A Connecticut doctor accidentally became part of the Yellowstone universe
Many of us have daydreamed about wandering onto a movie or TV set and suddenly being part of the action. For most people, it remains just that—a daydream. However, Dr. Karen Soika got incredibly lucky. Not only did she visit the set of the upcoming Yellowstone spinoff, Y: Marshals, but she also earned a consulting and acting credit.
From a Delivery to the Spotlight
CBS has ordered 13 episodes of Y: Marshals, and Luke Grimes will reprise his role as Kayce Dutton. Fans know Kayce as the youngest Dutton sibling and a former Navy SEAL. Moreover, the series, set to air next spring, will explore how Kayce combines his military skills with his cowboy background to serve as a U.S. Marshal in Montana. Alongside action and family drama, the show will depict the high psychological cost of law enforcement.
Interestingly, where there’s action, there are often medical emergencies. That’s where Dr. Soika’s story begins.
A Chance Encounter
While visiting the Utah filming location to deliver something to a nurse, Soika didn’t realize she had stepped onto a studio set. Then, she struck up a casual conversation with the nurse and jokingly mentioned her medical background:
“I’m actually a cosmetic surgeon. If anyone needs Botox or cosmetic procedures while filming, I’ll make a house call. I live right down the street,” she said.
Her joke wasn’t far-fetched—Soika had once worked as an extra in a Sheryl Crow music video during medical school. She left her business card with the nurse, not expecting much to come of it.
From Consultant to On-Screen Extra
Soon after, the nurse passed Soika’s information to the casting director. Since she was a real doctor, the production team realized her expertise could help with medical scenes. Consequently, Soika was officially hired as a medical consultant for the show.
Her role quickly expanded. First, she helped stage realistic gunshot injuries, advising the crew on body positioning and reactions after being shot. Then, she appeared as a nurse in a hallway scene, acting busy while the main cast filmed nearby.
“It was amazing to see how my medical knowledge could be applied in a TV production. I’d definitely do it again,” Soika said.
Living the Yellowstone Dream
Dr. Soika admits that luck and timing played huge roles in her experience. Furthermore, she is grateful that her profession opened the door to work alongside stars from the Yellowstone universe. Filming continues in Utah until mid-December, and she expects to contribute to more medical scenes.
“It all started as a joke, and suddenly I was part of the set. I learned a lot, and it was so much fun,” she added.
Ultimately, her story proves that sometimes, it pays to take a chance and speak up—even on a TV set.
For fans eager to see the teaser for Y: Marshals, it promises a gripping exploration of Kayce Dutton’s adventures as a U.S. Marshal, combining his cowboy grit with elite military skills.