“Who Gives a F*** What Other People Think”: Walton Goggins, Adam Scott and the Drama Actor Roundtable

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Walton Goggins expresses that having many friends means never being lacking or wanting anything, as the group of six actors gathered on a Sunday in early May toast to their camaraderie and their glasses tinkle with joy.

The toast was made during the closing moments of THR’s yearly gathering for Emmy-nominated drama actors, an unofficial tradition where six prominent TV personalities gather at Soho House in West Hollywood. In this instance, the standout performers from ‘White Lotus’ and ‘Righteous Gemstones’ were accompanied by Diego Luna (from ‘Andor’ and ‘La Máquina’), Eddie Redmayne (‘The Day of the Jackal’), Adam Scott (‘Severance’), Jeffrey Wright (‘The Agency’ and ‘The Last of Us’), and newcomer Cooper Koch (‘Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story’).

Prior to the eruption of cheers, a group of men who were largely strangers for the first time shared anecdotes about distressing experiences they encountered early in their careers – incidents such as being told they couldn’t get roles due to their perceived ‘gay’ voice or being advised that they needed to work harder because they weren’t considered attractive enough. They also spoke of restless nights before starting a new project. Amid these serious discussions, there were moments of humor and laughter as the actors, at various stages in their careers, discussed diverse topics ranging from on-screen nudity to amusing fan encounters, even delving into their favorite emojis used on their phones.

Do phrases like “a Diego Luna lookalike” or “a Walton Goggins resemblance” or similar expressions in a script give you an idea of the character’s appearance?

WALTON GOGGINS Uh, lonely and sad. (Laughter.)

ADAM SCOTT It’s hard to beat that.

JEFFREY WRIGHT I think Walton speaks for all of us.

And yet, I’m guessing that’s not what “an Adam Scott type” or “a Jeffrey Wright type” is?

WRIGHT I don’t find much material tailored for an actor like me, so I often need to adapt myself to different roles. If there is a specific character type, it might resemble someone with multiple personalities or something similar. It requires a good deal of versatility.

EDDIE REDMAYNE My roles can vary quite a bit depending on the projects I take on. In the beginning of my career, I mainly played somewhat eccentric American characters. Then, I transitioned into British period pieces, particularly those involving Queen Elizabeth. After starring in The Theory of Everything, I’ve been drawn to roles that are scientific and slightly anxious.

And now?

REDMAYNE Now, I’m being sent lots of sociopath assassins.

Recently, you mentioned, “People didn’t really know what to do with me. I’m not like Brad Pitt, I won’t ever be Brad Pitt, but I am Walton Goggins, and very few can match my unique path.” So, could you explain what makes your unique path or ‘lane’ distinct?

GOGGINS A significant part of it initially involves judging ourselves based on others and peeking into different paths, doesn’t it? This often leads to a lot of suffering. For the first couple of years, I found myself thinking, “I want to be like him” or “I wish I could be that person.” However, after this phase, I came to understand that I would never become any of those people. My first acting teacher in Los Angeles advised me, “You don’t have the traditional good looks, so you must work harder than everyone else here and truly cherish this craft.

What did hearing that do to you at that moment?

GOGGINS Maybe I’m weird, but it inspired me.

I hope he’s seeing all the headlines now.

GOGGINS Essentially, being true to yourself and sharing whatever unique thoughts or ideas you have within this platform is like running your own race. It’s the only track you’ve got, and it’s the one aspect you can truly manage.

SCOTT But sometimes it takes a long time to figure that out.

JASON KING Did it dawn on you at a particular instance, or was it a gradual process? I’ve found myself often measuring myself against others, which is something I’ve been pondering about in relation to your experience. Is there a point where you overcame this, or do you still find yourself grappling with it?

WRIGHT I’m trying to get over what that teacher said. That’s a rough thing to hear.

Has anyone else gotten harsh feedback, and maybe it even propelled you as it did Walton?

KOCH I had an acting teacher tell me that I wasn’t getting cast because I have a gay voice.

DIEGO LUNA No way!

SCOTT Jesus.

Does that propel or motivate you?

At that particular instance, I strongly disliked it. It stirred up doubts within me. And talking about self-doubt, I can’t help but wonder if it will ever cease. I’m petrified.

