Hollywood actor Josh Duhamel appeared on *CBS Mornings* this week to promote the upcoming second season of Netflix’s romantic neo-Western series *Ransom Canyon*, offering insights into his intense cowboy role and opening up about life with his expanding family. The interview, which aired around July 21, 2026, comes just days before Season 2 premieres on July 23.

Duhamel, 53, stars as Staten Kirkland (sometimes referred to as Stanton in conversation), a stoic Texas rancher navigating grief, land battles, and complicated relationships in the fictional Hill Country town of Ransom Canyon. In the new season, his character is fighting to reclaim his position on the family ranch after being stripped of his role as trustee, while also trying to reconnect with longtime friend and love interest Quinn O’Grady, played by Minka Kelly.

“He’s a bit of a player but with a big heart,” Duhamel said of Staten. He described the character as someone who has been “trampled on a few times” and remains “a little reluctant” despite his deep feelings. The series, based on Jodi Thomas’s novel series and developed by showrunner April Blair, blends romance, betrayal, family tension, and business intrigue among three ranching dynasties. Duhamel praised Blair as a “fearless leader” and “fantastic,” noting the ensemble cast is easygoing, with younger actors who sometimes seem “more mature than we are.” He called the show “comfort food” and “an old pair of jeans”—an easy, relatable watch that avoids excessive intensity, which he believes contributes to its appeal.

Season 1 premiered in April 2025 and quickly became a streaming hit, landing high on Netflix charts. It was renewed for a second season later that year, with production involving new cast members including Steve Howey as Staten’s half-brother. All episodes of Season 2 drop on July 23, 2026.

Bridging Screen and Real Life: Ranch Experience and Off-Grid Living

Duhamel shared how little formal ranch expertise he brought to the role initially, despite his North Dakota roots. He grew up near horses but admitted he was “a little bit skittish” after a childhood friend was kicked in the head and he himself was bucked off one. Filming changed that. Working with his on-screen horse, JW, this year helped him “understand why people love… their horses,” and he said he had “a lot of fun riding him.”

He drew parallels to his own life managing property. For years, Duhamel has been developing a remote, off-grid cabin and land in Minnesota near the North Dakota border—sometimes described in past interviews as a “doomsday prepper” setup complete with practical amenities for self-sufficiency. The property, which he has shaped over more than a decade with tractors, land clearing, and basic infrastructure, serves as a family retreat far from Hollywood distractions. The closest store is about 40 miles away. He has spoken previously about how the place fosters closeness with his parents and creates lasting memories for his children, emphasizing legacy over luxury.

Duhamel first discussed the *Ransom Canyon* project with Blair while at the cabin years ago. The physical demands of the role—horseback riding, outdoor work in New Mexico filming locations—aligned with the hands-on lifestyle he cultivates away from sets.

A Rapidly Growing Family

What resonated strongly with many viewers was Duhamel’s warmth when discussing his personal life. He and wife Audra Mari, a former Miss World America whom he married in 2022, welcomed their second child together in mid-May 2026: a daughter named Rocca de Leon Duhamel. The newborn had just turned about two months old at the time of the *CBS Mornings* interview. Duhamel also has two sons—Axl Jack (around 12–13), from his previous marriage to singer Fergie, and Shepherd (about 2.5), his first child with Mari.

He lit up describing a recent milestone: “I got my first smile from her yesterday,” referring to Rocca. The moment, he said, took his “heart and leave it on the floor.” Duhamel noted there is “something special about having a baby girl.” In earlier interviews around the pregnancy announcement and birth, he expressed pure excitement about becoming a “girl dad,” saying he “cannot wait to meet her” and that the father-daughter dynamic feels different.

Fatherhood has long been a central theme for Duhamel. He has spoken candidly about the challenges of balancing demanding film and TV schedules with being present—missing games or milestones while working away from home can be difficult. At the same time, he emphasizes the rewards, the perspective that comes with parenting later in life, and the joy of everyday moments. The Minnesota property has become a hub where the family (and extended relatives) can unplug, make memories, and focus on basics like time together outdoors.

The couple announced Rocca’s arrival on Instagram with photos from the hospital, including moments of older brother Shepherd meeting his sister. Fergie reportedly reacted positively in comments. Duhamel has described the blended family dynamic positively in past conversations, noting Axl’s affection for his younger siblings.

There is no indication of any long-hidden “family secret” being revealed in the interview or recent coverage. The discussion centered on the straightforward, public joy of a growing household—three children spanning a significant age range—and how that intersects with Duhamel’s work and values around land, legacy, and presence. Speculation about additional pregnancies or dramatic revelations appears to be pure tabloid-style framing rather than grounded in the actor’s comments.

Career Context and What’s Next

Duhamel first gained wide recognition on the soap *All My Children*, followed by the series *Las Vegas* and major film roles including the *Transformers* franchise, *Safe Haven*, and *Life as We Know It*. In recent years he has leaned into more grounded, character-driven projects while prioritizing family and personal interests, including a wellness brand focused on hormone health and longevity.

*Ransom Canyon* has given him a high-profile platform that resonates with audiences seeking escapist yet emotionally engaging storytelling. Season 2 continues the land-and-love conflicts, with Staten determined to protect what matters most. Fans can stream it starting July 23 on Netflix.

In the *CBS Mornings* conversation, Duhamel came across as reflective and appreciative—of the collaborative set, the physical challenges of the cowboy role, and especially the everyday magic of watching a newborn smile for the first time. For an actor who has spent decades in the public eye, the “bomb” was less a shocking disclosure and more a reminder that even amid Hollywood promotion cycles, the most grounding stories are often the ones closest to home: family, land, and the quiet moments that make the rest worthwhile.