About Michelle Randolph
- Family Ties: Michelle is the younger sister of Cassie Randolph, who won The Bachelor Season 23. Together, they co-founded the sustainable fashion brand LNDN Denim, a tribute to their younger brother, Landon.
- Career Growth: Randolph credits her time in Landman for helping her embrace her confidence and explore new depths as an actress.
About Landman
Created by Taylor Sheridan and Christian Wallace, Landman is a compelling series set in modern-day Texas during an oil boom. It tells the intertwined stories of powerful billionaires and roughneck workers, capturing how this industry reshapes climate, economy, and geopolitics.
Michelle Randolph’s Ainsley adds a vibrant, dramatic element to the series, highlighting both the personal and societal stakes in this high-octane world. Fans of the Yellowstone franchise are already raving about her standout performance in this exciting new chapter.
