Leanne Goggins was best known as the first wife of actor Walton Goggins, who starred in popular shows like Justified, The Shield, and more recently, The White Lotus. While her husband became a familiar face on television, Leanne lived a quiet life away from the spotlight. Her story is one of passion for animals, personal struggles, and a tragic ending that deeply affected those who knew her.
Personal Info
| Full Name | Leanne Knight Goggins (also known as Leanne Kaun Goggins) |
|---|---|
| Birth Date | March 19, 1967 |
| Birth Place | Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada |
| Parents | Robert Brian “Bob” Knight and Peggy Kaun |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Dog Trainer and Pet Care Business Owner |
| Known For | First wife of actor Walton Goggins |
| Marriage | 2001-2004 (to Walton Goggins) |
| Death Date | November 12, 2004 |
| Age at Death | 37 years old |
Early Life and Background
Leanne was born on March 19, 1967, in Fredericton, Canada, to Peggy and Robert Brian “Bob” Knight. She grew up in a Christian household in New Brunswick, Canada. Her childhood was not easy. She was born with jaundice that predisposed her to infections, which made her sick often as a child. This condition required her to follow a strict diet and take special care of her health.
Despite these health challenges, Leanne completed her education and developed a deep love for animals. This passion would later become the center of her professional life.
Career and Love for Animals
Leanne moved to Los Angeles after marrying Walton Goggins. There, she followed her heart and started a dog-walking and pet care business in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood. According to clients who knew her, Leanne was exceptional at what she did. She did not just walk dogs – she made sure they had fun and stayed active through hiking, swimming, and running.
One client wrote a touching letter remembering Leanne. The client shared that just the sound of Leanne’s red and black jeep would make her normally quiet dog excited, whining and jumping with joy. Leanne would send daily updates to pet owners, including photos and stories about their dogs’ adventures. The client even joked that her dog seemed more attached to Leanne than to her own family.
This deep connection with animals showed Leanne’s kind heart and dedication. She truly loved what she did, and the animals loved her back.
Marriage to Walton Goggins
Goggins and Knight tied the knot in 2001 after meeting in 2000 and dating for about a year. The couple met after Walton finished filming the movie Shanghai Noon in Canada. Leanne moved from Canada to Los Angeles to be with him as his acting career began to take off.
However, their marriage faced difficulties. Walton’s busy work schedule kept him away from home often. Leanne was not happy living in Los Angeles and missed her home in Canada. The distance – both physical and emotional – created problems in their relationship. Despite these challenges, the couple stayed married for three years.
The Tragic End
On November 12, 2004, tragic news broke. Leanne died after jumping from the 17-floor of a high-rise office block in Los Angeles, California. She was 37 years old. The incident happened around 4:00 in the afternoon, and she was taken to the hospital but died from her injuries.
It was later revealed that Leanne had been suffering from chronic depression. Reports also showed that she had given Walton divorce papers just days before her death. The combination of mental health struggles and the end of her marriage proved too much for her to bear.
Leanne’s memorial service was held on Friday, 19 November 2004, at 2.00 p.m. at Hollywood Funeral Home in Los Angeles. She was later buried at the Rocky View Garden of Peace Cemetery in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, close to where she grew up.
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How It Affected Walton Goggins
Leanne’s death had a deep impact on Walton. In a 2019 interview, he opened up about how difficult it was to cope. He said he drifted for about three years after her death and that it took him a very long time to recover. He credited his friends and family for helping him understand that life continues and for supporting him through his darkest days.
To deal with his grief, Walton traveled to several countries, including Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Vietnam. He was looking for peace and trying to make sense of what happened. Years later, when he returned to Thailand to film The White Lotus in 2025, the experience brought back powerful memories. He found himself in the same places he had visited 20 years earlier while dealing with his pain.
Walton explained that he went to Thailand “looking for peace, looking for some resolution” after Leanne’s death. Filming in those same locations was emotional for him. He said he wished he could go back in time to hug his younger self and tell him that everything would be okay.
Life After Leanne
Walton eventually found love again. In 2011, seven years after Leanne’s death, he married filmmaker Nadia Conners. Nadia is known for directing the environmental documentary The 11th Hour. The couple has a son named Augustus, who was born in February 2011, just months before they got married.
Walton’s acting career continued to grow. He received praise for his roles in shows like Justified, Vice Principals, and The Shield. More recently, he appeared in The White Lotus, which brought renewed interest in his personal life and his first marriage to Leanne.
Remembering Leanne
Though Leanne lived most of her life away from the public eye, those who knew her remember her warmth and kindness. Her love for animals was genuine, and she found peace and happiness in caring for them. One client beautifully wrote that dogs live in the present moment, and perhaps being with them allowed Leanne to step out of time and forget her worries, even if just for a while.
Her story reminds us how important mental health is and how depression can affect anyone, even people who seem to have everything going for them. It also shows the value of having supportive people in our lives during hard times.
While Leanne’s life ended too soon, her memory lives on through the people and animals she touched during her time on earth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Leanne Goggins?
Leanne Goggins was a Canadian dog trainer and the first wife of American actor Walton Goggins. She was known for her successful pet care business in Los Angeles and her deep love for animals.
2. How did Leanne Goggins die?
Leanne died on November 12, 2004, after falling from the 17th floor of a building in Los Angeles. She was struggling with chronic depression at the time.
3. How long were Leanne and Walton Goggins married?
Leanne and Walton were married for three years, from 2001 until her death in 2004. They had separated before her passing.
4. Did Walton Goggins remarry after Leanne’s death?
Yes, Walton married filmmaker Nadia Conners in August 2011. They have one son together named Augustus.
5. What was Leanne Goggins’ profession?
Leanne owned and operated a dog-walking and pet care business in the Laurel Canyon area of Los Angeles. She was passionate about animals and provided excellent care for her clients’ pets.
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