'The Walking Dead': The Cast Through The Years

1 / 10

Andrew Lincoln

Andrew Lincoln portrayed "Rick Grimes", which is undoubtedly his most notable role to date. The British actor also starred in the 2003 comedy 'Love, Actually,' and most recently, he appeared in an episode of Guillermo del Toro's Netflix series, 'Cabinet of Curiosities.' In 'The Walking Dead,' Rick Grimes was a Georgia deputy sheriff who was shot while on duty and subsequently fell into a coma. When he finally awoke, he found himself in a world overrun by walkers, with his family missing and the hospital abandoned.

2 / 10

Norman Reedus and Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Norman Reedus (left) as "Daryl Dixon". Reedus made his debut in the 1997 feature film 'Mimic,' by "Guillermo del Toro", and later starred in the films 'Boondock Saints.' He also hosts the series 'Ride with Norman Reedus' for AMC, in which he shares his love of motorcycles while touring America's most iconic locations. Daryl Dixon and his brother Merle were part of a group of survivors who gathered on the outskirts of Atlanta and eventually joined Rick. Although he and Rick clashed at first, the two earned mutual respect and became good friends.

3 / 10

Jon Bernthal

Jon Bernthal as "Shane Walsh". Jon portrayed "Frank Castle/The Punisher" in Marvel's Netflix series, and has also appeared in 'King Richard,' 'The Wolf of Wall Street,' 'Ford vs. Ferrari,' and 'Baby Driver.' Rick's partner in the sheriff's department and best friend since high school, "Shane Walsh" took care of Rick's family after he was presumed dead. He then began a relationship with Rick's wife, "Lori", and after Rick's return, the resulting love triangle brought out the worst in "Shane". Conceited and headstrong, Shane became violently jealous and possessive of "Lori", displaying a mean streak with little regard for the well-being of others.

4 / 10

Steven Yeun

Steven Yeun, originally from South Korea, began his career at the Second City comedy troupe before moving on to television and film. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in 'Minari' (2020). In 'The Walking Dead', "Glenn Rhee" is introduced in the first episode of the series when he helps "Rick" escape from a group of walkers. Glenn's cleverness and humor quickly make him a fan favorite. He introduces "Rick" to his group of survivors and is reunited with his wife "Maggie" and son Hershel. "Glenn" and Maggie fall in love and eventually have a child. Glenn's determination to help the group and search for other survivors, coupled with his bravery and willingness to take risks, make him a valuable member of the team.

5 / 10

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as "Negan Smith". Prior to 'The Walking Dead,' Jeffrey Dean Morgan had prominent roles in 'Grey's Anatomy,' the 2009 DC film 'Watchmen,' and the CW series 'Supernatural.' "Negan Smith" is perhaps the most complicated character on 'The Walking Dead'. As the leader of the Saviors, he was cold, calculating, and killed without remorse. The loss of his wife during the walker outbreak gave him a cynicism that he never quite lost, and he enjoyed killing and torturing those who opposed him or his group of Saviors. He is captured and imprisoned in Alexandria by "Rick", and his years behind bars break him, making him feel remorse and empathy. He is eventually freed and becomes a valued member of the Alexandria group, especially after saving "Judith Grimes's" life. Some, however, find it hard to forgive and trust "Negan" for his past crimes and murders.

6 / 10

Chandler Riggs

Chandler Riggs played the role of "Carl Grimes" in 'The Walking Dead'. At the time of his casting, "Riggs" was relatively new to acting, and he subsequently appeared in the film 'Inherit the Viper' and the series 'A Million Little Things.' "Carl", the son of "Rick" and "Lori Grimes", had to grow up quickly after the zombie apocalypse. When the Governor attacked the prison where Carl and other survivors lived, he took up arms to defend it. "Carl" was unafraid to face danger, including walkers, and demonstrated courage beyond his years. However, seeing death around him made him cold and sometimes ruthless, causing Rick to spend more time with him to help him regain his sanity. "Car"l developed a bond with Michonne, which helped him become a more mature and understanding person.

7 / 10

Melissa McBride

Melissa McBride played the role of "Carol Peletier" in 'The Walking Dead'. She began her acting career in 1993 with an episode of 'Matlock' and went on to appear in 'Profiler', 'Dawson's Creek', and 'The Mist' before joining the cast of the show. Carol Peletier, one of the original survivors from Atlanta, underwent the most significant transformation throughout the series. She was a victim of spousal abuse but found the strength to defend herself and her daughter "Sophia". A series of personal losses made Carol tough, and she evolved into a leader, often exhibiting a cold and ruthless demeanor.

8 / 10

Dana Gurira

Danai Gurira made her acting debut in a 2004 episode of 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent.' She is also known for her role as "Okoye" in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appearing in movies such as 'Black Panther' and 'Avengers: Endgame'. "Michonne" made her first appearance in 'The Walking Dead' season two finale, when she saved "Andrea" from walkers after the Greene farm was overrun by the dead. Wielding a samurai sword and dragging two walkers as "cover" against the attacks, "Michonne" found a way to survive on her own before joining "Rick" and the other survivors. While initially firm and emotionally distant, "Michonne" eventually took on a leadership role and fell in love with "Rick" over time. They had a son together named "R.J.", which softened her tough exterior as she took on the role of a protective mother to the children of "Alexandria".

9 / 10

Lauren Cohan

Lauren Cohan portrayed the character of "Maggie Greene Rhee" in 'The Walking Dead.' Prior to this, she played "Bela Talbot" in 'Supernatural' and "Vivian Volkoff" in 'Chuck.' Maggie Greene Rhee was the daughter of Hershel Greene and lived on her family farm after the walker apocalypse. It was here that "Rick" and the other survivors stumbled upon while looking for help. Strong-willed yet compassionate to those in need, Maggie became a key member of the group and eventually fell in love with "Glenn Rhee". Together, they had a son named "Hershel. Maggie" assumed a leadership position on The Hill and took steps to restore civilization by reaching out to other friendly communities.

10 / 10

Khary Payton

Khary Payton played the role of "King Ezekiel Sutton" in 'The Walking Dead.' As the leader of The Kingdom, a community near Alexandria, he managed to keep it thriving amidst the chaos of the apocalypse. His talent for the theater, stemming from his experience on stage, was revealed through his mascot, the tiger Shiva. Initially smug and brash, "Ezekiel" is humiliated after the fall of The Kingdom to "Negan" and the Saviors, prompting him to join forces with "Rick" and Alexandria. Though he later married and divorced "Carol", he struggled to find a direction for his life until he regained his purpose in leading the fight against the tyrannical rule of the Commonwealth. Payton is also well-known as a prolific voice actor, particularly for his work in various DC Comics animated projects such as 'Cyborg.'

AMC's flagship series 'The Walking Dead' premiered on Halloween night in 2010 and ran for an impressive 11 seasons.

The cast of 'The Walking Dead'

It told the story of survivors of a global zombie apocalypse, who find themselves fighting the undead (called "walkers") and the living who have lost their humanity.

Based on the Image comic by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard, the series explored not only the horrors of the dead roaming the earth, but also the terrifying depths of humanity. Now we will tell you a little about the actors and characters that brought the series to life.

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Jeffrey Dean Morgan