In HBO’s acclaimed comedy series The Righteous Gemstones, a notably younger Walton Goggins embodies the comically eccentric older character, Uncle Baby Billy. Since the premiere of the series in 2019, Goggins’ portrayal has emerged as a vital comedic element, influencing nearly every significant storyline across its four seasons, despite Uncle Baby Billy’s sporadic appearances.
Currently, Goggins is also featured in the critically lauded HBO series The White Lotus, where he plays Rick Hatchett in its third season. His collaboration with Danny McBride, the creator and star of The Righteous Gemstones, is not new; the duo previously joined forces in the widely celebrated series Vice Principals, which aired for two seasons from 2016 to 2017. Goggins is no stranger to iconic television, having starred in legendary shows such as The Shield and Justified, and has also appeared in award-winning films like Lincoln and Django Unchained.
Uncle Baby Billy: A 70-Year-Old Character in The Righteous Gemstones
Walton Goggins’ Age During Filming
Image via Max
When Uncle Baby Billy was first introduced in season one of The Righteous Gemstones, he was depicted as a 70-year-old man, a role masterfully executed by Goggins, who was only 47 at the time of filming. The series, primarily shot in late 2018 and early 2019, showcases Goggins’ remarkable ability to embody a character much older than his actual age. As of season four, Uncle Baby Billy finds himself in his mid-seventies, yet retains an infectious youthful spirit.
In contrast, Goggins portrays a character closer to his actual age in The White Lotus, where he is cast as a middle-aged individual in his early 50s. Although both shows were filmed around the same timeframe, there is a notable 20-year age gap between Uncle Baby Billy and Rick Hatchett. This divergence illustrates Goggins’ versatility as an actor, skillfully delivering unique interpretations of both characters despite their contrasting natures.
The Casting Choice: Walton Goggins as Uncle Baby Billy
A Reunion of Comedic Talents
McBride’s decision to cast Walton Goggins as Uncle Baby Billy likely stemmed from their previous successful partnership on Vice Principals. While the character is significantly older than Goggins, McBride prioritized Goggins’ comedic talents and the chemistry established from their past collaboration, over absolute age accuracy.