Walton Goggins has quietly made a name for himself as one of the greatest actors on television and in film. With an incredible career spanning decades, Walton Goggins’ movies and TV shows showcase his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles, consistently elevating every project he’s involved in. From his breakout performances in critically acclaimed TV series to scene-stealing appearances in major motion pictures, Goggins has proven time and time again that he’s a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Walton Goggins movies and TV shows began with his acting journey in the late 1990s and early 2000s, taking on various roles in independent films and TV shows. 

Red Dirt (2000)

One of his early notable performances was in the 2000 independent film Red Dirt, where he played Lee, a confident newcomer who falls in love with the main character, Griffith. This role showcased Goggins’ natural charisma and his ability to deliver a compelling performance with his signature Southern drawl. In Red Dirt, Goggins appears shirtless, displaying a lean, musclebound physique that would become less prominent in his later roles.

The Shield (2002-2008)

However, it was his role as Detective Shane Vendrell in the gritty crime drama The Shield (2002-2008) that truly put Goggins on the map. The series, which aired on FX, never quite reached the same level of mainstream recognition as some of its HBO counterparts. Nevertheless, it remains a critically acclaimed show that deserves its place in the pantheon of great television dramas. Goggins’ portrayal of Shane Vendrell was a masterclass in creating a morally ambiguous character that viewers couldn’t help but be drawn to, even as he descended into increasingly darker territory. Shane’s complex relationships and reckless behavior made him one of television’s most tragic characters, showcasing Goggins’ innate talents as a character actor.

Justified (2010-2015)

If The Shield was one of the Walton Goggins movies and TV shows that put him on the map, it was his role as Boyd Crowder in the FX series Justified (2010-2015) that cemented his status as one of television’s most captivating actors. Based on the work of Elmore Leonard, Justified”tells the story of Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (Timothy Olyphant) and his complicated relationship with Boyd Crowder, a charismatic and intelligent criminal from Harlan County, Kentucky.

Goggins’ portrayal of Boyd Crowder is nothing short of mesmerizing. He brings a unique blend of intelligence, charm, and moral ambiguity to the character, making Boyd one of the most complex and fascinating antagonists in recent television history. Goggins’ ability to deliver Leonard’s stylized dialogue with a perfect blend of Southern charm and menace is truly remarkable. It’s no surprise that this performance earned him his first (and shockingly, only) Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

While Walton Goggins movies and TV shows had already proven his dramatic chops, he surprised many by showcasing his impressive comedic talents in a series of collaborations with Danny McBride. 

Vice Principals (2016-2017)

In the HBO series Vice Principals (2016-2017), Goggins played Lee Russell, a conniving and vindictive vice principal who forms an unlikely alliance with McBride’s character. Goggins’ performance as the flamboyant and ruthless Russell proved that he could be just as compelling in a comedic role as he was in dramatic ones. The series, which ran for two seasons, allowed Goggins to display his musical talents as well, with the memorable song Busted by Lee Russell.

The Righteous Gemstones (2019)

Goggins continued his collaboration with McBride in the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones (2019), where he plays Baby Billy Freeman, a former child star turned televangelist. As Baby Billy, Goggins delivers a tour de force performance, blending comedy and pathos to create a character that is simultaneously hilarious and deeply tragic. His portrayal of Baby Billy has become one of the highlights of the series, further cementing Goggins’ reputation as one of the most versatile actors working today. Baby Billy’s constant struggle with his past and his tendency to flee when things get overwhelming adds depth to what could have been a simple caricature.

The list of Walton Goggins movies and TV shows haven’t been confined to the small screen. He’s made significant impressions in a number of high-profile films as well. 

for more info, see: The Righteous Gemstones Season 4: Everything There Is to Know

The Hateful Eight (2015)

In Quentin Tarantino‘s The Hateful Eight (2015), Goggins played Sheriff Chris Mannix, holding his own against the likes of Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell. His performance showcased his ability to deliver Tarantino’s stylized dialogue with aplomb, further proving his versatility as an actor. Goggins had previously appeared in Tarantino’s Django Unchained (2012) as Billy Crash, demonstrating his ability to thrive with brutal spite.

Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018)

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe film Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), Goggins took on the role of Sonny Burch, a black-market dealer trying to get his hands on Pym technology. While not a typical Marvel villain with superpowers or world-ending schemes, Goggins brought a sense of grounded menace to the role, providing a perfect counterpoint to the film’s more fantastical elements. His character adds a touch of normalcy to the MCU, representing those who simply try to profit from the advanced technology without fully understanding it.

Predators (2010)

Goggins also appeared in the 2010 sci-fi action film Predators, where he played the role of Stans, a death row inmate and serial killer. Despite the limited depth of the character, Goggins manages to make Stans memorable as a ghoulish, loudmouth jerk that audiences love to hate. His performance culminates in a memorable death scene where a Predator rips out his skull and spinal cord as Goggins cackles maniacally.

The Unicorn (2019-2021)

Walton Goggins movies and TV shows have continued to impress audiences with his performances in a variety of projects. He starred in the CBS sitcom The Unicorn (2019-2021), playing a widower trying to navigate the dating world while raising his two daughters. This role allowed Goggins to showcase his softer side, proving that he could be just as compelling in a more traditional sitcom format. As Wade, Goggins imbued the character with a nervous charm, making his romantic exploits feel believable and endearing.

Invincible (2021)

Goggins has also lent his voice to the animated series Invincible (2021), where he plays Cecil Stedman, the director of the Global Defense Agency. His performance brings a sense of grounded authority to the often chaotic and violent world of the show. Stedman, while not always making the best decisions, retains a level-headed sense of humanity throughout the series.

Fallout (2024)

Most recently, Walton Goggins movies and TV shows expanded to include the highly anticipated Amazon Prime series Fallout (2024). Based on the popular video game franchise, Fallout allows Goggins to once again showcase his incredible range, playing both Cooper Howard, a pre-apocalypse actor, and The Ghoul, a post-apocalyptic mercenary. As The Ghoul, Goggins leans into his makeup and prosthetics, using them as an extension of his expressions rather than a limitation. His performance brings both the classic feel of a Wild West outlaw and the irradiated pathos of the Fallout universe.

Walton Goggins movies and TV shows have proven time and time again that he is one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation. Whether he’s playing a morally ambiguous criminal, a comedic scene-stealer, or a dramatic lead, Goggins brings a level of authenticity and charisma to every role that is truly unmatched. As he continues to take on new and exciting projects, one thing is certain: wherever Walton Goggins goes, audiences will eagerly follow.

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