The Walking Dead Cast: Surviving Both Walkers and Each Other

The Origins of The Walking Dead

The Walking Dead first aired on AMC in 2010, adapted from the popular comic book series of the same name created by Robert Kirkman. The show follows a group of survivors trying to stay alive in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by zombies, known as "walkers."

Hooking Viewers with a Character-Driven Story

While the zombies are a threat and source of gore and action, the main draw of The Walking Dead is the relationships between the characters. Viewers become invested in their struggles to survive while holding on to their humanity. The talented cast brings these complex characters to life.

The Core Cast

While the cast has changed over 10 seasons, a few key actors have been with The Walking Dead from the start.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes

Andrew Lincoln played central character Rick Grimes, a sheriff who awoke from a coma to find the world in ruins. He becomes a key leader in the group of survivors. Lincoln left the show in season 9, though his character remains hugely popular among fans.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon

Norman Reedus portrays Daryl Dixon. Originally somewhat of a troubled outsider, Daryl earns the trust of the group through his survival skills and becomes Rick’s right-hand man. Fan favorite Daryl is the last remaining character from season 1.

Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier

Melissa McBride plays Carol Peletier, originally a meek victim of domestic abuse who loses her daughter early on. Showing enormous growth, she becomes a skilled fighter while still balancing her humanity, remorse, and determination to protect the group.

The New Generation Steps Up

As the series continued and cast members came and went, new lead characters have stepped up to take the reins.

Danai Gurira as Michonne

Danai Gurira first showed up in season 3 playing Michonne, an intense sword-wielding survivor. Often working as much in mystery as a warrior, Michonne develops an intimate relationship with Rick Grimes as they lead the group together. Danai’s performance made Michonne iconic among fans.

Christian Serratos as Rosita Espinosa

Christian Serratos plays Rosita Espinosa, first introduced in season 4. Capable and passionate, Rosita served as a romantic interest for several characters including Abraham and Sasha. Rosita showed herself as one of the most courageous fighters. Serratos’ down-to-earth portrayal of Rosita made her eminently relatable even when making controversial choices out of grief or anger.

Mainstay Supporting Characters

While not always in the foreground, several supporting characters formed the heart of the group from early on.

Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene

Lauren Cohan entered the show in season 2 playing Maggie Greene, one of the last surviving members of the Greene family. She eventually married Glenn Rhee, became the leader of the Hilltop Colony, and later stepped up as part of the core leadership council. Maggie survives as a central character carrying on Glenn’s legacy.

Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes

Playing Rick’s son Carl Grimes, Chandler Riggs literally grew up on the show starting as a child in season 1. Symbolizing Rick’s central motivation to protect the future world for his son and Judith, Carl’s shocking season 8 death sent tremors through the fan community.

The Supporting Cast Brings the World to Life

While the main cast attracts viewers, the diverse and changing supporting cast makes the dangerous walker-filled world seem realistic. Here are just some of many supporting characters that left their mark:

Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon

Merle Dixon, Daryl’s crude and volatile brother played expertly by Michael Rooker. As an early human antagonist, Merle’s complexity arose from glimpses of his vulnerability and capacity to attempt redeeming his ways.

Sarah Wayne Callies as Lori Grimes

Sarah Wayne Callies took on the role of Rick’s wife Lori Grimes. Her emotional performance showed Lori’s struggles in mourning the loss of her previous world, fighting to keep her son safe, and forming complicated romantic entanglements in the group.

Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh

Shane Walsh, Rick’s partner and best friend, was played by Jon Bernthal. Representing a major source of human-on-human conflict, Shane's darkness arose from his love for Lori and feeling eclipsed by Rick's return. His intensity culminated when Rick is forces to kill him.