What did Walton Goggins star in?
Exploring the versatile and unforgettable performances of Walton Goggins across film and television
(By Carmichael Phillip)
From the Streets of “The Shield” to the Hills of Kentucky in “Justified”
Walton Goggins first came to widespread attention through his role as Detective Shane Vendrell on The Shield (2002–2008). The gritty FX drama followed an anti-hero cop and his morally gray strike team, and Goggins delivered a haunting portrayal of loyalty and corruption. His performance in The Shield wasn’t just memorable—it was groundbreaking, proving he could inhabit complex characters torn between duty and darkness.
But it was his next FX series, Justified (2010–2015), that solidified his reputation as one of television’s most magnetic actors. As Boyd Crowder, a charming yet dangerous criminal from Harlan County, Kentucky, Goggins crafted a layered and unforgettable performance. The chemistry between him and Timothy Olyphant’s Raylan Givens became legendary, driving much of the show’s tension and heart.
Critics praised Goggins’ ability to bring humanity to an outlaw, earning him an Emmy nomination and a devoted fanbase. His work on Justified remains a defining moment in modern TV drama.
Stealing Scenes in Quentin Tarantino’s Films
Goggins’ cinematic presence caught the eye of none other than Quentin Tarantino. The director cast him in Django Unchained (2012) as Billy Crash, a cruel overseer whose brief but menacing screen time left a strong impression. Tarantino clearly recognized his talent, later giving Goggins a larger role in The Hateful Eight (2015).
In The Hateful Eight, Goggins played Sheriff Chris Mannix—a role that showcased his gift for mixing humor with menace. The film’s claustrophobic tension, combined with Goggins’ unpredictable energy, made Mannix one of the standout characters. Critics lauded his performance, calling it “scene-stealing” and “a masterclass in controlled chaos.”
Working with Tarantino elevated Goggins’ film career, proving he could hold his own alongside Hollywood heavyweights like Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, and Jennifer Jason Leigh.
A Charismatic Villain in “Tomb Raider” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp”
In 2018, Walton Goggins brought his trademark intensity to blockbuster territory. In Tomb Raider, he starred opposite Alicia Vikander as Mathias Vogel, a morally broken archaeologist-turned-mercenary. His portrayal struck a balance between danger and desperation, elevating what could have been a standard villain into something more human.
The same year, Goggins joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe in Ant-Man and the Wasp. As Sonny Burch, a slick black-market tech dealer, Goggins injected charisma and sly humor into the MCU’s fast-paced world. Although not the film’s central villain, his performance added a memorable layer of fun villainy that resonated with fans.
Goggins has a gift for transforming even small parts into standout performances—his screen presence alone can elevate any film he’s in.
Comedy with Edge: “Vice Principals” and “The Righteous Gemstones”
Walton Goggins’ range isn’t limited to dark dramas and violent Westerns—he’s also made a strong mark in comedy. In HBO’s Vice Principals (2016–2017), Goggins starred alongside Danny McBride as Lee Russell, a conniving high school administrator with a flair for chaos and narcissism. His over-the-top yet sharply nuanced performance earned widespread acclaim and even cult status.
Following that, Goggins reunited with McBride for The Righteous Gemstones (2019–present), another HBO hit. Playing Baby Billy Freeman, an eccentric preacher and opportunist, Goggins once again proved his mastery of blending absurd humor with genuine emotion. His scenes often steal the spotlight, and his Southern charm makes Baby Billy one of the show’s most beloved characters.
These roles highlight Goggins’ rare ability to transition seamlessly between dark drama and biting comedy—a feat few actors can achieve.
Exploring Humanity in “The Unicorn”
In The Unicorn (2019–2021), Goggins took a surprising turn into heartfelt territory. The CBS comedy-drama followed Wade Felton, a widowed father reentering the world of dating. Unlike his darker or more eccentric roles, The Unicorn allowed Goggins to explore warmth, vulnerability, and hope.
Audiences praised his natural charisma and sincerity, noting how refreshing it was to see him play a kind, relatable man. While the series ended after two seasons, it remains one of Goggins’ most personal and emotionally grounded performances.
This role showcased his emotional depth and solidified his versatility beyond the gritty or outrageous characters he’s often known for.
Returning to His Roots in “Fallout”
One of Walton Goggins’ most recent and highly anticipated projects is Fallout (2024–present), the Amazon Prime adaptation of the popular video game franchise. Goggins plays The Ghoul, a radiation-scarred bounty hunter surviving in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
The role combines many of his best qualities—grit, charisma, and a moral ambiguity that keeps audiences guessing. His transformation into The Ghoul is both physical and psychological, earning praise from critics and fans alike. Many have called it one of his most hauntingly powerful performances.
With Fallout, Goggins reaffirms his status as one of Hollywood’s most fearless and captivating actors.
Other Notable Roles: From “Lincoln” to “Sons of Anarchy”
Beyond his most famous roles, Goggins has appeared in a variety of acclaimed projects. He played Clay Hawkins in Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2012), a small but meaningful part in the Oscar-winning historical drama.
In Sons of Anarchy (2012–2014), Goggins made a memorable recurring appearance as Venus Van Dam, a transgender escort. His performance was compassionate, fearless, and deeply human—earning him widespread respect and praise from critics and LGBTQ+ audiences alike.
He’s also lent his talents to Deep State, Fatman (2020), and The Unholy (2021), continuing to prove that there’s no genre he can’t master.
The Unmistakable Legacy of Walton Goggins
Walton Goggins has built one of the most eclectic and respected careers in Hollywood. Whether portraying a corrupt cop, a Southern preacher, or a post-apocalyptic survivor, he infuses each role with authenticity and depth.
His career is marked not only by versatility but by an uncanny ability to humanize even the most flawed characters. Goggins never simply plays a “villain” or “hero”—he embodies the entire spectrum of humanity in between.
From indie films to major franchises, from dark comedy to heartfelt drama, Walton Goggins stands as a true actor’s actor—a craftsman who continues to redefine what great character work looks like in modern entertainment.
Acting Magazine Newsletters
Never miss out on the best from Acting Magazine.