If you’ve been watching the gritty, blood-soaked expansion of the West in Netflix’s latest hit, you probably did a double-take when the leader of the Mormon settlers walked onto the screen. He looks familiar. That intense stare and the gravelly authority in his voice? It’s unmistakable. Kim Coates is the American Primeval Brigham Young actor, and honestly, it’s some of the most inspired casting we’ve seen in a Western in years.
Most of us know Coates as the legendary Tig Trager from Sons of Anarchy. He spent years playing a violent, quirky, and surprisingly soulful outlaw on a Harley. Seeing him trade the leather cut for 1850s period garb and a position of religious power is a trip. But if you think about it, the transition makes total sense. Both roles require a certain kind of "heavy" presence—someone who can command a room without saying a word.
Who is the American Primeval Brigham Young Actor?
Kim Coates isn't just a "TV actor." He’s a veteran with over 100 credits to his name. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, he’s a dual citizen of Canada and the U.S. and has been a staple in Hollywood since the late 80s. You might have spotted him in Black Hawk Down, Waterworld, or even the cult classic hockey flick Goon.
In American Primeval, Coates takes on the role of Brigham Young, the historical second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS). This isn't a "Sunday School" version of history. The show, directed by Peter Berg, leans into the "primeval" part of its title. It’s raw. It’s violent.
Coates plays Young as a man under immense pressure, leading a persecuted group into a brutal, unknown territory while trying to maintain absolute control. He’s not just a preacher; he’s a politician and a commander.
Why Coates fits this version of Brigham Young
Peter Berg, the creator of the show, is known for his visceral style—think Lone Survivor or Friday Night Lights. He doesn't do "polished." He wanted a Brigham Young who felt like a man who actually survived the 1850s frontier.
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Coates recently mentioned in an interview with Collider that he worked "from the outside in" for this role. He actually has the blue eyes and "barrel chest" described in historical accounts of Young. He even dyed his hair a "crimson blonde" to match the real figure's likeness.
But it’s the intensity that really sells it. Coates has this way of looking at people like he’s deciding whether to save their soul or bury them in the dirt. For a character like Brigham Young—who remains one of the most polarizing figures in American history—that edge is necessary.
The Controversy Surrounding the Role
It’s worth mentioning that the show has stirred up some real-world conversation. The LDS Church hasn't exactly been thrilled with the portrayal. They've pointed out that while the show is "fictionalized," it paints a very dark picture of Young and the Nauvoo Legion (the Mormon militia).
Specifically, the show touches on the Mountain Meadows Massacre of 1857. In real life, this was a horrific event where a Mormon militia killed over 100 settlers in a wagon train. The degree to which Brigham Young was personally involved or aware is a massive point of historical debate.
- The Show’s Take: Kim Coates plays a version of Young who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect his people, even if that means embracing the "sword" over peace.
- The Historical Critique: Some historians and church members argue the show leans too hard into the "violent cult leader" trope, ignoring the policy of peace Young tried to maintain with many Indigenous tribes.
Regardless of where you stand on the history, from a pure performance standpoint, Coates is magnetic. He makes you understand why people followed this man into the desert.
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Where Else Have You Seen Kim Coates?
If you’re just now joining the Kim Coates fan club because of American Primeval, you’ve got a lot of catching up to do. The guy is a chameleon.
- Sons of Anarchy: As Alexander "Tig" Trager, he was the heart and the "weird" of the show.
- Bad Blood: He played Declan Gardiner, a high-level mobster in Montreal. He actually won a Canadian Screen Award for this one.
- Godless: Another Netflix Western. He plays Ed Logan, and it’s a great warm-up for his work in Primeval.
- The Walking Dead: Dead City: He joined the second season as a villain named Bruegel.
He’s also a stage veteran. Fun fact: At 28, he was the youngest actor to ever play Macbeth at the Stratford Festival. You can see that Shakespearean weight in his performance as Brigham Young. He treats the dialogue like it’s scripture, giving it a heavy, deliberate pace.
What to Expect Next from the Series
American Primeval isn't a long-winded series; it’s a tight, six-episode miniseries. This means every scene with Coates counts. We see him negotiating for Fort Bridger, dealing with the U.S. Army, and managing internal dissent within his own ranks.
The show is basically Yellowstone meets The Revenant. It’s not for the faint of heart. If you’re looking for a heroic, sanitized version of the West, this isn't it. But if you want to see a masterclass in character acting, keep your eyes on the American Primeval Brigham Young actor.
Coates has called this the "offer of a lifetime," and it shows. He’s not just playing a historical figure; he’s building a myth.
Actionable Insight for Fans
If you're fascinated by the history behind Kim Coates' character, I highly recommend looking into the "Utah War" of 1857. It provides the essential context for why the Mormons in the show are so paranoid and defensive. You can find excellent primary source documents and balanced historical accounts through the Utah State Historical Society. Understanding the real-world stakes makes Coates' performance even more impressive as you see the "why" behind his character's brutal decisions.
Go back and watch the scenes where Young interacts with Jim Bridger (played by Shea Whigham). The tension between those two actors is a clinic in subtext. They say everything without saying anything at all.
Next Step: You should check out the official Netflix "Behind the Scenes" featurette for American Primeval. It shows the incredible makeup process Kim Coates went through to transform into Brigham Young, including how they handled the era-appropriate mutton chops and facial prosthetics.