“The White Lotus” star Walton Goggins began his first time hosting “Saturday Night Live” on May 10 reflecting on the internet’s particular interest in his character, Rick Hatchett. And he had the receipts to prove it.
“No spoilers, but I die. My character in ‘White Lotus’ is pretty brooding, which the internet seemed to find attractive,” Goggins said. “Some of my friends have even asked me, ‘Walton, what’s it like to become a sex symbol at 53 years old?’ And you know what, if I’m being honest, it feels fantastic.”
Goggins then proceeded to pull up media headlines as receipts, including Cosmopolitan’s article titled “Are We All Horny for Walton Goggins’s Receding Hairline?” Goggins responded by quipping: “I’ve had the same hairline since I was seven. It’s not receding, it’s holding its ground.”
After pulling up the headline “Hollywood’s Newest Heartthrob Is a Greasy, Depressing Little Man Whom No One Saw Coming,” Goggins joked and said: “Thank you? For some reason, the part of that headline that offends me the most is the word ‘whom.’ It just sounds pretentious.”
Goggins then transitioned to talking about his upbringing, inviting his mom onto the stage. The two began slow dancing before surprising the audience with their quick tap dancing skills.
In addition to his mother stopping by, Goggins had more support later in the episode, as his good friend and “White Lotus” co-star Sam Rockwell appeared in a pre-taped sketch about tiny feet.
Goggins’ “SNL” appearance comes over a month after “The White Lotus” Season 3 finished airing on HBO. Other recent “SNL” hosts include “Abbott Elementary” star Quinta Brunson and Oscar-winning “Anora” star Mikey Madison.
Watch the monologue below.
From Variety US