GOGGINS I think it will.

REDMAYNE I disagree. (Laughter.)

LUNA I concur with your sentiment. To address your initial inquiry, prior to Star Wars, the roles I was presented with were mostly associated with drug dealing. I could play the benevolent dealer rather than the ruthless one, but still, I was a drug dealer. The system didn’t seem to encourage or signal that it was possible for me to find roles that truly represented who I am and aligned with my aspirations. However, I believe things have shifted now, and there no longer exists an intermediary between the audience and us, like a man with a cigar saying, “You! You’re going to be a star, boy.” Instead, people are discovering content, and suddenly they might stumble upon a Mexican series. Even if you’re far removed from the system, it will seek out your story if there’s an audience yearning to hear it.

Before Star Wars, you said you got drug dealer roles. How about now?

LUNA I still often encounter drug dealers, (laughs) but it’s because I’m not interested in the roles they want me to play. Instead, I search for projects that suit my preferences. It’s this freedom that comes from recognizing that today’s audience values specificity. Back then, someone might have asked, “Will you tone down your accent?” That question is no longer relevant. When I was 20, it felt like they were saying, “You’re fantastic, and if you play to your accent, you’ll be like this person or that person.” But I thought, “Why would I want to imitate others? My unique qualities are what make me stand out.

SCOTT Back in 1994, when I first began, I’d often find myself gazing at Ethan Hawke’s images, emulating his style, from the way he wore his hair to the type of jacket he donned. To me, Ethan Hawke was and still is epitome of coolness.

KOCH Hot!

SCOTT And quite warm. (Laughter.) Naturally, that’s what I desired to be, but I was pursuing and striving to become something else, and it took me many years to understand that the only thing you possess is yourself, and you are the only one who can contribute to it. It took a long time for me to reach a point of comfort with this realization and believe that it has any worth.

I’m just wondering, similar to Jeffrey and everyone else in their respective careers, can you describe how the days or nights leading up to your start feel for you? Does the feeling of anxiety still persist in those moments?

WRIGHT I often question if I can successfully complete the task at hand. We’ve resumed working on The Agency, despite having already completed an entire season, and yet, I still find myself filled with doubt. However, I believe that we create challenges for ourselves when we become too comfortable or content, as that’s not a productive state of mind. A sense of urgency, of worry, arises from the desire to excel in our work.

WRIGHT I’m never sure if I can pull it off. We’ve restarted production on The Agency, and even though we’ve done a full season, I still feel unsure. But I think that what we do, or what I do, is create hurdles for ourselves when things get too easy, because being complacent isn’t a good place to be. There needs to be some level of drive, some level of concern, and it stems from the desire to do well.

Lastly:

WRIGHT I’m not always confident that I can accomplish what needs to be done. We’ve started working on The Agency again, even though we finished a whole season, and yet, I still have doubts. However, I believe that we set challenges for ourselves when things become too comfortable, as being content isn’t the best mindset. There should always be some level of motivation, some level of worry, and it arises from the desire to do well.

Redmayne shared an unforgettable experience from filming “The Theory of Everything.” He was so anxious on the first day, recreating moments in Stephen Hawking’s life, that he couldn’t sleep the night before. His call time was 5 a.m., but he stayed awake until then, bathing at 4:30 a.m. The whole day was a blur, and by the end, he was so exhausted that he broke down during a crucial scene. He finds it intriguing that he still struggles to sleep before big events, yet he’s learned to cope with functioning on minimal sleep for up to 48 hours. He has also come to terms with the fact that this is just his nature.

GOGGINS I think that is a part of the process.

Diego, you mentioned that your role in the 2001 movie “Y Tu Mamá Tambien” was what ultimately landed you a part in “Star Wars”. Didn’t that take you by surprise?

As a passionate gamer, let me share an experience where I found myself second-guessing my skills. It all started when Gareth Edwards, the director of Rogue One, expressed his desire to create a film with the same tone as Y Tu Mamá También within the Star Wars universe. Honestly, I never thought the two could intersect, but I aspired to achieve both. After all, I’ve been a fan of these iconic films since childhood. So when he said, “That’s the way to do it,” I knew I had to be working on something meaningful, something that would resonate with others.

