Walton Goggins Elevates It - Minority Mindset

The original publication date of this article was April 25, 2024. It has been revised to incorporate Walton Goggins‘s powerful portrayal as a melancholic Scorpio in The White Lotus, which sparked a popular meme.

Walton Goggins is one of the most captivating modern actors, capable of both relishing in less sophisticated content and adding a touch of effortless charm to make it more appealing. Despite his recent success with an impressive array of TV roles (such as in “Justified”, “The Righteous Gemstones”, and “Fallout”), Goggins has been entertaining audiences on both big and small screens for several decades. The man from Birmingham, Alabama, known for his wide grin and larger-than-life personality, has proven himself equally adept in comedy and drama, often blending the two seamlessly to become the standout feature of any film or series he’s part of.

In no other actor is the skillful portrayal of a southern dialect more effortlessly mastered than by him, moving seamlessly from Foghorn Leghorn to Mark Twain, making him both an exceptionally talented actor and an absolute joy to encounter at a barbecue. Walton Goggins is nearing the completion of his HBO dual role in both “The White Lotus” and “The Righteous Gemstones”, but fans can anticipate another season of “Fallout”. As we eagerly await this, here are 13 pivotal roles played by Walton Goggins, ranging from underappreciated supporting characters to memorable cameos, ultimately establishing him as TV’s favorite, “Oh man, it’s him!” guy.

Red Dirt (2000)

Regrettably overlooked and difficult to locate, the independent film “Red Dirt” revolves around a young man named Griffith, who grapples with both his sexuality and the constraints of his small Mississippi hometown that he can’t seem to shake off. In this movie, Goggins portrays Lee, a lean and muscular newcomer (for those who appreciate shirtless Goggins, you’ll find him here), who develops feelings for Griffith and encourages him to chase his dreams and self-expression. It’s not hard to understand why Griffith might heed his advice – Goggins exudes on-screen charisma, with a deep southern drawl reminiscent of an everyday man. In essence, “Red Dirt” offers Goggins the opportunity to fully capitalize on his endearing charm for the first time.

The Shield (2002–08)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=T9XC-c7wUEk

In the realm of top-tier television, “The Shield” occupies a unique niche during the era of prestigious shows. It didn’t receive as much acclaim as its HBO contemporaries like “The Sopranos,” and it came out a bit too early to be part of the revolution spearheaded by “Breaking Bad” and “Mad Men.” Yet, this gripping crime drama richly deserves its accolades, with Goggins’ portrayal of Detective Shane Vendrell being a significant factor in its success.

Shane represents many characteristics typical of Goggins’ characters – he’s southern, intelligent, and prone to extreme actions. However, Goggins delivers such an outstanding performance that it’s hard not to empathize with him despite his descent into increasingly gruesome situations. He may be capable of horrific acts, but there are few actors we’d prefer to watch enact them.

House of 1000 Corpses (2003)

The movie titled “House of 1000 Corpses“, directed by Rob Zombie, faced a prolonged period of difficulties in distribution. This delay meant that it was released after actor Michael Rooker, who plays the deputy in the film, had already started gaining recognition on TV. However, those who perceive Rooker’s role as a mere TV actor stepping down to a slasher film are missing out. In fact, “Corpses” is Zombie’s eccentric interpretation of the hillbilly horror films he grew up watching, and Rooker seamlessly fits into his role as the comical, ineffective cop. (He even dramatizes a fear reaction after encountering a dog by complaining about being bitten by a cocker spaniel when he was eight.) If you found it surprising to see Rooker involved in grisly scenes accompanied by mid-century music in “Fallout“, it’s because this concept originated from his work here – the most iconic scene in the movie is Rooker being executed while Slim Whitman’s cover of “I Remember You” plays.

Predators (2010)

The ensemble cast of “Predators” is incredibly impressive when you delve deeper into their IMDb profiles – Adrien Brody, Topher Grace, Laurence Fishburne, Danny Trejo, even Mahershala Ali! However, it’s unfortunate that the characters they portray lack substance. But Brian Goggins, in his role as serial killer/rapist Stans, doesn’t let that hinder him. He amplifies his knack for playing lovable villains to portray a character you can’t help but truly detest – a repugnant, boisterous bully, the kind of person you long to see a Predator dismember. Fortunately, in the end, one does – as Goggins erupts in mad laughter, his skull and spinal cord are extracted.

Justified (2010–15)

In his role as the cunning criminal mastermind Boyd Crowder from Kentucky, it appeared that Goggins had discovered his perfect niche. Known for his contemplative nature and eloquent dialogue reminiscent of a noir story, Goggins frequently outshone others in the series. There was something about him that was both trustworthy against one’s better judgment and treacherous – a friend who would ultimately betray you, making you question whether it might have been wise. Over six seasons, he balanced philosophizing and plotting, and this earned Goggins his singular Primetime Emmy Award nomination – yes, only one.

The Hateful Eight (2015)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=rzbBjUuTG-c

When Goggins appeared in “The Hateful Eight”, he had already proven his knack for delivering distinctive dialogue, even as the rough redneck character in Quentin Tarantino’s earlier film, “Django Unchained”. In “The Hateful Eight”, Goggins plays Sheriff Chris Mannix, offering a more substantial co-leading role. While Billy Crash in “Django” showcased Goggins’ aptitude for ferocity, Mannix highlights his energetic enthusiasm and intellectual agility (despite his character appearing otherwise). Though Samuel L. Jackson is unparalleled at turning Tarantino’s scripts into verse, Goggins holds his own against him in this film without a scratch. “Chris Mannix, I may have underestimated you!” Jackson’s character exclaims with a chuckle. Indeed, we did too.

