Brecken Merrill is an American actor born on 20 June 2008, best known for playing Tate Dutton, the young grandson of John Dutton, in the Paramount Network drama Yellowstone. He joined the show as a child in 2018, grew up in front of the cameras across five seasons, and has since added credits such as This Is Us and the 2025 film Lifeline. As of November 2026, he is 18 years old.
Fans often ask how old he is, who his parents are, what he has done since Yellowstone, and how much money he has made. This guide answers those questions clearly, separates confirmed facts from guesswork, and shows where his career may go next.
Brecken Merrill Bio Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Brecken Merrill |
| Profession | Actor and model |
| Date of birth | 20 June 2008 |
| Age (November 2026) | 18 years old |
| Star sign | Gemini |
| Nationality | American |
| Best known for | Playing Tate Dutton in Yellowstone |
| Debut role | Tate Dutton, Yellowstone (2018) |
| Other credits | This Is Us, Lifeline (2025), We All Got Up to Dance |
| Father | Jesse Merrill, an entrepreneur and actor |
| Mother | Kristy Phillips, an author |
| Siblings | Karis Merrill (older sister) and Seren Merrill (younger sister) |
| Social media | Instagram: @breckenmerrill |
| Estimated net worth | Unverified estimates range from $200,000 to $500,000 |
| Marital status | Single, according to widely published profiles |
Who Is Brecken Merrill?
Brecken Merrill is a young American actor and model who rose to fame through Yellowstone, one of the most-watched television dramas of the last decade. He plays Tate Dutton, the son of Kayce Dutton and Monica Dutton and the grandson of the ranch patriarch John Dutton, played by Kevin Costner.
His profile on the Internet Movie Database lists him as an actor born on 20 June 2008, with credits across Yellowstone, This Is Us and Lifeline. Entertainment outlets have described him as one of the youngest regular cast members on a major prestige drama, and as a child actor who handled demanding material with real poise.
Unlike many young performers, Merrill built his reputation on a single long-running character. Viewers watched Tate change from a small boy into a teenager, and that sense of growing up on screen explains much of the loyalty fans feel towards him.
Brecken Merrill’s Age and Date of Birth
Brecken Merrill was born on 20 June 2008, which makes him 18 years old at the time of writing. His birthday falls under the Gemini star sign. Several celebrity databases and the Internet Movie Database agree on this date.
Reports about his age when he landed the Yellowstone role vary slightly. An interview published by Entertainment Tonight says he was only eight years old when he won the part of Tate Dutton, while some biography sites say he was ten when the show premiered. Because the series first aired in June 2018, the exact figure depends on when casting and filming began. Either way, he was a young child on his first television job.
Early Life and Background
Merrill grew up in a creative, close-knit family in the United States. Published profiles place the family in California, though he has kept most personal details out of the spotlight, which is sensible for an actor who started so young.
He began his working life through modelling and acting auditions before he reached his teens. Interviews describe a boy who loved performing and adventure. On Instagram, he once described himself as an actor, adventurer and smart-mouthed kid, a line that captures his playful public personality.
His mother has reportedly helped manage his social media accounts, particularly in his younger years. That is common practice for child performers and helps protect privacy and safety online.
Brecken Merrill’s Family: Parents and Siblings
Brecken Merrill comes from a family with strong ties to the creative and business worlds. Understanding his background helps explain how he adapted so quickly to life on a professional set.
Who Are Brecken Merrill’s Parents?
Merrill’s parents are Jesse Merrill and Kristy Phillips.
- Jesse Merrill works as an entrepreneur and has acting credits of his own. Biography sites link him to the food and beverage company Good Culture.
- Kristy Phillips is an author who writes contemporary romance fiction.
Having one parent in front of the camera and another in publishing gave him a useful mix of performance and storytelling influence from an early age.
Does Brecken Merrill Have Siblings?
Yes. Brecken has two sisters. Karis Merrill is his older sister, and Seren Merrill is his younger sister. Several profiles describe him as the middle child. The family keeps a fairly low profile, and the siblings rarely feature in press coverage.
Is Brecken Merrill Related to Kevin Costner?
No. Despite playing Kevin Costner’s on-screen grandson, Merrill has no family connection to the actor. Costner did, however, become an important mentor. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Merrill spoke about growing up on set and the guidance he received from his famous co-star.
Education and Life Away from the Cameras
Merrill has combined acting with schooling throughout his career. In 2021 he told followers on Instagram that he was heading back to school. Some biography sites also report that he later began attending a performing arts school in Massachusetts, although he has not publicly confirmed the details himself, so readers should treat that claim with caution.
Outside work, public profiles describe him as an animal lover who enjoys travelling and sport. He has shared glimpses of family trips, pets and everyday life on social media, always in a relaxed and humorous style.
Brecken Merrill’s Career: From Child Model to Television Star
His career has moved in clear stages, from early modelling to a breakout television role and then into film and guest appearances.
The Early Years
Before Yellowstone, Merrill worked as a model and attended auditions typical of a child performer. Those early jobs gave him experience with cameras, directors and tight schedules. When the Tate Dutton role arrived, he already understood how a professional set works.
Breakthrough in Yellowstone
Yellowstone launched in 2018 and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Created by Taylor Sheridan, the drama follows the Dutton family as they defend their enormous Montana ranch against developers, rivals and political pressure. Merrill’s character sits at the emotional centre of one family branch.
