Walton Sanders Goggins Jr. was born on November 10, 1971, in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. Raised in Lithia Springs, Georgia, he had a deep appreciation for the arts from a young age. His upbringing in the South played a significant role in shaping his character and the roles he would later take on in Hollywood.
Goggins was always fascinated with storytelling, and his early experiences in Georgia allowed him to develop a unique perspective on life and human behavior. He attended Lithia Springs High School and later enrolled at Georgia Southern University, though he eventually decided to focus on acting rather than complete his degree.
Acting Career Beginnings
Walton Goggins’ career began with small roles in television and film. His first big break came in 1992 when he appeared in Murder in Mississippi. Though the role was minor, it gave him a foot in the industry and motivated him to move to Los Angeles to pursue acting full-time.
To support himself during this early phase, Goggins took on odd jobs, including working in valet parking and selling cowboy boots. His perseverance eventually paid off when he landed roles in films like The Apostle (1997) alongside Robert Duvall and The Crow: Salvation (2000). However, his true breakthrough would come in the early 2000s.
Breakthrough Role: The Shield
One of the defining moments in Walton Goggins’ career came in 2002 when he was cast as Detective Shane Vendrell in the critically acclaimed FX crime drama The Shield. Playing the unpredictable and often morally compromised cop, Goggins showcased his ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters. His performance was widely praised, and he became one of the standout actors on the show throughout its seven-season run (2002–2008).
Success with Justified and Sons of Anarchy
Following The Shield, Goggins continued to build his reputation with another iconic role: Boyd Crowder in Justified (2010–2015). Initially, his character was supposed to be killed off in the pilot episode, but his captivating performance convinced the showrunners to keep him as a main character. Justified became one of the most critically acclaimed shows of its time, and Goggins’ portrayal of the charming yet ruthless Boyd Crowder was central to its success.
During the same period, he also made a notable guest appearance in Sons of Anarchy, playing Venus Van Dam, a transgender woman. His portrayal was met with widespread acclaim, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
Expanding into Film
While Goggins was known for his television work, he successfully transitioned into major Hollywood films. He collaborated with Quentin Tarantino in Django Unchained (2012) and The Hateful Eight (2015), playing complex antagonistic roles that demonstrated his ability to hold his own among A-list actors.
He also appeared in Lincoln (2012), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013), Maze Runner: The Death Cure (2018), and Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), further expanding his filmography. His work in Tomb Raider (2018) as the primary villain, Mathias Vogel, proved that he could seamlessly transition between television and blockbuster films.
Recent Projects and Future Endeavors
In recent years, Goggins has continued to diversify his portfolio. He starred in the CBS sitcom The Unicorn (2019–2021), proving that he could excel in comedic roles just as well as in drama. He also took on a key role in the HBO series The Righteous Gemstones and starred in the hit video game adaptation series Fallout (2024).
Looking ahead, Walton Goggins remains one of Hollywood’s most respected character actors, with several projects in the pipeline. His ability to transform into any role makes him a sought-after talent in both television and film.
Personal Life
Spouse/Partner
Walton Goggins has been married to filmmaker Nadia Conners since 2011. The couple shares a son named Augustus.
Children
Goggins and Conners have one child, a son named Augustus Goggins.
Parents
His parents, Walton Sanders Goggins Sr. and Janet Long, supported his artistic aspirations from an early age.
Siblings
There is limited public information about Goggins’ siblings, as he prefers to keep certain aspects of his personal life private.
Physical Attributes
- Nickname: Walt
- Height: 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Age: 53 (as of 2025)
- Date of Birth: November 10, 1971
- Zodiac Sign: Scorpio
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Actor, Producer
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Dark Brown
- Shoe Size: 10 (US)
- Body Measurements: Athletic build, well-maintained physique
Net Worth
As of 2025, Walton Goggins’ net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. His wealth comes from his extensive television and film career, along with production ventures. With continued success in Hollywood, his net worth is expected to grow in the coming years.
Education
Goggins attended Lithia Springs High School in Georgia and later went to Georgia Southern University. However, he left college to pursue acting full-time, a decision that ultimately paid off.
Social Media Handles
Walton Goggins is known for being somewhat private but does engage with fans on social media platforms:
- Instagram: @waltongogginsbonafide
- Twitter: @waltongoggins
His accounts often showcase behind-the-scenes moments, personal insights, and advocacy work.
Walton Goggins’ journey from a small-town boy in Georgia to a celebrated Hollywood actor is an inspiring one. His dedication to his craft, ability to play complex characters, and willingness to take risks have made him one of the most versatile actors in the industry. With more projects lined up, his star power continues to rise, solidifying his status as a powerhouse performer in Hollywood.
