Walton Goggins Reflects on Career and Personal Growth in Exclusive Interview

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — In an exclusive interview, actor Walton Goggins, known for his roles in HBO comedies like “Vice Principals” and “The Righteous Gemstones,” shared insights into his career trajectory and personal philosophies as he embarks on a new chapter in his life.

The 53-year-old Alabama native captivated audiences with his complex characters, from the charismatic Boyd Crowder in “Justified” to the unpredictable Baby Billy Freeman. Goggins discussed the excitement and challenges surrounding his latest role in Mike White’s acclaimed series “The White Lotus” during a candid conversation with co-star Danny McBride.

“Oh my god. You showed, man!” Goggins exclaimed while joking with McBride about the interview’s flow and atmosphere. The duo reflected on how essential it is to remain authentic and engaged with their projects, even as the entertainment landscape evolves rapidly.

Goggins mentioned, “I’ve got four more years, if we’re lucky, with our child getting out of high school… There’s another chapter to my life and it involves storytelling, but in a diminished capacity.” His vision for the future includes storytelling and deeper connections with family and friends while simplifying life.

As they discussed their experiences working on “The White Lotus,” Goggins acknowledged the pressure associated with joining a successful series in its third season. He said, “It’s like, this is the junior year of this show, and you don’t want to be the person that messes it up.” Goggins expressed his insecurities about living up to audience expectations while also recognizing the immense support from his colleagues.

The actor shared his creative process, emphasizing the importance of reading the story deeply to understand its characters. “I don’t even believe in acting, I believe in storytelling. I’ve been consumed with story for the better part of my life,” Goggins stated. He articulated how intuition plays a role in embodying his characters.

In a light-hearted discussion, McBride touched upon Goggins’ penchant for style, asking, “First question, how much is that watch?” Goggins humorously replied, “It’s all that Righteous Gemstones money, man!” Their camaraderie revealed the ease and enjoyment they find in their creative partnership.

As they navigated topics ranging from existential crises to personal growth, Goggins shared, “What has brought me an extraordinary amount of peace in my life is when I finally fell in love with myself.” The conversation revealed Goggins’ ongoing journey to self-acceptance and fulfillment, showcasing a more vulnerable side of the seasoned actor.

Reflecting on his past experience in Thailand, where he shot scenes for the show, Goggins revealed, “I dressed like an Italian and I listened to Morricone.” He described the surreal nature of filming in a foreign environment, balancing work and personal exploration while connecting with his colleagues.

As the interview progressed, Goggins expressed his desire to continue exploring meaningful stories, stating, “I know that there are stories I’m going to come across that I have to tell… I could do that for an undefined amount of time, or maybe for the rest of my life, man.” This profound understanding of his calling showcases a mindset dedicated to growth and connection.

The conversation concluded on a light-hearted note, with Goggins expressing gratitude for their friendship. “You’re my favorite sort of actor: You understand how to make people laugh, but it’s never at the expense of making the character human or relatable,” McBride said, to which Goggins responded with appreciation.