Tate Dutton faces some intense storylines, including a kidnapping plot, dangerous encounters and scenes involving violence nearby. Commentators on the show, including Looper, noted how heavy the material was for such a young cast member. Entertainment Tonight made a similar point, observing that the trauma Tate endures would challenge an experienced actor, let alone a child on his first television job.
Merrill earned wide praise for handling those moments naturally. He also attended major industry events, including the 28th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Santa Monica in February 2022.
Beyond Yellowstone
After establishing himself as Tate Dutton, Merrill widened his résumé. His known credits include:
- Yellowstone (2018 onwards) as Tate Dutton
- This Is Us (2022), a guest appearance in the acclaimed NBC family drama
- We All Got Up to Dance, listed as a project in development
- Lifeline (2025), in which he plays a character named Steven Thomas, credited as “Kid”
- Marshals, which some film and television databases now list among his credits
Information on newer projects changes quickly, and a few databases differ on details. For the latest confirmed credits, fans should check his official social media accounts and major industry listings.
Brecken Merrill’s Yellowstone Role Explained
Tate Dutton matters to the story because he represents the next generation of the Dutton legacy. His father, Kayce, struggles between loyalty to the ranch and a wish for a quieter life. His mother, Monica, comes from the Broken Rock Reservation and brings a different cultural perspective to the family.
Tate therefore stands between two worlds, and the writers often use him to raise questions about inheritance, belonging and the cost of protecting land.
Merrill’s performance gives the character warmth and humour. Fans enjoy the quiet moments with horses and family just as much as the dramatic scenes, which shows how well he understands the part.
What Happened to Tate Dutton as the Show Ended?
Yellowstone concluded its main run with a fifth and final season in 2024. The Dutton story continues through spin-off projects in the wider universe created by Taylor Sheridan, which has kept many cast members and fans engaged.
Merrill’s link to that world remains a talking point online. With the franchise still expanding, audiences continue to search for news about where Tate and the actor behind him will appear next.
Brecken Merrill’s Net Worth
Brecken Merrill’s net worth has no official figure. Entertainment websites publish estimates that range from about $200,000 to around $500,000, depending on the source and the year.
These numbers come from unverified calculations rather than financial records. Older articles tend to quote $200,000, while newer updates suggest a higher total as his credits grew. Treat all figures as rough guesses.
His income most likely comes from:
- Acting fees for television and film work
- Modelling jobs and brand partnerships
- Appearances at events and promotional activity
Some websites guess at his pay by pointing to the high salaries of senior Yellowstone stars. That comparison does not work, because child and supporting actors earn very different rates from leading names such as Kevin Costner.
Brecken Merrill on Social Media
Merrill uses Instagram under the handle @breckenmerrill. Earlier profiles recorded a few hundred posts and tens of thousands of followers, although those numbers have likely risen. His content mixes behind-the-scenes moments, family photographs, pets and jokes.
His mother managed the account in the early days, which kept the tone friendly and safe. As he has grown older, fans have seen a more personal voice appear.
Why Brecken Merrill Matters to Fans
Several things make Merrill stand out among young actors:
- Longevity: He stayed with one hit series through its entire run, which is rare for a child performer.
- Range: He handled comedy, family drama and frightening scenes with equal comfort.
- Authenticity: His public image feels natural rather than heavily polished.
- Strong mentors: Working beside seasoned stars gave him a valuable apprenticeship.
Those qualities give him a solid base for the next stage of his career, as he moves from child actor to young adult roles.
What Is Next for Brecken Merrill?
Merrill turned 18 in June 2026, and that milestone often opens new doors for actors who began as children. Casting directors can now consider him for older teenage and young adult parts, including leading roles in films and series.
His recent credits suggest an active and growing portfolio. Interest in the wider Yellowstone universe also keeps his name in front of a large audience. Fans should watch his official channels for confirmed announcements rather than rumours.
Conclusion
Brecken Merrill has shown that a young actor can build a lasting career by combining talent, hard work and a supportive family. Born on 20 June 2008, he became a familiar face as Tate Dutton in Yellowstone, worked alongside Kevin Costner, and then extended his résumé with This Is Us and Lifeline. Now 18, he has the experience, the audience and the momentum to take on more mature roles. His net worth remains an estimate, but his reputation for natural, grounded performances is well established.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Brecken Merrill?
Brecken Merrill was born on 20 June 2008, so he is 18 years old as of November 2026. He shares his birthday with other Gemini celebrities. Major databases such as the Internet Movie Database confirm the date.
What is Brecken Merrill known for?
Brecken Merrill is best known for playing Tate Dutton in the Paramount Network series Yellowstone. He first appeared in the show in 2018 and stayed with it as the character grew up. He has also appeared in This Is Us and the 2025 film Lifeline.
Who are Brecken Merrill’s parents?
His parents are Jesse Merrill and Kristy Phillips. Jesse is an entrepreneur who also acts, and Kristy is an author of contemporary romance novels. Brecken has two sisters, Karis and Seren.
What is Brecken Merrill’s net worth?
No verified figure exists for Brecken Merrill’s net worth. Online estimates range from about $200,000 to $500,000, and they rely on unconfirmed calculations. His earnings most likely come from acting and modelling work.
Is Brecken Merrill related to Kevin Costner?
No, Brecken Merrill is not related to Kevin Costner. He plays Costner’s on-screen grandson, but the two share no family connection. Merrill has said Costner offered valuable advice during their time on set.
