The Walking Dead marked an era in the zombie series universe, winning over millions of fans around the world with its intense plot and unforgettable characters. Although the original series has come to an end, its legacy lives on, especially with the spin-offs that expand this dark universe.
In this article, we’ll explore the cast of The Walking Dead , remember the main names that brought this story to life and reveal what the actors and technical team have been up to since the series ended.
Discover the new trajectories, current projects and even career changes of the talents who were part of this television phenomenon.
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The Walking Dead series
The Walking Dead is a post-apocalyptic drama television series that follows the struggle for survival of a group of people in a world devastated by a virus that turns the dead into zombies.
The plot begins with Sheriff Rick Grimes waking up from a coma to discover that civilization has collapsed, and he must gather survivors to face not only the undead, but also the dangers of humans themselves amidst the chaos.
Over the course of its 11 seasons, the series explores different communities and conflicts, such as the search for a safe haven in the prison, the confrontation with the tyrant Governor in Woodbury, and the war against the Saviors led by Negan, one of the most iconic villains in history. In addition, the narrative shows the evolution of the characters, their losses, alliances and moral dilemmas in a scenario where survival is always uncertain.
The Walking Dead has won over a legion of fans around the world, becoming a cultural phenomenon that has spawned spin-offs and expanded its universe, keeping interest alive even after the end of the original series.
The Cast of The Walking Dead
The cast of The Walking Dead is made up of a diverse group of actors who have brought to life memorable characters throughout the series’ 11 seasons.
Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes
Andrew Lincoln has won over worldwide audiences playing Rick Grimes, the protagonist of The Walking Dead , since the series premiered in 2010. As sheriff, Rick wakes up from a coma in the midst of the zombie apocalypse and quickly becomes the leader of the group of survivors, facing challenges from both the undead and other humans.
His intense and charismatic performance made Rick one of the most iconic characters on television, earning Lincoln awards such as the Saturn Award for Best Actor in 2015 and 2017.
Lincoln left the series in the ninth season in 2018 to devote more time to his family, but returned to the role in 2022 in the final episode and in the spin-off The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live , released in 2024.
Andrew Lincoln also starred in the film An Unexpected Miracle alongside Naomi Watts after his departure from The Walking Dead. Even after his departure, Rick Grimes’ impact remained strong among fans, cementing Andrew Lincoln as the face of the franchise and one of the biggest names in the universe of post-apocalyptic series.
Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon
Norman Reedus became one of the great icons of The Walking Dead when he played Daryl Dixon, a character created exclusively for the series and who quickly won over the public with his charisma, survival skills and loyalty to the group.
Initially introduced as a lone hunter and brother of Merle Dixon, Daryl evolved over the seasons, becoming one of the most important leaders of the group of survivors and, in the last three seasons, he took center stage in the plot.
Daryl’s popularity was so great that Reedus earned his own spin-off, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon , released in 2023, where the character embarks on a new journey in France after the events of the main series. The success of the spin-off further cemented Reedus’ importance in the franchise’s universe, showing his versatility as an actor and the strength of the character with fans.
In addition to his work on The Walking Dead , Reedus maintains a diverse career in film, literature and television, being also recognized for his performance in films such as Blade II, Vandals Club released in 2024 and the series Ride with Norman Reedus .
Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier
Melissa McBride shone on The Walking Dead as Carol Peletier, a character who underwent one of the most remarkable developments in the series. Initially presented as a shy, submissive woman and victim of domestic abuse, Carol surprised everyone by transforming, over the seasons, into one of the strongest, most strategic and resilient survivors of the group.
Interestingly, McBride did not audition for the role, which she believed would be temporary. However, her performance won over the producers, and Carol not only remained in the plot but became a key player, gaining prominence from the second season onwards and her name in the main credits from the fourth.
The Carol in the TV series is very different from the comic book version, being more mature, pragmatic and compassionate, with a trajectory of overcoming and leadership admired by both fans and critics. McBride’s work has earned her several awards and accolades, consolidating the character as one of the most complex and beloved in the universe of The Walking Dead .
McBride received an award for her performance as Carol, the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress on Television in 2014.
Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene
Lauren Cohan won over audiences on The Walking Dead as Maggie Greene, a character who evolved from an inexperienced young woman on her family’s farm to one of the strongest and most resilient leaders of the group of survivors.