But there were voices telling me what I needed to do to secure a project like Star Wars. They suggested hitting the gym, changing my accent, moving to California… But I refused to compromise. Instead, it was a Spanish project I completed in eight weeks in Mexico City that ultimately proved to be the key.

Prior to securing the role in “Monsters” on Netflix, Cooper had previously auditioned for two other productions by Menendez. Have you ever put in as much effort as he did for a part, knowing deep down that it was a role you were destined to play?

GOGGINS As I’ve grown older, my perspective on that matter has shifted. What I missed out on during my twenties had a profound impact on me that is now far less significant at the age of 53. Nowadays, I truly trust that if something is destined for me, it will ultimately come to pass.

It seems you’ve found yourself in several productions initially planned for a single episode, but you ended up staying on for numerous seasons instead.

In a serial format, I discovered an unexpected situation on The Shield. (Laughs.) I didn’t learn until the DVD commentary at the end of season one that they initially wanted to let me go. I remember thinking, “I barely had four lines; what did I do wrong?” However, it all worked out in the end. I was part of The Shield, Justified, and a few other shows, but things turned out alright.

For numerous individuals, your phones might be receiving calls differently than before these projects. Could you describe what these calls are like now, and share how you’re dealing with this current situation?

GOGGINS (PARAPHRASING) I’m throwing myself wholeheartedly into this new chapter without any hesitation. Unlike others who might choose to reinvent themselves or become more distant and sophisticated, I’m embracing my authentic self even more. I’m not merely approaching it; I’m charging straight at it with a chuckle. Yes, I’m receiving some fantastic opportunities now, but the dedication and mindset remain unchanged. The real me hasn’t changed over the past 30 years. And despite the anxiety that still keeps me awake before a big event, I trust myself to handle whatever comes my way once I’m there. We all can reach this stage where we’re confident in our abilities to navigate life’s challenges.

I’M EXCITEDLY ANTICIPATING MY ARRIVAL. IT SEEMS UNREAL THAT I’M TALKING TO ALL OF YOU, GIVEN HOW LONG I’VE BEEN WATCHING YOU. THIS MOMENT IS ABSOLUTELY SURREAL TO ME. I FEEL SO GRATEFUL FOR THE OPPORTUNITY TO BE HERE. IT’S ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THAT I WOULD OFTEN WATCH THESE [ROUNDTABLES] DURING MY SCHOOL DAYS. NOW, I’M ACTUALLY SITTING HERE WITH YOU ALL.

SCOTT Well, you’re incredible, you’re here for a reason.

KOCH Thank you.

Cooper, are you experiencing any pressure to take advantage of opportunities while they’re available and possibly commit to additional projects?

KOCH It can be challenging, as when I don’t deeply feel connected to the person or the story, my work suffers significantly. I’ve been pondering if there’s a strategy for discovering that emotional investment, or if it varies depending on the subject matter? And once identified, how do you decline opportunities? How do you accept them?

KOCH It’s hard because I need to feel deeply connected to a person or story to do my best work. I’ve been wondering if there’s a method for finding that emotional connection, or if it depends on the subject? And when I find it, how do I turn down opportunities? How do I accept them?

No can be as hard as yes.

KOCH Absolutely. I prefer attending auditions because it’s not just about convincing others, but more so about confirming to myself that I’m capable of delivering a strong performance. Once I’ve done that, I can approach the task with self-assuredness.

SCOTT A little while ago, Cooper and I discussed our paths ahead and the importance of choices, and I found myself explaining that what truly impacted my career were decisions I made not primarily driven by career goals. Instead, they stemmed from desires like enjoying the task, doing it with friends, or simply being passionate about the subject matter. I was never considering how these choices would boost my career. Whenever I’ve acted otherwise, things didn’t go as planned.

When Cooper received this role, he was still employed at Salt & Straw. Now, let me ask all of you: What is one piece of advice you wish someone had shared with you when you were at a similar stage in your professional journey?

SCOTT At the Salt & Straw point?

GOGGINS Did we all work there?

REDMAYNE Wait, what is Salt & Straw?

