Walton Goggins Reveals Emotional Farewell to Iconic Role: “I am Mourning”

Walton Goggins is preparing to bid farewell to one of his most beloved roles, Baby Billy in The Righteous Gemstones.

The HBO comedy series by Danny McBride, which satirizes a hypocritical televangelist family, is wrapping up after four seasons. Goggins’s character ends the series with a typically outrageous plot, pitching a TV show about a teenage Jesus, dubbed “Teen-Jus.” For Goggins, who also stars in Fallout and Season 3 of The White Lotus, it’s a fitting yet bittersweet conclusion.

“I’m genuinely sad that I won’t be playing Baby Billy anymore. I adore him,” Goggins shared during a recent interview with DECIDER.

Goggins, a Justified veteran and 2023 Satellite Award nominee for his role, reveals that his family, particularly his wife, Nadia Conners, and their son, Augustus, are also fans of Baby Billy. Initially just another project with McBride, it quickly became a family favorite.

“I’d entertain my family with Baby Billy impressions using the latest scripts, which were always hilarious. Their love for the character was a huge affirmation for me,” Goggins admitted, noting the difficulty in letting go of such a character.

For more insights from Goggins on his latest season, as well as his thoughts on becoming a meme from The White Lotus and other standout projects, see the full interview on Decider below.

DECIDER: Walton, can you discuss what it’s been like for viewers discovering The Righteous Gemstones after your role on HBO’s other hit show? What’s their reaction to seeing such a contrast in characters?

WALTON GOGGINS: It’s incredibly gratifying. The support and reactions to these contrasting roles have been amazing. It’s all about the alignment of these projects, which was somewhat unplanned but wonderfully serendipitous. I’m just thankful for this journey.

People have turned one of your characters into an iconic meme. How often do you see it?

I’m frequently reminded of that day on set, which is now a beloved meme. It brings back such vivid, fun memories of filming, and it’s a testament to the lasting impact of those moments.

As we conclude this series, do you find yourself still channeling Baby Billy?

Absolutely. The character of Baby Billy has been a joy to portray, and I often find myself slipping into his persona, even though filming has ended. The love and reaction from fans over the years have been truly moving.

Lastly, with your characters often facing intense scenarios, how has this affected your thoughts on your own life and legacy?

Reflecting on these roles has made me more mindful of the day-to-day and the legacy I wish to leave. It’s about appreciating each day and the work I get to do, hoping to be remembered for my dedication and the joy I bring to my craft.

The Righteous Gemstones is available for streaming on Max, with new episodes premiering every Sunday at 7 PM PT.