Fallout star Walton Goggins was born on November 10, 1971, in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, but he was raised in Georgia. He has become known as one of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, showcasing his talents in a wide range of roles in both television and film. Goggins has received critical acclaim for his performances culminating in a Critics Choice win and a Primetime Emmy nomination.
His ability to portray complex and diverse characters has earned him a reputation as a talented and in-demand actor in the entertainment industry. With that said, Goggins continues to impress audiences with his range and depth as he takes on new and challenging roles in various projects. In 2024, he joined the cast of the Fallout TV series, adding yet another nuanced rendition to his portfolio. So, let’s take a deep dive into Walton Goggins’ best roles of his illustrious career.
6. Fatman as Skinny Man (2020)
Although it fell somewhat under the radar, Fatman is a unique action-comedy that falls within the Christmas movie genre for adults. The movie follows a rowdy Santa Claus (Mel Gibson) who is facing a declining business. However, to make matters worse for him, a bitter young man pays a ruthless hitman to take down jolly old Saint Nick when he receives coal for Christmas.
In the movie, Walton Goggins takes on the role of Skinny Man, the ruthless killer who goes toe-to-toe with Santa, only to find that his task won’t be as easy as he thought. Goggins shines in a movie that would be somewhat forgettable if it wasn’t for the dazzling chemistry between himself and Gibson. What’s more, he brings his signature suave demeanour to the role, making his brutal character hard to take your eyes off.
5. The Shield as Detective Shane Vendrell (2002-2008)
The Shield is an iconic series that follows the story of an experimental division of the Los Angeles Police Department known as the Strike Team, led by Detective Vic Mackey, who operate on the blurred line between legality and corruption. The show delves into themes of power, morality, and justice, showcasing the gritty and often brutal realities of police work. Walton Goggins, in his role as Detective Shane Vendrell, portrayed the most reckless and impulsive member of the Strike Team.
Goggins’ portrayal of Vendrell’s unpredictable nature and passionate yet heedless personality captivated audiences and earned him widespread acclaim. As “The Shield” gained popularity season by season, it propelled Goggins to global stardom, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented actor. Even today, with the accessibility of streaming platforms, The Shield continues to attract new audiences, further cementing its status as a groundbreaking and enduring series. Goggins’ portrayal of Vendrell remains a standout performance and is considered his mainstream breakout role in the industry.
4. The Hateful Eight as Sheriff Chris Mannix (2015)
The Hateful Eight is a gripping Western film by Quentin Tarantino that unfolds in a post-Civil War setting, following a group of eight strangers seeking refuge during a blizzard in Wyoming. The movie evokes similarities to Tarantino’s debut film, Reservoir Dogs, with its ensemble cast and intricate storytelling. However, The Hateful Eight sets itself apart by incorporating more mystery, twists, and tension into its narrative.
Amongst the star-studded cast, including names like Channing Tatum, Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell, Walton Goggins delivers a standout performance as Chris Mannix. In this role, Goggins plays a flawed and unlikeable character with a quick wit, brash demeanor, and a mysterious aura that keeps the audience captivated. The Hateful Eight marked Goggins’ breakout Hollywood movie role after establishing himself as an iconic figure in the world of television.
Watch The Hateful Eight on Netflix
3. The Righteous Gemstones as Baby Bill (2019-2023)
The Righteous Gemstones is a hit TV series that follows the dysfunctional and hypocritical Gemstone family, who are wealthy and influential figures in the world of televangelism. The show explores themes of greed, power, and faith as the Gemstones navigate various scandals, family dynamics, and inner conflicts. Amidst a cast filled with star power, Walton Goggins shines as Baby Billy, a selfish and morally bankrupt man with few if any redeeming qualities. Despite Baby Bill’s despicable behavior and unsavory actions, Goggins’ sheer talent and nuance in portraying this eccentric character makes him a compelling and unforgettable presence on the screen. Goggins’ ability to command attention and embody such a complex and flawed individual speaks to his extraordinary acting prowess and solidifies his status as a standout performer in the series.
Watch The Righteous Gemstones on Apple TV+
2. Fallout as Cooper Howard / The Ghoul (2024)
The Fallout TV series is set in a fictionalised United States with an alternate history, staying faithful to its original video game material. In essence, it centres on post-World War II possibilities that deviate from reality after 1945. The majority of humanity was wiped out in a nuclear holocaust, ending the world as we know it. But in order to preserve mankind and provide a safe haven for survivors, a number of vaults were built underground. These Vaults were not accessible to all humans due to their cost. The Fallout TV series takes place 219 years after the nuclear war, focusing on the underground Vault 33.
In Fallout, Walton Goggins brings forth his eclectic range as The Ghoul, a fascinating and unique figure with a rich backstory. Originally named Cooper Howard, The Ghoul was an accomplished actor in the pre-war era, known for his roles in horror films and his captivating performances on stage. However, after the Great War devastated the world, Desmond Lockheart underwent a transformation, both physically and mentally, becoming a Ghoul due to radiation exposure. As The Ghoul, Walton Goggins brings forth many signature traits he is known for – intensity, wicked humour and a weighty, commanding screen presence.
1. Justified as Boyd Crowder (2010-2015)
Walton Goggins’ role in Justified is perhaps his most iconic to date. So, it’s surprising to learn that he nearly turned down the part initially. As a proud Southern American, Goggins was concerned that his character would paint Southern Americans in a negative light. However, after some tweaks, he joined the cast of Justified.
Justified is a critically acclaimed TV series that revolves around Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant), a tough and no-nonsense lawman with a penchant for delivering his own brand of justice. The show is set in Kentucky and follows Givens as he navigates the complexities of his personal and professional life, often facing off against cunning criminals and morally ambiguous characters. One of the standout performances in the series comes from Walton Goggins, whose portrayal of Boyd Crowder, a charismatic and unpredictable criminal, solidified his status as a mainstream actor.
Interestingly, Goggins’ character was initially meant to die in the show’s pilot episode, but after audience feedback deemed his death unsatisfactory, the episode was reshot to allow Boyd Crowder to become a recurring character with a compelling story arc. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment for the series, as Goggins’ portrayal of Boyd Crowder captivated audiences and established him as one of the most enthralling yet unforgettable villains in TV history. Want to read more about Walton Goggins? Here’s the horrifying story behind how he lost his teeth.
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