LUNA It sounds delicious.

It’s an ice cream shop.

LUNA Ah, cool.

As a gamer, I reflect on our previous conversation, and it seems to me that we should let go of the pressure to mold ourselves into something we’re not. The skills and passion within us are already there, waiting to be honed and showcased. However, this realization is a journey, one that each of us must embark on at our own pace.

For instance, I’m an old-timer in the gaming world, having been here for three decades now. When I first started, I dreamt of being like Ethan Hawke or Stephen Dorff, emulating the trends of the time. But with age and experience, I’ve learned to embrace myself and the unique abilities I bring to the table.

I’m incredibly thankful that I didn’t land roles in movies like Scream 2 or I Know What You Did Last Summer, or any of the countless auditions I tried out for. If I had gotten those roles, I fear I wouldn’t have been ready to handle them. Instead, I continued to grow and develop, preparing myself for greater challenges.

LUNA I see what you’re saying, Adam. I believe experiencing it myself was more valuable than being told about it. I was involved in theater with people who shared my enthusiasm, forming a close-knit community and family, right here in Mexico. And then came the movie Y Tu Mamá También, which unexpectedly took us on a journey, making us realize we could work in various communities worldwide. We encountered new audiences and even languages. I took on jobs that were far from satisfactory, if I may say so myself. To put it mildly, there are films from that period I’d be happy to hide under the table. (Laughter).

Is there anything the rest of you know now that you wish you knew earlier in your career?

What consistently requires your attention is your ego. It’s easy to get caught up in moments where you might think, “Now I must achieve certain standards or else I’ll be perceived this way or that way,” but who cares about other people’s opinions? Ultimately, focus on your work and less on trying to control or predict how others will perceive your experiences.

Perhaps it’s my peculiar attachment to this city, as for many British actors, Los Angeles was almost like a fantastical realm, a beacon of hope. We often visited during January, amidst pilot season. We’d share with our loved ones that we were going to try our luck in finding work, yet none of us would actually secure any roles. Instead, we sought refuge from the relentless rain back home.

It was you, Andrew Garfield, Jamie Dornan, Robert Pattinson …

As a gamer, stepping back into this place always stirs up a deep sense of nostalgia and romance for me. During those days, we were more like a band of misfits, not really living together but sharing an unspoken bond. The opportunities didn’t come knocking in Los Angeles; instead, they would find their way to me back home.

What I cherish about that time isn’t just the camaraderie, but the mutual support we gave each other. We were all auditioning for the same roles, and it wasn’t unusual for us to gather together to run lines or rehearse a play. It was during this struggle that we truly learned our craft, as most of us weren’t getting regular acting opportunities. Instead, we worked odd jobs to make ends meet.

Looking back, I can honestly say those were some of the happiest times in my career. The struggle brought us closer together and gave us a shared experience that few others could understand. It was a time of learning, growing, and ultimately finding our place in this vast world of entertainment.

One piece of advice I frequently give to the younger generation is, “If your goal is to pursue this path, I’d recommend focusing on subjects other than acting. Consider studying fields like biology or any subject that provides you with a broader understanding and perspective.

SCOTT Get out in the world.

Absolutely, since our goal is to convey ideas clearly, it’s crucial that we fully grasp them ourselves. As Eddie mentioned, reminiscing about the challenging times when you’re learning and figuring things out can be special. So, cherish those moments.

REDMAYNE But I’m also conscious that it was hideous at the time!

SCOTT Oh, it was such a bummer back then. (Laughter.)

As a fan, I’d say it’s all about the journey, not just the destination. I had the privilege of being part of the Angels in America miniseries alongside the legendary Al Pacino. Having performed the play on Broadway for over a year, I was familiar with the script, but each newcomer brought fresh perspectives. Rehearsals often took place at Al’s room on 57th Street, where he would delve deep into the script, exploring it from every angle. It seemed to me that he valued the process of preparation more than the performance itself, making each step feel like a meaningful adventure.

SCOTT Oh, interesting.

To him, it was all about the experience. He found greater significance in the process rather than the final outcome, and I believe there’s merit in such an approach.

