Roy Tillman

Lore & Background

Roy Tillman is the sheriff of Stark County, North Dakota, a position he uses to enforce his own brand of religious conservative order. He is the father of Gator Tillman, his brash son, deputy and protege who is eager to prove his worth to him. Roy is also the abusive ex-husband of Dorothy "Dot" Lyon, whom he married 11 years prior to the events of the season. He is currently married to his third wife, Karen Tillman, whose father Odin Little leads a local militia. Roy is under investigation by FBI agents Tony Joaquin and Hildred Meyer for abuse of power. His ranch is managed by foreman Bowman, his right-hand man.

In Their Own Story

Set in the fall of 2019, Roy Tillman's past with Dot Lyon resurfaces after she inadvertently lands herself in hot water with the authorities following a middle school board meeting gone wrong. As Dot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her, Roy's influence extends through his son Gator and his network of associates, including the mysterious criminal-for-hire Ole Munch, who holds vendettas against both Dot and Tillman. The season follows the collision between Dot's attempt to maintain her seemingly typical Midwestern housewife life in Scandia, Minnesota, and Roy's determination to reclaim control.

Reader's Guide

Roy Tillman (Season 5) is the corrupt constitutional sheriff of Stark County, North Dakota, and Dot Lyon's abusive ex-husband. His key relationships include his son and deputy Gator Tillman, his current wife Karen Tillman, his father-in-law and militia leader Odin Little, and his foreman Bowman. He is investigated by FBI agents Tony Joaquin and Hildred Meyer for abuse of power. The season was nominated for three Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for Jon Hamm's portrayal of Roy.

Did You Know?

• Roy Tillman is the abusive ex-husband of Dorothy "Dot" Lyon from 11 years prior to the events of Season 5.
• He is a religious conservative rancher and corrupt constitutional sheriff of Stark County, North Dakota.
• Roy is currently married to his third wife, Karen Tillman, whose father Odin Little leads a local militia.
• Jon Hamm was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Miniseries or Television Film for his portrayal of Roy Tillman.
• Roy's son Gator Tillman serves as his deputy and protege, eager to prove his worth to his father.