'1883' Star Eric Nelsen Shares What It’s Really Like Working With Sam Elliott

"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below."

Imagine working on the same set as the Sam Elliott. We're talking the legendary actor known for his debut roll in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and, of course his signature mustache. Well, we're in luck because 1883 actor Eric Nelsen just gave fans the inside scoop of what it's like working with Elliott while on set.

Eric plays Ennis on the Yellowstone spinoff 1883 streaming on Paramount+. The show follows the Dutton family as they travel west and stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Sam Elliott, and more. As an experienced cowboy, Ennis helps the Dutton family during their travels and eventually falls in love with the oldest daughter, Elsa Dutton.

In an interview with Town & Country, Eric revealed how surreal it feels to come on set and be surrounded by actors he always admired while growing up. "To see your name on a cast chair, on a show of this magnitude, is a pinch me moment—and then when you get to see it sitting next to some of your biggest icons and idols in music and television and movie history, it takes your breath away."

Later in the interview, Eric gushes about being able to work on a project set in the most beautiful landscapes of Texas. Being able to ride horses and watch Texas sunsets sounds like a dream to us too! Even with all of these "pinch me" moments, Eric goes on to describe the moment he met some of his idols.

"Sam [Elliot, who plays Shea Brennan on the series] is probably the most down to earth, giving man you'll ever meet. He's not one to hide out in his trailer. He loves to just be sitting out there with everybody. Even when he's done filming and his scenes are wrapped, he hangs out, supports all of us, watches the rest of the scenes for the day."

Now, it was Tom Hanks who made Eric shiver in his cowboy boots. Hanks made a special appearance on the second episode of 1883 and before filming on set, like many starstruck fans, Eric wanted to get a photo with the legendary actor.

"Still feels like a dream. Tom Hanks, welcome to @1883official. I was speechless when I heard he’d be joining our show… Get ready, things are about to get wild in the west," Eric captioned his photo.

The 30-year-old actor has won Emmy and Tony Awards during his career, but Eric admits that 1883 has garnered a larger fan reaction that he could have expected. With the success of Yellowstone, we're not surprised. After the latest episode, we're excited to see what the Dutton family has in store for viewers.

You Might Also Like

• 60+ Grilling Recipes for an Epic Summer Cookout

• The Best Reese Witherspoon Movies, Ranked

• 70 Impressive Tiny Houses That Maximize Function and Style