I’ve discussed extensively how the industry perceives you; I’m intrigued about how your followers view you. When a fan encounters you, what usually triggers recognition and what kind of comments are typical from them?

As a fan myself, I’ve come up with a personal policy: Before asking for a selfie, let’s share some mutual admiration first. (Laughs.) Simply express your appreciation for the performance before you ask for that picture. It makes it feel more like a genuine interaction rather than just a request. Recently, someone trailed me to my car at the grocery store, solely for “Can I have a photo?” In such situations, I’d prefer a conversation over a snapshot. After all, I wouldn’t want to be seen as just another face in a camera roll, but as someone who shares a passion and connection.

SCOTT Help me load my groceries at least!

KOCH It’s truly rewarding when people approach you, saying things like “I adored your performance,” or “You’re fantastic,” or “Your work touched me deeply.” Hearing such comments makes one feel wonderful.

What do the rest of you get?

GOGGINS “Do you have any cocaine on you?” “Are you carrying some, man?” (Laughter ensues.) To me, it seems like people think, “Wow, this guy is cool! I’d love to grab a drink with him. I’d enjoy hanging out with him.” And I’m not sure if it’s due to my background or my general demeanor, but it feels like people just feel entitled to approach me — and I feel the same way too. It’s as though they’ve asked me to invest 84 hours of my life in various TV shows with them, and yet they can’t find time for a casual conversation? That’s absurd! So, it’s like, “Alright, what did you think of that episode? Really? What did you expect would happen?” And there have been some disagreements as a result.

You have?

GOGGINS Like, “I think you missed the point, man.”

You feel compelled to explain it to these fans?

In simpler terms, when someone presents an idea, such as “This is what I believe,” I might respond with, “That’s intriguing because I don’t quite agree with your perspective.” (Laughter ensues.) Yet, I enjoy engaging in such debates. And it may seem unusual, but being a father gives me a sense of fulfillment because every time someone stops me on the street, I can support my family. To me, it’s a blessing, not a burden.

LUNA It’s important to remember that an audience isn’t a single entity. For instance, fans of the Star Wars universe deeply cherish their interest. They are knowledgeable about your work, and this makes you feel valued. It’s as if someone shares your level of passion; typically, it’s the other way around. You create hoping to capture attention, and it’s often met with “Please watch my show.” Here, however, they eagerly anticipate your creation, asking, “When will your show be ready?

WRIGHT I admire the dedication people show towards productions like The Batman. They develop a profound attachment to these narratives and figures, and over time, I’ve come to value this deeply. In today’s unpredictable and bizarre world, stories offer a source of genuine hope and a tangible sense of personal bond and solace. This isn’t merely a surface-level connection; it’s essential. For instance, I look forward to attending Comic-Con.

You do?

Wright finds it delightful as it offers a unique chance to feel authentic admiration that often gets lost in its abstract nature due to the lack of a direct bond between performer and spectators, like the one found on a theatre stage.

SCOTT I share your sentiment towards Severance. Those who approach me to discuss it seem genuinely intrigued.

What do they typically say?

SCOTT Primarily, what matters most is how passionate they are about it and who they watch it with makes a significant difference. What’s fascinating is that when we initially created the show, we believed it was so peculiar that it would be overlooked. We never imagined it would resonate as deeply as it has, so it’s heartwarming when people approach us to discuss it. People are not only intelligent and engaged, but the show has become an integral part of their lives in a unique way, offering a comforting familiarity that is truly delightful.

REDMAYNE Do they give you plot suggestions?

SCOTT Oh, yeah!

REDMAYNE “As for season two, I’ve been pondering… It’s been a while since I’ve worked on a TV series that releases episodes weekly, and in this era where communication seems to be dwindling a bit, it’s fascinating to me that people eagerly await each new episode. And (to Goggins) I truly experienced it with your show; the excitement, the watercooler conversations, and the desire of fans to share their thoughts with you…

KOCH Have a connection!

REDMAYNE Yeah, and I’ve found that so thrilling. I’m like, “My God, you really care.”

SCOTT In situations when suspense is high because of pending events, it truly feels like…

GOGGINS It’s electrifying!

