12 actors who got their big break on 'The Walking Dead'

Kirsten AcunaMar 16, 2021, 03:03 IST

"The Walking Dead" helped put Danai Gurira in the spotlight along with many other actors.Gene Page/AMC

Some "The Walking Dead" stars have gone on to become huge in Hollywood.
Danai Gurira and Michael Rooker are now in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Steven Yeun was nominated for his first Oscar for "Minari."

Over the years, "The Walking Dead" has had some big gets from Jeffrey Dean Morgan to Robert Patrick's recent appearance on season 10.

The AMC drama is also known for casting many actors from "The Wire," because it's a favorite of creator Robert Kirkman.

But a lot of actors who have appeared in the zombie apocalypse series have gone on to larger projects and movies. Some have even landed their own TV shows.

Keep reading to see which "Walking Dead" stars received their big break on the AMC show.

Steven Yeun had a minor appearance on "The Big Bang Theory" before he landed the role as pizza delivery boy Glenn in the zombie apocalypse.

Steven Yeun became one of the main leaders on "The Walking Dead." AMC

Yeun just became the first ever Asian-American actor nominated for best actor in Oscar history.

Steven Yeun in "Minari." A24

While Danai Gurira had other minor roles before "The Walking Dead," the zombie series put her on the map as the katana-wielding samurai, Michonne.

Michonne quickly became a fan favorite and one of the show's main characters. Gene Page/AMC

Her work on "The Walking Dead" has led to an important role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Danai Gurira plays Okoye, T'Challa's body guard and the leader of his female warriors, the Dora Milaje. Marvel/Disney

Robin Lord Taylor appeared briefly on "The Walking Dead" as a guy Rick had two different run-ins with.

Taylor appeared with blonde hair on "The Walking Dead." AMC

He played Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin on "Gotham."

Did you notice that the two characters were played by the same actor? Tommy Garcia/FOX

Kyla Kenedy played Mika Samuels,who was killed by her sister.

Kenedy was on "The Walking Dead" for two seasons. AMC

Kenedy can currently be seen opposite Ted Danson on "Mr. Mayor."

Kyla Kenedy plays Ted Danson's daughter on "Mr. Mayor." NBC

Michael Rooker had some roles before "The Walking Dead," but it was his turn as Daryl's brother Merle that really landed him in the spotlight.

Merle wasn't always the most likable of characters, but he went out on a high note sacrificing his life for Rick's group. Gene Page/AMC

After he was killed off the show, he landed a role in "Guardians of the Galaxy" as space pirate, Yondu.

How can you not root for this guy when Baby Groot is sitting on his shoulder? Marvel

Corey Hawkins joined the show on season six as comic favorite Heath, but disappeared when Hollywood called.

Corey Hawkins was last seen on the show on season seven, episode six. Gene Page/AMC

Hawkins has been doing all right. You've probably seen him on other TV shows and movies.

Corey Hawkins on "24: Legacy." Mathieu Young/FOX

Chandler Riggs grew up on the show over the course of eight seasons.

Carl was always wearing his dad's beloved sheriff hat. Gene Page/AMC

Riggs most recently appeared on ABC's "A Million Little Things" and is working on his own music.

Riggs cut his hair after he was done with "The Walking Dead." David Becker/Getty Images for Xbox Live

Joshua Mikel played the insufferable Savior Jared on seasons seven and eight.

Jared was as mean as they came. Gene Page/AMC

Mikel has appeared in a lot of movies since his appearance on "The Walking Dead."

You've probably seen Mikel in movies and/or superhero shows. Gene Page/AMC

Tom Payne played Jesus on "The Walking Dead" for four seasons before being brutally stabbed by a Whisperer.

Tom Payne wore a wig until he grew his hair out for the show. Gene Page/AMC

Payne landed the lead role on Fox's hit "Prodigal Son," which is now in its second season.

Tom Payne cut his long locks for the role. Fox

Emily Kinney played Maggie's sister Beth for five seasons before she was surprisingly killed off the show.

Emily Kinney as Beth. Gene Page/AMC

You've probably seen Kinney on a number of shows since her leave from the zombie apocalypse.

Kinney appeared as Brie Larvan/the Bug-Eyed Bandit on episodes of both "The Flash" and "Arrow." The CW

"The Walking Dead" was Austin Amelio's first TV role ever.

Austin Amelio has played Dwight since season six. Gene Page/AMC

Amelio has been in several shorts and movies since he started on the show in 2015.

A clean-shaven Austin Amelio at a screening for "Everybody Wants Some" in 2016. Mike Windle/Getty Images for SXSW

Madison Lintz was on seasons one and two of "The Walking Dead" playing Carol's daughter, Sophia.

Sophia ran off from the group and was never seen again until she was dead. Matthew Welch/AMC

Lintz went from a zombie to the daughter of a detective on Amazon's "Bosch."

Lintz on season three of "Bosch." Amazon

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