Her relationship with Glenn Rhee, marked by moments of hope and tragedy, became one of the most beloved in the series, and mourning the loss of Glenn was fundamental to Maggie’s maturity and emotional complexity.
Cohan left the series after the eighth season due to contractual issues, starring in the series Whiskey Cavalier during her absence. However, she returned for the final seasons of The Walking Dead , bringing even more depth to the character, who had already faced great losses and challenges, including the difficult decision to spare Negan, the man responsible for Glenn’s death.
After the end of the main series, Lauren Cohan continued in the franchise’s universe by starring in the spin-off The Walking Dead: Dead City , alongside Jeffrey Dean Morgan, exploring the complex dynamic between Maggie and Negan in a new setting.
Recognized for her intense performance and charisma, Lauren Cohan consolidated Maggie Greene as one of the most striking figures in the zombie universe on television.
Danai Gurira as Michonne
Danai Gurira left a deep mark on The Walking Dead when she played Michonne, a character introduced in the third season and who quickly became one of the most iconic figures in the series.
With her katana and strong personality, Michonne won fans around the world and was essential to the development of the group of survivors. Gurira remained in the main cast until the tenth season, saying goodbye in episode 13, “What We Become”, totaling 96 episodes and moving the audience when she left the series to search for Rick Grimes, her great love, after discovering clues that he could be alive.
Danai Gurira’s farewell was marked by emotion, both among fans and behind the scenes, and the actress always highlighted her affection for the team and the universe of the series. Three years after her departure, in 2022, Danai surprised everyone by announcing, together with Andrew Lincoln, the spin-off The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live .
In the miniseries, released in 2024, Gurira not only returned to the role of Michonne, but also acted as co-creator, executive producer and screenwriter for one of the episodes, showing her versatility and creative involvement in the franchise’s universe.
Out of The Walking Dead, Danai Gurira achieved international success playing Okoye, the general of the Dora Milaje, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films, including Black Panther and Avengers: Infinity War and Ultimatum, receiving several awards and critical acclaim.
In addition to being an actress, Gurira is an award-winning playwright and activist, establishing herself as one of the most influential artists of her generation.
Steven Yeun as Glenn Rhee
Steven Yeun brought Glenn Rhee to life, one of the most beloved and iconic characters on The Walking Dead. Glenn, originally a pizza delivery boy, quickly stood out for his courage, intelligence and sense of humanity, becoming a key player in the group led by Rick Grimes.
His trajectory, marked by heroic acts and his relationship with Maggie Greene, moved fans throughout seven seasons, until his shocking death at the hands of Negan, at the beginning of the seventh season.
After leaving the series, Steven Yeun went through a period of personal reflection, highlighting in interviews that he felt a kind of existential crisis when saying goodbye to the character, but considered Glenn’s ending as natural for the story.
Outside of the zombie universe, Yeun has built a highly prestigious career, being nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for Minari and winning important awards for his performance in Bullshit, in addition to participating in films such as On Fire and Okja, and give voice to the characterens in successful animations, such as Invincible.
Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes
Chandler Riggs has played Carl Grimes, Rick Grimes’ son, since the beginning of The Walking Dead when he was just 10 years old, following the character’s growth from a scared child to a resilient young man and natural leader. His performance has been praised for bringing depth and emotion to the role, making Carl a symbol of hope and maturity amidst the chaos of the zombie apocalypse.
Carl’s death in season eight was one of the most shocking moments of the series, surprising fans and changing the course of the story by profoundly influencing Rick’s decisions. Despite his early departure, Riggs has highlighted in interviews that he is proud of Carl’s legacy and the character’s lasting impact on the plot and fans.
After The Walking Dead , Chandler Riggs pursued a career in film and television, in addition to investing in electronic music under the artistic name Eclipse, and in projects linked to technology and audiovisual production.
His journey as Carl Grimes remains one of the emotional pillars of the series, even being remembered with a special appearance in the final episode, in homage to his fundamental role in the story.
Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh
Jon Bernthal portrayed Shane Walsh, one of the most complex and memorable characters in the early seasons of The Walking Dead . Former partner and best friend of Rick Grimes, Shane assumes leadership of the group of survivors after the start of the apocalypse, but his personality becomes increasingly conflicted and unpredictable with Rick’s return and involvement with Lori Grimes.
