‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Walton Goggins Talks NSFW Finale, Baby Billy’s Goodbye, and Why He’ll Miss It All
Walton Goggins has said goodbye to one of his wildest and funniest roles — Baby Billy Freeman from The Righteous Gemstones. The hit HBO comedy is now in its fourth and final season, and Goggins recently reflected on his time on the show in an interview with Collider.
Created by Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones follows a family of famous televangelists who argue and fight but always stick together in the end. Baby Billy, played by Goggins, is a character who’s always chasing money and fame, whether it’s through a Bible-themed game show or a bizarre TV drama about teenage Jesus.
Goggins said the ending felt “bittersweet” and emotional.
“I think all of us are sad. Devastated is not the right word, but it is bittersweet, watching it with everyone,” he said. “At the beginning of this season, I don’t think any of us were really prepared to say goodbye.”
The final day of filming was special, but also hilarious and very on-brand for the show.
“A lot of us were around a table for a big family meal. That was the last day of shooting,” Goggins said. “And of course, it was with a monkey jacking off. What better way to spend the last day of your four-year journey on The Righteous Gemstones.”
Goggins had just as much fun with Baby Billy’s crazy outfits as he did with the character. Over the four seasons, Baby Billy went from a washed-up preacher to the star of two hit TV shows.
“His clothing has gone from the guy who was denied all of it… to two hit TV shows, a gold ring, and a super-nice car,” Goggins said. “I never questioned anything that they put on me… I just said, ‘Whatever you want to do. Just use me, and I’ll be there.’”
Things got even funnier with “Teenjus,” the fake teen Jesus show within the series. Goggins didn’t know what was coming when the season started.
“I didn’t even think all the scripts were available,” he said. “Halfway through the season, [Danny] said, ‘Oh, you have another number… It’s called Teenjus.’”
For a dance scene, Goggins decided to just go for it.
“I just said, ‘No choreography for me. Just clear me a circle and then play it and just let me do my thing.’”
One of the craziest moments of the season involved Baby Billy showing off more than just his personality. Goggins was nervous at first.
“I hope Danny doesn’t want me to use my real penis,” he joked. “I’ll do anything for you, buddy, but I can’t show my penis.”
He ended up needing more than one “dick double,” especially for a naked water-skiing scene.
“I forgot about the naked water-skiing,” Goggins laughed. “That’s a different penis, by the way… I think the original dick double didn’t know how to water ski.”
Even during more serious moments, Baby Billy had a thing for bringing up his anatomy.
“Baby has a fixation with his penis,” he said. “Certainly in the scene in episode two… and then later on, when he’s talking about Eli’s masculinity and touching his own penis again. I don’t know what it is, but it is very funny.”
Even with all the outrageous moments, Goggins says the show had heart, and so did Baby Billy.
“They all love each other, and they always did love each other,” he said about the Gemstone family. “What is important? I think every member of this family would say, ‘Well, your relationship with God is very important… as long as you have Gucci loafers on.’”
He praised Danny McBride for the way he wrapped up the story.
“What Danny has to say in the finale is sublime. He goes big to get really, really small and intimate, and he does it better than anyone.”
Looking back, Goggins is grateful for the entire experience.
“I’m going to miss everyone so much. I’m going to miss Charleston so much. The place was as important as the story,” he said. “Everyone in that cast are some of the funniest people I know… It was one of the greatest experiences of my life and one of the most joyous experiences of my life.”