Walton Goggins, born on November 10, 1971, in Birmingham, Alabama, has emerged as one of the most versatile and talented actors in the entertainment industry. With a career spanning decades, Goggins has garnered widespread recognition for his compelling performances in hit television shows such as The Shield, Vice Principals, Justified, and The Righteous Gemstones. His ability to embody a diverse range of characters with depth and nuance has solidified his reputation as a captivating presence on-screen.
Furthermore, Goggins has seamlessly transitioned into the world of film, collaborating with esteemed filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and Steven Spielberg, showcasing his versatility and talent across mediums. As one of the biggest names in television, Goggins continues to captivate audiences with his magnetic performances, which has been demonstrated yet again with his 2024 role in Fallout. So, as his name continues to ascend, here are 7 things you didn’t know about Walton Goggins.
Walton Goggins Started Acting as a Teenager
Fallout star Walton Goggins began acting as a teenager after quitting college and heading to Los Angeles. His first credited role came in the 1990 TV movie, Murder in Mississippi. However, his first experience on a film set came from the movie, Mr. Saturday Night. When appearing on the The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Goggins explained how his role was cut out of the movie, however, his scene was included on the deleted scenes when the film was released on VHS. From here, he became a prominent face in television, starring in popular shows like Beverly Hills, 90210, In the Heat of the Night, and I’ll Fly Away.
How the Actor Honed His Craft Early On
Walton Goggins displayed his love for performing at an early age when he learned how to Clog dance. However, his love for acting took over when he moved to Los Angeles. Although he landed roles without any training, he embarked on a educational journey to better himself. In order to refine his craft, he entered formal training in acting at the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts, under the tutelage of renowned acting teachers Harry Mastrogeorge and David Le Grand.
How Walton Goggins Pays Homage to His Southern Roots
Walton Goggins was born in Alabama but was raised in Georgia. Throughout his time in the entertainment industry, he was spoke proudly about his Southern roots. In fact, he is so proud of being a Southerner that he nearly turned down one of his most iconic roles. Goggins initially rejected the offer to play Boyd Crowder in Justified, fearing that the role painted Southern Americans in a negative light. However, he changed his mind and tackled the role with nuance and depth.
His Dedication to the Entertainment Industry Extends Beyond Acting
In addition to performing as an actor, Walton Goggins has dabbled in producing, contributing his knowledge and creative skills to a number of films and TV shows. He formed his own production company called Ginny Mule Pictures with fellow actors Ray McKinnon and Lisa Blount. However, the company was dissolved in 2010. Despite this, he has continued to work as a producer, lending his skills to the creation process of shows like Deep State, The Unicorn, and the drama movie That Evening Sun, which garnered heaps of critical praise.
Unveiling the Awards Success of Walton Goggins
Walton Goggins received critical acclaim and won a Critics’ Choice Award in 2018 for his role as Lee Russell in the hit show Vice Principals. Playing the manipulative and conniving vice principal at North Jackson High School, Goggins delivers a standout performance as a complex antagonist who is equal parts charming and sinister. His portrayal of Lee Russell showcases his versatility as an actor, seamlessly transitioning between moments of dark humor, betrayal, and vulnerability. Furthermore, he received a Primetime Emmy nomination in 2011 for his role in Justified, and a Saturn Award nomination in 2016 for his role in The Hateful Eight.
He Was Robbed of an Oscar
As mentioned, Walton Goggins has worked as a producer on a number of projects during his career. His first foray into producing came in 2001 with the short film The Accountant. The comedy drama was well-received and won the Oscar for Best Short Film, Live Action in 2022. However, in a bizarre turn of events, Goggins was not awarded by The Academy alongside Ray McKinnon and Lisa Blount despite being a producer on the movie.
One of His Most Famous Characters Was Originally Set to Die
It is difficult to envision the acclaimed series Justified without the presence of Walton Goggins’ recurring character, Boyd Crowder. Initially, Boyd was only intended to appear in the pilot episode and meet his demise by the end of it. However, when the pilot was screened for an audience, the feedback revealed that Boyd’s character resonated with viewers despite his flaws, and many were disappointed at the prospect of his abrupt exit. Consequently, the pilot was modified and reshot to spare Boyd’s life, allowing him to become a pivotal figure throughout the show.
Goggins’ portrayal of Boyd brought a captivating complexity to the character, as he navigated between his criminal past, newfound faith, and undeniable magnetism. Boyd Crowder’s enduring popularity and Goggins’ compelling performance led to his continued presence in Justified, evolving into a central figure in the series and making a triumphant return in the spin-off, Justified: City Primeval, in 2023. Boyd Crowder’s unexpected longevity and enduring impact on the series serve as a testament to the power of dynamic storytelling and exceptional character development. Want to read more about the cast of Justified? Here’s our guide to Timothy Olyphant’s top 5 movies.
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