SCOTT (PARAPHRASED) It’s quite entertaining. Folks are curious, yet not genuinely interested in the details. Still, it’s a lot of fun interacting with them.

In New York City, perhaps during episode seven of The White Lotus, I was simply strolling down the street, and it felt dreamlike. It was as if someone on a balcony from a fifth-floor walk-up called out to me, “Goggins, come on, Rick.” Then a man emerged from a store, shouting, “Goggins!” Even a passerby in a car yelled, “Rick Hatchett, you’ve found peace, man.” And I would respond with a friendly greeting, “Hey, what’s up? I hope so too!” The experience was one block after another…

KOCH Must feel so good.

Absolutely, and it’s not about personal glory, correct? This cultural event just so happens to include you, and the same applies to Baby Billy from The Righteous Gemstones. It seems people simply adore Baby.

In the recent season, we encountered numerous instances of Baby Billy and Cooper’s shower scene attracted quite a bit of focus as well. Now, I know this might seem a bit off-topic, but I’d like to ask about something related – nudity. It’s safe to assume that most of you have had experience with this aspect in your professional careers…

GOGGINS Where’s this going? (Laughter.)

At times, you opt for a prosthesis, other times you employ a stand-in, and at yet other moments it occurs naturally. I’m intrigued about the discussions that take place regarding when to reveal what and how to present it in the most appropriate way?

SCOTT We’re talking penises.

KOCH Oh God.

REDMAYNE You made that a flawless pivot.

LUNA I find that TV discussions can become quite intricate. In filmmaking, I’ve handled similar issues, yet they didn’t seem as significant. Today, with the variety of communication tools and how swiftly images can be extracted from their original context and disseminated, things have certainly evolved. However, this isn’t a concern in cinema. It’s more about asking questions like, “What narrative are we crafting? How do we convey it effectively? And where will the camera be positioned?” It wouldn’t occur to me to phrase it as a mathematical problem, such as, “Should we proceed or not proceed, or should we approach it in this manner?” I simply can’t conceive of thinking in those terms. For instance, instead of, “Let’s maintain the same approach, but with no full nudity, just partial,” I find myself struggling to comprehend such terminology. It’s as if I don’t understand or speak that language.

Cooper, you said, “Oh God,” as soon as I brought it up. Why?

KOCH expressed his preference for authenticity, stating that he wished to portray scenes honestly and accurately. He felt that if a sex scene were immediately covered up with blankets, it seemed unrealistic. He wanted to avoid any need for concealment or pretense, and instead, he desired the scene (which he performed without a prosthetic) to depict real-life circumstances as they would occur in that specific situation.

To wrap up, let me ask you something fun yet insightful: Which emoji do you use the most on your device?

KOCH I do the hug.

SCOTT Oh, that’s nice.

GOGGINS I have the grin one, you know the super cool one with shades?

KOCH That makes so much sense.

REDMAYNE I have the one with the massive amount of teeth.

SCOTT I’m a dad, so it’s the thumbs-up. My kids are just like, “Jesus Christ. Use something else.”

GOGGINS That is so funny.

KOCH The dad thumbs-up!

SCOTT (To Goggins.) You use the thumbs-up, too?

GOGGINS No, [my son] shut that down pretty quick.

SCOTT I need to stop.

WRIGHT Face-palm is mine. It’s fitting.

LUNA I’m boring. I have one that I use, which is a little boy dancing.

How is that boring?

LUNA Well, because it’s been happening for eight or nine years.

SCOTT Is that like an affirmation? Like, right on?

As a gamer, here’s how I might rephrase it in the first person:

LUNA You know what I say when things aren’t going so great? “It’ll get better from here.” It’s a versatile line that works for all sorts of situations. Sometimes, I like to spin it as, “Hey, life’s a game, let’s have fun!” Other times, if someone shares an insightful thought, I exclaim, “Wow, you just dropped some wisdom there!” And when I’m having one of those days, I might even think, “Man, if only I was that lucky character in the game.” It’s my go-to line!

REDMAYNE I’m concerned that the emojis I use might reflect my character traits, and I should have given it more consideration when choosing them.

The article you’re reading was published in the June 18th edition of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To keep up with our future publications, consider subscribing.

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2025-06-17 16:36