Finally Taking the Lead

AFTER 34 YEARS AS THAT GUY YOU KNOW FROM SOMETHING, THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN IS READY FOR HOUSEHOLD NAME FAME 

- GILLIAN TELLING

Given the delightfully unusual name—plus a 34-year career that includes shows like The Shield, Justified and The Righteous Gemstones— you’d think everyone would already know who Walton Goggins is. “I get stopped on the street a lot, but it’s always, ‘Hey, you’re that guy!’” he says with a laugh, adding that his fans span generations. “I have the 30-year-olds that know me from Major League: Back to the Minors or Shanghai Noon, but even if they recognize me, they still get my name wrong. It’s usually ‘I love your work, Walter Scriggins!’”

That’s certainly about to change. Goggins, 52, is starring in Prime Video’s post apocalyptic drama series Fallout, premiering April 12, based on the popular video game. He plays a noseless bounty hunter named the Ghoul, and to achieve the character’s “sexy ghoul look,” he endured two hours in the makeup chair each day. “It was uncomfortable,” he admits of the prosthetics. “It was so hot in New York, where we filmed. Sweat would be coming out of my eyes!” Next, the father of one stars in the third season of HBO’s acclaimed drama