White Lotus star Walton Goggins reveals tragic connection to Thailand in emotional interview

Walton Goggins Revisits Past Trauma in Thailand During ‘The White Lotus’ Season 3 Filming

Actor Walton Goggins experienced a profound sense of déjà vu upon arriving in Thailand to film the third season of HBO’s acclaimed series, The White Lotus. The 53-year-old star’s return to the tropical locale evoked memories of a previous escape to the same paradise two decades prior, following a personal tragedy.

Recalling a Painful Past

In a candid interview with GQ magazine, Goggins revealed the deeply personal connection to Thailand. “I had someone in my life that committed suicide,” Goggins stated, referring to his former wife, Leanne Knight. The Critics Choice Award recipient was married to Knight from 2001 until her death in 2004.

Knight’s passing was ruled a suicide after she was reported missing and her body was discovered. The experience left Goggins feeling emotionally devastated. “I thought it was really unrecoverable for me. Life on the other side of that,” he admitted.

Seeking Solace in Travel

In the aftermath of the tragedy, Goggins embarked on a journey of healing. “I spent the next three years looking for an excuse… certainly putting myself in situations that were questionable,” he explained. His travels took him across the globe, including destinations like India, Vietnam, and Cambodia, with Thailand marking the initial stage of his wanderings.

Eerie Déjà Vu on Set

Returning to Thailand for “The White Lotus” triggered unexpected recollections. “The first island we were staying on, I realized, I’ve been on this road before,” Goggins recounted. As production progressed, the sense of familiarity intensified. “And then the next island we went to, I realized, ‘I’ve definitely been on this beach before. I know this boardwalk.’ And all of the things kept coming back.”

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The unsettling coincidences culminated on the final night of filming in Bangkok, along the Chao Phraya River. “We pulled up to this dock, and I was like, ‘I know this dock.'”

The coincidences continued when the Emmy-nominated actor recognized a nearby hotel. “Oh my God. That’s the room I stayed in 20 years ago. That’s my balcony. That’s where I was the very first day I came here, 20 years ago, and in so much f-ing pain, man.”

Adding to the surreal experience, the filming equipment was positioned directly in front of the very hotel Goggins had selected during his prior visit. “We got out of the boat, and that’s where we were filming, man—all of the equipment was literally right in front of the hotel that I’d picked 20 years ago.”

Reflecting on Symmetry and Healing

Contemplating these remarkable parallels, the Righteous Gemstones performer expressed a sense of wonder. “I think I haven’t had the time to fully unpack the symmetry between those two people showing up at the same place, separated by 20 years.”

Looking back on that difficult period, Goggins offered words of empathy for his past self. “I wish I could hug that guy,” he reflected, adding, “I wish I could whisper in his ear, ‘You’re going to be okay. Life continues, and it continues for everybody if you can just hold on and lean into it and keep walking the walk that you’re walking, and keep looking for the answers.'”

Life After Loss

Goggins has since found happiness and remarried writer and director Nadia Conners in 2011. They are parents to a 14-year-old son, Augustus.

Today, Goggins emphasizes gratitude. “I don’t take it for granted, man. If my life ends tomorrow, don’t weep for me, man, because God, whoever she is, has always been looking out for me. And protecting me.”

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out for help:

• US: Call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
• UK: Contact the Samaritans anonymously and free of charge at 116 123, or visit samaritans.org.