His trajectory is marked by extreme decisions, a growing rivalry with Rick and a pragmatic vision of survival, which turns him into a fundamental antagonist in the second season.
Bernthal’s intense performance was highly praised, making Shane one of the most remembered characters in the series. The actor himself revealed that he was deeply moved when he said goodbye to the role, even crying while filming his death, which occurs in a shocking way: first killed by Rick and then by Carl, after returning as a zombie.
Shane also returned in special appearances, as Rick’s hallucination in the ninth season, reinforcing his importance in the protagonist’s development and in the series’ mythology.
After The Walking Dead , Jon Bernthal consolidated his career in Hollywood, standing out in roles such as Frank Castle in The Punisher and in several successful films, in addition to winning important awards on television.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan left his mark on The Walking Dead with his intense portrayal of Negan, introduced at the end of season six as the charismatic and feared leader of the Saviors. Negan quickly became one of the most hated – and fascinating – villains on the show, responsible for impactful moments such as the death of beloved characters with his iconic Lucille, the baseball bat wrapped in barbed wire.
Over the seasons, Morgan has brought depth to the character, showing not only his brutal side, but also his internal conflicts and attempts at redemption. The actor himself revealed that Negan struggles to distance himself from the violent man he had to be during the apocalypse, trying to build a new identity away from Lucille’s shadow and his dark past.
This complexity made Negan one of the pillars of the final stretch of the series and the spin-off The Walking Dead: Dead City, where Morgan continues to explore new nuances of the character alongside Lauren Cohan.
In addition to his work on The Walking Dead , Jeffrey Dean Morgan is recognized for other notable roles on TV and in film, establishing himself as one of the most versatile and admired actors in the genre.
Sarah Wayne Callies as Lori Grimes
Sarah Wayne Callies played Lori Grimes in the first three seasons of The Walking Dead , being the emotional center of the plot and one of the most complex characters at the beginning of the series.
Lori is presented as a devoted mother whose main motivation is to protect her son Carl and try to preserve some sense of humanity amidst the chaos of the zombie apocalypse. Her relationship with Rick Grimes, marked by conflicts and new beginnings, and her involvement with Shane Walsh after believing her husband to be dead, added layers of drama and moral dilemmas to the narrative.
The actress noted that Lori has become a sort of reluctant matriarch, concerned not only with the group’s physical survival but also with maintaining values and hope in a devastated world.
Outside of the series, Sarah Wayne Callies was already known for notable roles in other productions, such as Prison Break , and continued her career in several film and television projects after her departure from The Walking Dead .
Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon
Michael Rooker played Merle Dixon, a character created exclusively for the series The Walking Dead and who quickly stood out for his explosive and controversial personality.
Merle is introduced as the older brother of Daryl Dixon, a hunter from the southern United States with racist, misogynistic attitudes and aggressive behavior, which generates conflicts with the group of survivors since his first appearance in the first season.
After being left handcuffed on a rooftop during a mission in Atlanta, Merle survives by cutting off his own hand and later returns as the villain The Governor’s right-hand man, becoming a key player in the conflict between Woodbury and Rick Grimes’ group.
Despite initially being a character hated by many, Merle gained some sympathy from fans throughout the third season, especially for his troubled relationship with Daryl and his final sacrifice in trying to face the Governor.
Michael Rooker was praised for his role and even received, along with the cast, the Satellite Award for Best Cast in a Television Series in 2012. Outside of the series, Rooker is known for other notable roles, such as Yondu in Guardians of the Galaxy , consolidating his career as one of the great interpreters of intense and complex characters.
Laurie Holden as Andrea
Laurie Holden portrayed Andrea, one of the central characters in the early seasons of The Walking Dead . In the series, Andrea is presented as a strong and determined survivor who undergoes a major transformation, leaving behind her initial insecurity to become a skilled warrior and a moral leader within the group.
Unlike the comics, where Andrea is a sniper and a key figure in the fight against Negan, the series version had a different arc, including troubled relationships with Shane Walsh and the Governor.
Holden revealed that she was not satisfied with some changes made in the TV adaptation, especially the character’s development in the third season, when Andrea allies herself with the Governor, an arc that she considered “absurd” and far from the original essence created by Robert Kirkman.
