Walton Goggins has recently shared his experiences living in Madrid while filming his latest movie, “Mister,” a venture that has taken the award-winning actor far from his quiet life in Upstate New York. In a lively conversation with PEOPLE, Goggins reflected on his time abroad, where he has fully embraced local culture, indulged in Spanish cuisine, and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere that the city offers.
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Now residing in Madrid for a few months, Goggins, known for his role in “The White Lotus,” has taken to social media to document his adventures in the Spanish capital. “I’m in Madrid and I’m working, so life is good,” the 54-year-old actor remarked during a Zoom interview. His current project is an action-comedy film that also stars Chloë Grace Moretz, and he has quickly developed fond memories during his stay in the city.
Goggins has particularly enjoyed attending Real Madrid football matches, an experience that has brought him closer to the lively spirit of Spanish culture. He mentioned that he found himself in the spotlight at one of the games, not out of design, but simply by being an enthusiastic supporter. “I’ve been in a few magazines and on TV at the Real Madrid game the other night, not because that’s what I was looking to do. It’s just because I was going to support this team,” he shared, referring to the iconic club that has called Estadio Bernabéu home since 1947.
The actor’s explorations have not been limited to sports; he has also visited local markets, specifically the Rastro, which is renowned for its open-air flea market that operates every Sunday and public holiday. “I’ve been shopping at an antique market in the Rastro,” he noted, capturing the charm of the market, which has deep historical roots dating back to the 1600s. Goggins expressed enthusiasm for his interactions with locals, many of which occurred from the balcony of his rented apartment overlooking the street.
Describing this connection with residents, Goggins said, “I have a balcony that overlooks the street… People know that I live here. I sit out on that balcony and people come by and they take pictures, then I drink wine and I listen to music.” He cherishes these spontaneous moments, which he shared on social media, including an encounter where a passerby recognised him. “You never know who you’re going to meet… or what was happening in their life prior to your encounter,” he posted, highlighting the importance of these informal interactions.
In addition to enjoying the local culture, Goggins has spent quality time with his family, including his wife Nadia Conners and their son, Augustus. The trio has explored various parts of the city, including their visit to the International Contemporary Art Fair ARCOmadrid, one of the leading platforms for modern art. “Some people may love engaging with the world as much as I do… but no one loves it more,” he expressed on social media, illustrating his enthusiasm for embracing new experiences.
While Goggins is enjoying his time in Spain, he is also deeply invested in his work on “Mister.” Despite initial fears about tackling the film’s challenging subject matter, he is dedicated to creating something meaningful. “I was very fearful going into this experience… and maybe I’m not able to pull it off, but I’m giving it everything that I have,” he admitted, reflecting the dedication he brings to his craft.
The film follows Goggins’ character who finds himself in a precarious situation, and he described it as both humorous and poignant, sharing hopes that it would resonate with audiences. “Mister… moves me and I hope it moves other people. It’s funny as s–t and actually says something really kind about the world,” he stated, encapsulating the essence of the film.
Goggins’ time in Madrid hasn’t been without its commitments, as he has also worked on a commercial for GoDaddy. A staple in the web hosting market, the company’s campaign required Goggins to balance his filming schedule with promotional efforts. “They came over here. They made the trek, and I had a day. That was it,” he revealed, acknowledging the time constraints while emphasising the importance of delivering the right message.
As he reflects on his many adventures in Europe, Walton Goggins concludes simply, “I’m just having the time of my life, man, really.” His enthusiasm for Madrid, its people, and his current project underline a thrilling chapter in the actor’s life, where personal and professional realms beautifully intertwine.