Who is the actor in the Walmart clogging commercial?
Uncovering the man behind the infectious “Always Be Clogging” spot
(By Jim Webb)
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The face you recognize—and why it’s a big deal
Have you seen those energetic Walmart commercials—especially the clogging one—and thought, “Who is that guy?” That charismatic clog-dancer is actor Walton Goggins. He’s the star of Walmart’s new “Who Knew?” campaign, which highlights the retailer’s extensive inventory—from dancing shoes to bear spray to home saunas.
Not only does Goggins clog like a pro, but he also brings serious swagger to the spot—set against The Who’s “Who Are You?” featuring catchy “Who knew?” hooks.
Meet Walton Goggins: Not just a clogging extra
Before this campaign, Goggins was already well known to TV and film fans from shows like The White Lotus, The Righteous Gemstones, Justified, The Shield, Vice Principals, and Fallout. But the Walmart ads have him stepping into mainstream spotlight, showcasing a side of him—even clogging skills—not everybody knew existed.
Creative reviewers have praised the campaign for perfectly balancing fun and authenticity, saying Goggins’ performance “keeps it all on the right side of naff”.
See him clog: the video
Check out one of the ads below where Goggins enthusiastically leads a clogging routine—set to that infectious “Always Be Clogging” theme.
This 15-second spot from iSpot.tv highlights his clogging prowess and the tagline—“ABCs: Always Be Clogging”—captures the playful spirit.
What is the “Who Knew?” campaign?
Walmart’s marketing team dubbed this the “Who Knew?” initiative—for good reason. It draws attention to Walmart’s half-billion product assortment through surprising scenarios like clogging routines, sauna setups, bear spray adventures, and dental upgrades.
It debuted at Walmart’s annual Associate pep rally in Fayetteville, Arkansas (with Jimmy Fallon emceeing), where Goggins kicked off the campaign in full clogging glory.
The campaign runs across TV, TikTok TopView, Reddit-approved hack features, and beyond.
Why clogging?
This isn’t a random dance—Goggins actually does clogging. He performed it while hosting Saturday Night Live back in May, surprising audiences with authentic footwork. Walmart smartly leaned into this genuine talent, creating an ad that feels organic—not forced.
Creative Review summed it up: “In other hands the whole premise could have turned out deeply cheesy, but Goggins’ charm keeps it all on the right side of naff.”
Public reaction: praise and playful backlash
On LinkedIn, advertising insiders echoed the enthusiasm:
“Landing the perfect talent, especially when they’re the hottest they’ve ever been, takes an average body of work to a brilliant level.”
LinkedIn
Meanwhile, Reddit users joked about Goggins’ ubiquity:
“He’s cashing in after years of being reliable, good for him.”
“If he ever teams up with Pedro Pascal on a commercial I’m sure the planet implodes.”
Reddit
Fan favorites from The Shield, Justified, and White Lotus are thrilled to see him get mainstream attention—even if it’s through department store ads.
Beyond Walmart: what’s next for Goggins?
Though the current campaign is Walmart‑centric, there’s no word on follow‑on endorsements. Spanish‑language versions feature Brooklyn Nine‑Nine actor Stephanie Beatriz.
Given the campaign’s rollout during high-impact TV spots (like NBA Finals) and across platforms including TikTok and Reddit, Goggins isn’t disappearing soon. He may even pop up speaking on product hacks or lifestyle spots next.
Final take: the power of personality + surprise
Walmart nailed a triple hit:
Star power – a beloved, award‑nominated actor
Genuine talent – real clogging skill, not staged
Unexpected product range – saunas, dentures, dancing shoes—all sold at Walmart
It’s a reminder that even everyday retailers can mesmerize with the right blend of celebrity and spontaneity. And yes, now when you go clog dancing—or need bear spray—you might just think: “Who knew Walmart sold that?”
Other spots featuring Walton Goggins in this series
Sauna scene: Goggins lounges in a steamy home sauna, dragging viewers through surprise and comfort.
Bear spray moment: A wilderness trek becomes comedic when Goggins pulls out bear defense gear from Walmart’s shelves.
Teeth transformation: A quick “new chompers” gag reveals Walmart’s dental wares.
These fun vignettes all close with that earworm chorus, “Who knew?” driven by his confident delivery and the undeniable beat from The Who.
Want more?
Explore behind-the-scenes production notes and casting agency insights via Adweek, Creative Review, and Forbes coverage
Catch extended cuts on YouTube or ads placed during major live TV events.
Dive into fan reaction threads on Reddit for candid takes and genuine enthusiasm
What is Walton Goggins best known for?
Why one of Hollywood’s most versatile character actors commands attention
(By Carmichael Phillip)
Early Life and Background
Born on November 10, 1971, in Birmingham, Alabama, Walton Goggins (full name Walton Sanders Goggins Jr.) grew up in the American South and eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting.
His early years were marked by both ambition and hustle: working odd jobs (such as valet parking and fitness-club attendant) while auditioning and training in acting.
This formative period laid the foundation for the chameleon-like actor he would become—comfortable in both leading and supporting roles, and adept at shifting tone, genre, and character type with ease.
What is worth noting from this early life is his grounding in real life outside glitz and glamour—so when he later inhabits complex roles, there’s a sense of authenticity.
In short: Goggins didn’t start with a silver spoon; rather, he built his reputation from the ground up.