Initially, Andrea was planned to remain on the series until the eighth season, but her early death in the third season surprised both the actress and fans, being a decision made to cause impact and shock.
Despite the criticism, Laurie Holden appreciated how her character had a redemptive death, dying on her own terms after being bitten by a walker and refusing to become one. Andrea remains an important figure in The Walking Dead universe, symbolizing the fight for humanity in a devastated world.
Scott Wilson as Hershel
Scott Wilson played Hershel Greene, one of the most beloved and memorable characters on The Walking Dead . Hershel is introduced as a widowed farmer and veterinarian who owns a farm in Georgia, which becomes the first major shelter for Rick Grimes’ group during the zombie apocalypse.
Deeply religious and endowed with a strong moral sense, Hershel quickly assumes the role of advisor and ethical center of the group, helping to save the life of Carl Grimes and guiding difficult decisions in moments of crisis.
Throughout the series, Hershel also stands out for his relationship with his daughters, Maggie and Beth, and for the evolution of his stance towards the dangers of the new world, going from someone reluctant to accept the reality of zombies to one of the pillars of the group’s survival.
Scott Wilson’s performance was widely praised by fans and critics, making Hershel an unforgettable figure, whose death in season four was one of the series’ most emotional moments.
Scott Wilson passed away in 2018, shortly before a guest appearance already announced for the ninth season, leaving a legacy of more than 80 works in film and television and being fondly remembered as the interpreter of the character who was most missed in The Walking Dead .
David Morrissey as Governor
David Morrissey portrayed The Governor, one of The Walking Dead “s most iconic and complex villains, introduced in the series” third season. The character, whose real TV name is Philip Blake, is the charismatic and authoritarian leader of the Woodbury community in Georgia. He initially presents himself as a hospitable leader, but soon reveals his brutal, insane and ruthless nature, coming into direct conflict with Rick Grimes and his group.
The Governor is responsible for cruel acts, such as torturing members of Rick’s group and leading violent attacks on the prison where the survivors take refuge. His obsession with controlling and protecting his community leads him to extreme decisions and an escalation of violence, culminating in bloody confrontations that deeply marked the series. The Governor’s relationship with his zombie daughter, Penny, adds a tragic layer to his personality, showing his disturbed and human side.
David Morrissey’s performance was widely praised, bringing depth and intensity to the character, who is considered one of the greatest villains on television. Morrissey has expressed interest in revisiting the role in a possible spin-off based on the novels that explore the Governor’s origin, highlighting the complexity and richness of the character created by Robert Kirkman.
The Governor remains a symbol of the dark side of survival in The Walking Dead universe, thanks to Morrissey’s searing portrayal.
Chad Coleman as Tyreese
Chad Coleman played Tyreese Williams, one of the most memorable characters in the middle seasons of The Walking Dead . Introduced in the third season along with his sister Sasha, Tyreese quickly caught the attention of fans for his physical strength, courage and, above all, for his humanity and vulnerability amidst the chaos of the zombie apocalypse.
Initially an ally of the Governor in Woodbury, Tyreese turns against the villain after witnessing his cruelty and becomes part of Rick Grimes’ group, becoming a key player in decisive moments of the plot.
Unlike many survivors, Tyreese stood out for his reluctance to resort to extreme violence, preferring to always seek peaceful solutions and protect the most vulnerable, such as Judith and the children in the group. His trajectory was marked by great losses and moral dilemmas, culminating in his death in the fifth season, after being bitten by a zombie and not resisting even after having his arm amputated.
Although some fans considered his death “silly”, Chad Coleman defended the character’s outcome, highlighting the importance of showing a strong man, but also sensitive and vulnerable, in such a brutal universe.
Coleman’s performance was praised for bringing emotional depth to Tyreese, making him one of the series’ most human and memorable characters, whose absence is still felt by fans.
Michael Cudlitz as Abraham
Michael Cudlitz played Abraham Ford, a strong and determined character who stood out in The Walking Dead from the fourth season onwards.
Abraham is an army sergeant who, after losing his family in the apocalypse, takes on the mission of escorting Eugene Porter to Washington, DC, where he claims to have information about a possible cure for the epidemic. Known for his physical strength, courage and striking phrases, Abraham quickly becomes a respected leader within the group of survivors.
