The Walking Dead: Cast, Roles, Net Worth, Height, Families, And Relationships

The Walking Dead (2010–2022) is an AMC post-apocalyptic horror series created by Frank Darabont, based on Robert Kirkman’s comic.

Spanning 11 seasons and 177 episodes, it follows survivors led by Rick Grimes in a zombie-infested world.

Filmed in Georgia, it became a cultural phenomenon, peaking at 17 million viewers and earning a 79% Rotten Tomatoes score. Critics praised its intense drama but noted later seasons’ pacing issues.

Main Cast and Their Roles

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes

• Role: Rick, a former sheriff, leads a survivor group with moral resolve, evolving from lawman to hardened leader. Lincoln’s commanding performance anchored the show, appearing in 103 episodes (Seasons 1–9).
• Net Worth: $16 million (2025)
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born September 14, 1973, in London, England, to an English father (civil engineer) and South African mother (nurse). One brother, Richard. Attended RADA.
• Relationships: Married Gael Anderson (actress) since 2006; two children, Matilda (born 2007), Arthur (born 2010).
• Post-Film: Starred in Penguin Bloom (2020), Cabinet of Curiosities (2022). Recent: Limited roles, focusing on family in London.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon

• Role: Daryl, a crossbow-wielding tracker, grows from loner to loyal protector. Reedus’ fan-favorite role spanned 175 episodes.
• Salary: $50,000/episode (early), $1 million/episode (final seasons)
• Net Worth: $40 million (2025)
• Height: 5’10” (1.78 m)
• Family: Born January 6, 1969, in Hollywood, Florida, to Ira (teacher) and Marianne Reedus. One sister, Leslie.
• Relationships: Dated Helena Christensen (1998–2003; one son, Mingus, born 1999). Partnered with Diane Kruger since 2016; one daughter (born 2018).
• Post-Film: Stars in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023–present). Recent: The Bikeriders (2024). Upcoming: Daryl Dixon Season 3 (2025).

Danai Gurira as Michonne

• Role: Michonne, a katana-wielding survivor, becomes Rick’s partner and a fierce leader. Gurira’s iconic performance ran Seasons 3–10 (~94 episodes).
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born February 14, 1978, in Grinnell, Iowa, to Roger (professor) and Josephine Gurira (Zimbabwean immigrants). Three siblings: Tare, Shingai, Chiwoniso. NYU Tisch graduate (MFA).
• Relationships: Single as of 2025. Previously linked to Daniel Wu (unconfirmed).
• Post-Film: Starred in Black Panther (2018), Avengers: Endgame (2019). Recent: The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live (2024). Upcoming: Black Panther 3 (2026).

Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene

• Role: Maggie, a resilient farm girl, becomes a leader and Glenn’s wife. Cohan’s dynamic role spanned Seasons 2–11 (~108 episodes).
• Salary: $45,000/episode (early), ~$400,000/episode (later)
• Net Worth: $4 million
• Height: 5’7″ (1.70 m)
• Family: Born January 7, 1982, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to an American father and British mother. Five half-siblings from parents’ remarriages. University of Winchester graduate.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025. Previously dated Christian Carino (2017).
• Post-Film: Starred in The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023–present), Mile 22 (2018). Upcoming: Dead City Season 2 (2025).

Chandler Riggs as Carl Grimes

• Role: Carl, Rick’s son, matures from child to warrior before his tragic death. Riggs grew up on the show, appearing in 77 episodes (Seasons 1–8).
• Net Worth: $8 million (2025)
• Height: 5’7″ (1.71 m)
• Family: Born June 27, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia, to William (musician) and Gina Riggs. One brother, Grayson.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025. No confirmed past relationships.
• Post-Film: Starred in Inherit the Viper (2019), Only (2019). Recent: Pursuing music career as DJ Eclipse; limited acting.

Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier

• Role: Carol, a survivor who evolves from abused housewife to cunning strategist. McBride’s nuanced performance spanned 169 episodes.
• Net Worth: $3 million
• Height: 5’6″ (1.68 m)
• Family: Born May 23, 1965, in Lexington, Kentucky, to John (businessman) and Suzanne McBride. Four siblings; names private.
• Relationships: Single as of 2025. No confirmed public relationships.
• Post-Film: Stars in The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023–present). Recent: Limited roles outside TWD universe.

Steven Yeun as Glenn Rhee

• Role: Glenn, a resourceful scavenger and Maggie’s husband, is a fan-favorite until his brutal death. Yeun appeared in 66 episodes (Seasons 1–7).
• Salary: $30,000/episode (early), $200,000/episode (later)
• Net Worth: $5 million
• Height: 5’9″ (1.75 m)
• Family: Born December 21, 1983, in Seoul, South Korea, to Je (businessman) and June Yeun. One brother, Brian. Raised in Michigan; Kalamazoo College graduate.
• Relationships: Married Joana Pak (photographer) since 2016; two children, Jude (born 2017), a daughter (born 2019).
• Post-Film: Starred in Minari (2020, Oscar-nominated), Nope (2022), Invincible (voice, 2021–present). Upcoming: Mickey 17 (2025).

Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan

• Role: Negan, the bat-wielding villain turned complex antihero, joins in Season 6 and becomes a mainstay (~60 episodes). Morgan’s charismatic performance was divisive but impactful.
• Salary: ~$200,000/episode
• Net Worth: $12 million
• Height: 6’1″ (1.85 m)
• Family: Born April 22, 1966, in Seattle, Washington, to Sandy (realtor) and Richard Morgan. Only child.
• Relationships: Married Hilarie Burton (actress) since 2019; two children, Augustus (born 2010), George (born 2018).
• Post-Film: Stars in The Walking Dead: Dead City (2023–present), The Boys (2024). Upcoming: Dead City Season 2 (2025).

Additional Notes

Salaries: Early seasons saw Lincoln and Reedus at $50,000/episode, others at $20,000–$45,000. By later seasons, Reedus hit $1 million/episode, Lincoln $650,000, and Gurira, Cohan, and McBride ~$400,000. Morgan earned ~$200,000/episode. Syndication (AMC+, Netflix) and conventions boosted earnings. The budget per episode reached $3–$4 million, covering zombie effects and Georgia locations.

Casting Insights: Lincoln, a British actor, won Rick after Love Actually. Reedus’ raw edge (Boondock Saints) fit Daryl. Gurira’s stage work and Yeun’s indie cred (Mayhem) suited their roles. Cohan’s Supernatural experience helped land Maggie. Riggs was a child actor; McBride, a casting director-turned-actress. Morgan’s Grey’s Anatomy fame made Negan a coup.

Impact and Legacy: The series’ 17 million peak viewership and $1 billion+ in syndication cemented its status. It won two Primetime Emmys and multiple Saturn Awards but faced criticism for repetitive plots. Daryl’s crossbow and Negan’s bat (“Lucille”) are cultural icons. The finale drew 8.7 million viewers. The soundtrack, featuring Bear McCreary’s score, is hauntingly iconic.

Post-Show Careers: Reedus, Cohan, and Morgan lead spin-offs (Daryl Dixon, Dead City). Lincoln stepped back for family. Gurira and Yeun pivoted to film (Black Panther, Minari). McBride stays with TWD universe. Riggs focuses on music.

Cultural Influence: The Walking Dead redefined zombie genres, sparking debates on morality and survival. Fans on X love Daryl’s “If I don’t come back” speech and Michonne’s katana scenes but critique Carl’s death. Its diverse cast (Michonne, Glenn) was praised, though some noted uneven character arcs. Spin-offs and comics keep the universe alive on AMC+ and Netflix.

Conclusion

The Walking Dead’s cast, led by Lincoln’s stoic Rick and Reedus’ gritty Daryl, crafted a gripping saga of survival. Net worths range from $3 million (McBride) to $40 million (Reedus), reflecting their show-driven fame. Personal lives, from Lincoln’s quiet family life to Reedus’ high-profile romance, add depth. Its intense drama, iconic characters, and ongoing spin-offs ensure its enduring legacy.