Breakout Television: The Shield & Justified
One of the first major signals of Goggins’ talent came via the gritty FX series The Shield (2002-2008), where he played Shane Vendrell. That show allowed him to flex both physical intensity and emotional vulnerability—already separating him from many character actors of his generation.
Then came his defining turn as Boyd Crowder in FX’s Justified (2010-2015). Initially meant to die in the pilot, the character was kept because Goggins’ portrayal was so compelling; his performance earned a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series.
What this period established: Goggins as an actor who could bring nuance to characters often written as villains or morally ambiguous—even sympathetic anti-heroes. The industry began to take real note.
In essence, this phase built his reputation: that uncanny ability to humanize “bad guys” and make them riveting to watch.
Film Work & Genre Versatility
While television brought him prominence, Goggins’ film work shows his range. For example:
He appeared in Django Unchained (2012), directed by Quentin Tarantino, in a supporting but memorable role.
He also starred in a number of smaller, independent films—and even co-produced and starred in the short film The Accountant (2001), which won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film.
This film work underscores a key part of what Goggins is known for: the ability to move from indie to mainstream, from supporting to pivotal, across genres—from Westerns to crime dramas to dark comedies.
Thus: he is not “just a TV actor,” but a full-fledged performer with a broad canvas.
Recent Success: The Righteous Gemstones, The White Lotus & Fallout
In recent years, Goggins has become particularly known for three high-profile projects:
The Righteous Gemstones (HBO): Goggins plays Baby Billy Freeman, a wild-eyed televangelist with a huge chip on his shoulder. The performance showcases his comedic chops, his dramatic instincts, and his willingness to take risks.
The White Lotus (Season 3): In this anthology series, Goggins plays Rick Hatchett, a vacationing American with a complicated personal life. His turn there has drawn critical attention and expanded his fan base.
Fallout (Amazon Prime Video): In this adaptation of the popular video-game franchise, Goggins plays Cooper Howard / The Ghoul—a role that required physical transformation and psychological immersion.
What this illustrates: Goggins is now a go-to actor for premium-cable / streaming series, able to anchor ensembles or lift roles that might otherwise be overshadowed. He can do dark, he can do humor, he can do physical transformation.
If you ask: “what is Walton Goggins best known for today?” — it’s probably this trifecta: Baby Billy, Rick, and The Ghoul.
Signature Traits & Acting Style
So what are the hallmarks of Goggins’ work—what makes him recognizable as himself no matter the character? A few stand out:
Intensity and charisma: He brings a magnetic screen presence, often balancing sympathy and danger. In Justified, one reviewer noted “you think you hate Boyd until you realize you kind of don’t.”
Transformative commitment: Whether via prosthetics (in Fallout) or dialects or slowed physicality, Goggins immerses fully in roles.
Genre flexibility: He moves between drama, comedy, Western, crime, even voice or motion-capture roles.
Character actor turned star: He started in supporting parts but has become a lead presence, recognized by audiences and industry alike.
Collaboration choices: He frequently connects with smart creators (e.g., Tarantino, Danny McBride, HBO series creators) who give him layered characters, not throwaway bad guys.
Interview Magazine
Combined, these traits make Goggins both familiar and unpredictable—as an actor you might know the face, but never entirely know what he’ll do next.
Why He Matters in Today’s Hollywood
In an era of streaming-driven prestige television and character-rich narratives, Walton Goggins matters because he exemplifies the shift from conventional hero to nuanced personality actor. He represents:
A change in heroism: Not all protagonists are white-hat good guys; Goggins thrives in grey areas—embodying complexity over cliché.
A bridge between indie credibility and mainstream appeal: He still does projects that surprise, while also anchoring big productions.
A model for sustainability: His career didn’t peak in youth; he continues to build momentum, often delivering his strongest work in his 50s.
A face of the ensemble: In many current shows, the lead isn’t always one person—the ensemble matters. Goggins often shines amidst strong casts without needing to dominate.
A risk-taker: Many actors choose safety; Goggins chooses weird, wild, idiosyncratic roles, thus keeping his career fresh and interesting.
Because of these reasons, Goggins isn’t just “one actor among many”—he’s a kind of template for what contemporary acting careers can look like in the streaming/-prestige era.
Key Stats & Milestones
Born: November 10, 1971, Birmingham, Alabama.
Years active: From 1989 to present.
Major television credits: The Shield; Justified; The Righteous Gemstones; The White Lotus; Fallout.
Awards/Nominations: Emmy nominations for Justified (Supporting Actor) and The White Lotus (Supporting Actor).
Notable film achievement: Co-producer/star of The Accountant (2001) which won an Oscar for Best Live Action Short Film.
Recent interview highlights: In a 2025 interview, he reflected on the emotional toll of saying goodbye to Baby Billy in The Righteous Gemstones.
These stats don’t capture every nuance of his career—but they frame why he’s more than just a “character actor” and why people are now asking “What will Walton Goggins do next?”
Conclusion: What Is Walton Goggins Best Known For?
At its heart, the answer is: Walton Goggins is best known for bringing depth, danger, and delight to roles that could easily have been flat or conventional. Whether he’s playing a Southern outlaw in Justified, a televangelist in The Righteous Gemstones, or a morally fractured resort-goer in The White Lotus, Goggins gives you someone you’ll remember.
He’s known for being unpredictable yet reliable; daring yet grounded; a chameleon whose distinct presence still reads “Walton Goggins” at a glance.
In short: if you watch modern television or high-quality streaming shows, chances are you’ll encounter Goggins—and you’ll know it.
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