In the series, Abraham is presented as a pragmatic and straightforward man, who does not hesitate to make difficult decisions to ensure the survival of the group. His trajectory includes moments of great heroism, such as rescuing Carl Grimes in dangerous situations, and internal conflicts, especially in his romantic relationships with Rosita and Holly. Abraham is also fundamental in the integration of the group into the community of Alexandria, where he leads the construction team.
The character has a tragic and shocking ending in the seventh season premiere, when he is killed by a crossbow bolt fired by Dwight, one of the Saviors. Michael Cudlitz’s performance was widely praised for bringing intensity and humanity to Abraham, making him one of the most beloved characters in the series.
Following his appearance on The Walking Dead , Cudlitz continued his career in film and television, establishing himself as a versatile and respected actor.
The Walking Dead Cast Careers After the End of the Series
Since the end of season 11 of The Walking Dead in 2022, the main cast and recurring actors have gone their separate ways, many maintaining strong ties to the franchise’s universe through spin-offs and new projects.
Andrew Lincoln left the series in 2018, but returned for the miniseries The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live , which explored the story of the dead.
now the story of Rick and Michonne, with Lincoln also acting as executive producer. In addition, he participated in productions such as the series The Cabinet of Curiosities by Guillermo del Toro and plays in London.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan continues in The Walking Dead universe in the spin-off Dead City , alongside Lauren Cohan, who plays Maggie Greene. Morgan is also involved in the fourth season of the Amazon Prime Video series The Boys .
Lauren Cohan, after her temporary departure from the series, returned for the final seasons and now stars in the spin-off alongside Morgan. In addition, she is in projects such as the animated series Sunset Boulevard and the film When I’m Ready .
Norman Reedus continues as the protagonist of the spin-off Daryl Dixon , set in a post-apocalyptic France, and continues his documentary series Ride with Norman Reedus . In the cinema, he will participate in the film Ballerina (derived from John Wick ) and lent his voice and face to the video game Death Stranding .
Thus, the cast of The Walking Dead remains active on several fronts, including returns to the zombie universe and new challenges in cinema, television and other media, keeping the connection with fans alive and expanding their careers beyond the original series.
The Walking Dead spin-offs
The Walking Dead universe has expanded far beyond the original series, with several spin-offs that explore new characters, settings, and stories in the aftermath of the zombie apocalypse. The franchise currently has six spin-off series, each bringing unique perspectives and adventures to fans.
Fear the Walking Dead
Released in 2015, it was the first spin-off and shows the beginning of the zombie apocalypse from the point of view of a new family in Los Angeles. The series stands out for presenting the initial phases of the collapse of society, before the events of the main series, and evolves throughout the seasons with new characters and settings.
The Walking Dead: World Beyond
This miniseries follows a group of young people who grew up after the apocalypse and embark on a mission outside their protected community. With only two seasons, the production delves deeper into the mythology of the franchise, exploring the CRM, a mysterious organization already mentioned in the main series.
Tales of the Walking Dead
An anthology that features independent episodes, each focusing on different characters – some already known, others new. The idea is to explore parallel stories and expand the universe of The Walking Dead in innovative ways.
The Walking Dead: Dead City
Launched in 2023, the series follows Maggie and Negan on a journey through a devastated Manhattan, full of zombies and human dangers. The spin-off deepens the complex relationship between the two characters and brings new threats in an urban setting that is new to the franchise.
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon
Focusing on Daryl, the series follows his journey in France after the final events of the original series. The production explores new challenges, cultures and threats, expanding the zombie apocalypse beyond the United States. The third season has already been confirmed for 2025.
The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live
Released in 2024, this production marks the reunion of Rick Grimes and Michonne, continuing the story of love and survival of the two most iconic characters in the series. The spin-off promises to answer questions left open at the end of the main series and further deepen the universe of the franchise.
The Walking Dead not only redefined the post-apocalyptic series genre, but it also launched major stars who continue to shine in their careers after the end of the original series.
The production’s legacy lives on thanks to spin-offs that expand the zombie universe and the actors’ varied projects, which explore new roles in film, television and other media.
Characters like Rick Grimes, Daryl Dixon, Carol Peletier and Maggie Greene continue to win over fans in new stories, showing that the series’ impact goes far beyond the apocalypse.
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