Walton Goggins Embraces Sex Symbol Status (Sort Of) in Hilarious SNL Monologue
Walton Goggins, the veteran actor known for his intense and often morally ambiguous characters, recently found himself in an unexpected position: a sex symbol in his 50s. While the attention was flattering initially, Goggins’s reaction to the headlines surrounding his newfound heartthrob status formed the basis of a self-deprecating and genuinely funny monologue during his recent stint hosting Saturday Night Live.
The monologue kicked off with Goggins addressing the internet’s fascination with his character, Rick, from the latest season of HBO’s acclaimed anthology series, "The White Lotus." Rick, a man consumed by grief and vengeance following his father’s death, apparently struck a chord with viewers, specifically, his brooding intensity. Goggins humorously recounted conversations with friends who inquired about what it felt like to become a sex symbol at 53.
"And you know what? If I’m being honest, it feels fantastic!" Goggins declared, basking in the audience’s applause. However, he quickly pivoted, adding, "At least, it did until I Googled myself and read some of the headlines."
This marked the turning point of the monologue, as Goggins proceeded to display a series of increasingly ridiculous and, in his view, slightly insulting headlines that had surfaced in the wake of his "White Lotus" performance. The first headline targeted his hairline, claiming that "White Lotus" fans were attracted to his "receding hairline." Goggins, with mock indignation, vehemently denied any receding, stating that he’s had the same hairline since he was 7 years old and it’s simply "holding its ground."
The next headline he presented was even more outlandish: "His Hair Is Greasy. His Eyes Are Bulging. I Think I’m in Love." Goggins feigned applause for the "beautiful journalism" on display, showcasing his ability to find humor in the absurdity of the situation.
The final headline, however, seemed to truly get under his skin, albeit in a comedic way: "Hollywood’s Newest Heartthrob Is a Greasy, Depressing Little Man Whom No One Saw Coming." While the description was undeniably harsh, Goggins hilariously confessed that it wasn’t the "greasy" or "depressing little man" part that bothered him. Instead, it was the word "whom." With perfect comedic timing, he quipped that it "just sounds pretentious." This unexpected punchline highlighted Goggins’s sharp wit and ability to find humor in the most unexpected details.
Despite poking fun at the media’s portrayal of him, Goggins made it clear that he was ultimately unfazed by the attention. He embraced the absurdity of the situation and used it as fodder for a genuinely entertaining monologue.
Transitioning from the self-deprecating humor, Goggins dedicated the latter half of his monologue to his mother, emphasizing her importance in his life, especially since the episode aired on the eve of Mothers Day. He described her as the "most important person in my life" and shared a heartwarming anecdote about his childhood. Growing up, whenever his mother couldn’t afford a babysitter, she would take him with her to honky-tonks.
This anecdote served as a lead-in to a touching and memorable moment as Goggins invited his mother onto the stage. Together, they performed a clog dance, showcasing their close bond and providing a heartwarming conclusion to the monologue. It was a genuine and touching moment that showcased a different side of Goggins, moving beyond the tough-guy persona he often embodies on screen.
Beyond the monologue, Goggins fully immersed himself in the SNL experience, starring in a variety of sketches throughout the episode. One particularly memorable sketch featured him as a flirtatious server at a Mothers Day brunch. His character relentlessly pursued the mothers, played by Sarah Sherman and Heidi Gardner, speaking suggestively and unbuttoning his shirt to an excessive degree, much to the discomfort of their sons, portrayed by Mikey Day and Andrew Dismukes. This sketch showcased Goggins’s comedic range and his willingness to embrace absurd and over-the-top characters.
It’s worth noting that Goggins’s SNL hosting gig came shortly after his "White Lotus" co-star, Aimee Lou Wood, criticized the show for a sketch that made fun of her teeth. Wood had previously stated that she wouldn’t join Goggins on SNL, but emphasized that she had enjoyed working with him.
Overall, Walton Goggins’s SNL hosting debut was a resounding success. He delivered a memorable monologue that expertly balanced self-deprecating humor with genuine emotion. He embraced the absurdity of his newfound sex symbol status while also taking the opportunity to honor his mother in a touching tribute. His willingness to fully commit to the various sketches throughout the episode further solidified his comedic talents and showcased his versatility as a performer. From poking fun at his "receding" hairline to clog dancing with his mom, Goggins proved that he’s not just a brooding character actor, but also a talented and engaging comedic force.