Vice Principals (2016)

In Danny McBride and Jody Hill’s HBO series, the main characters often perceive themselves as the universe’s center. To challenge them effectively, a character must possess an unyielding influence comparable to gravity. In Vice Principals, this role was filled by Lee Russell, a middle school’s co-vice principal who is both friend and foe to McBride’s Neal Gamby. Played by David Goggins, Russell embodies the character as a manipulator of others while also being a victim of his own peculiarities. He fits perfectly in the line of characters from McBride/Hill’s stories about flawed men. Additionally, he had an opportunity to display his musical talents – before “Misbehavin'” gained fame from The Righteous Gemstones, there was “Busted by Lee Russell.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

Sonny Burch isn’t your typical Marvel antagonist; he doesn’t possess a mystical villain identity or any extraordinary abilities like those found in comics. Instead, he’s all about blustering and cunning schemes, being a shady black-market dealer (and less-than-reputable restaurant owner) who’s primarily focused on amassing wealth. The Ant-Man films, despite their smaller scale compared to the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, shouldn’t be underestimated because of this. In fact, characters like Burch offer a touch of everyday realism that the MCU could benefit from, given the abundance of cosmic-level threats we’ve faced so far. It’s only natural to expect people seeking profit from the science-fiction/comic book world, and Goggins is an ideal choice for portraying such characters.

The Unicorn (2019–21)

In essence, “The Unicorn” appears to be a purely sweet story on the surface, with Walton Goggins portraying a southern widower trying to rebuild relationships with his daughters and seek love anew. However, Goggins gives Wade an endearing awkwardness; he’s the type of man who is always figuring things out, including navigating the complexities of contemporary dating. This makes his status as a “Unicorn” among men quite fitting. There’s a genuine warmth to him even amidst the chaos. Unlike many sitcoms where main characters casually move in and out of relationships for narrative convenience, Goggins makes his romantic ventures seem authentic.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019–)

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=R-znj7Uf9Oo

In his second project with the McBride/Hill team, Walton Goggins may have crafted another iconic character: Baby Billy Freeman, a man whose personality is a mix of pride, embarrassment, and self-deception that makes him just as captivating as any member of the Gemstone family. The intrigue lies in his self-deception – it’s unclear how sincerely Baby Billy, with his white hair and a Southern preacher’s rhythm tainted, believes in himself. Is there an ounce of truth in his evangelism and snake-oil tactics, or is he merely trying to escape the personal demons that urge him to run whenever things become challenging? As a result, what initially seemed like a stereotype transforms into a complex depiction of a humorous and deeply imperfect man, showcasing Goggins’ acting talent.

Invincible (2021–)

In the style of a reimagining of an edgy superhero comic such as “Invincible”, it’s reasonable to anticipate Walton Goggins playing a character with a touch more mischievousness and villainy. However, he portrays Cecil Stedman, the director of the Global Defense Agency, instead. Through skillful writing and Goggins’ grounded acting, Stedman emerges as a notable figure amidst the throng of other violent and extraordinary beings. Unlike many others, Stedman is not always virtuous, and he often faces difficult decisions that could cause pain to someone in the long run. Yet, he maintains a sense of compassion for humanity throughout and shows concern for ordinary people who might otherwise be overshadowed in tales of life-altering situations.

Fallout (2024)

Transformed from a scarred warrior to an internet sweetheart, The Ghoul gracefully heads Amazon’s latest “Fallout” series as its central figure. In this role, he artfully uses his makeup and prosthetics not as impediments, but as an enhancement of his emotions, displaying the usual traits of a Wild West outlaw while infusing them with emotional resonance from the irradiated wasteland that makes him compassionate. Indeed, Cooper Howard delivers a compelling performance as a man walking the tightrope of inevitable destruction, yet it’s in the post-apocalyptic landscape where he truly shines. With a career spanning balancing the authentic with the exaggerated, the commonplace with extraordinary genre roles, Walton Goggins faces his most daunting challenge in “Fallout”, a series based on a massive and seemingly incomprehensible video game franchise. Yet, he rises to the occasion, delivering an outstanding performance.

The White Lotus, season three (2025)

In the world of television, The White Lotus stands out as a trailblazer for exceptional ensemble casting, and Walton Goggins’ character, Rick Hatchett, seamlessly slots into this impressive lineup. Although Rick professes to have arrived at the Thai resort with the intention of confronting the man who murdered his father (a relentless pursuit indeed), it is during moments when he is derailed by life that Goggins truly captivates. These instances are frequent, and many dialogues find Goggins simmering, as his emotions consistently seep through the cracks.

Even scenes that may appear to be broader physical humor (such as the sudden release of numerous snakes) portray a fractured soul, and while Sam Rockwell’s monologue has become the viral sensation of the season, it is Goggins’ reaction – embodying a man adrift from reality – that makes it truly compelling. This might be one reason why Rick is so eager to journey and relocate: By the time others notice your incompleteness, you’ve already vanished.

2025-04-07 02:56