Undead It was one of the most popular series ever made and featured an incredible cast of talented actors who had starred in other acclaimed films and television. While viewers were both thrilled and disgusted by the horrific journey through a zombie apocalypse seen The walking dead 11 seasons, many would be interested in checking out the star's other roles before, after and when Undead was in the air. This included lauded comedy-dramas, cult-classic supernatural series, and even beloved holiday classics.
The best characters in Undead became popular due to the strong performances of its actors, who have built amazing careers across multiple genres and releases. While many Undead actors will forever be remembered for their time trying to survive a zombie outbreakThat's not to say they haven't excelled in other prestige television series or widely acclaimed films. The cast of this AMC series has continued to stand out in the years since the main show concluded, and some have even returned to reprise their characters in several Undead derivative programs.
8
The Bear (2022 - Present)
Starring Jon Bernthal
Jon Bernthal played Shane Walsh in Undeadessential character in the first two seasons, longtime friend and former police colleague of Rick Grimes. After saving Rick's family while he was in a coma during the zombie outbreak, Shane's romance with Rick's wife, Lori, was a major flashpoint in the series, as jealousy and anger uprooted his once-solid friendship. Bernthal has built an impressive career abroad Undeadearning the notable role of Frank Castle/The Punisher in the MCU television series Reckless and The Punisher.
Another essential role in Bernthal's impressive filmography was that of Michael Berzatto in the hit comedy-drama. The Bear. As the owner of The Original Beef of Chicagoland, Michael left his restaurant to his brother Carmy after his suicide, and his death was the driving force behind the entire show. Although Bernthal only appeared in a few flashback episodes, his death and its effect on the series' characters were an emotional focal point of The Bear.
7
Prison Break (2005 - 2017)
Starring Sarah Wayne Callies
As Lori Grimes in UndeadSarah Wayne Callies was an essential part of this impressive cast, whose fractured relationship with her husband Rick was central to the show's first three seasons. Lori's extramarital relationship with Shane while Rick was in a coma before the show's premiere caused extreme tension in the reunited couple's marriage that was difficult to manage as they fought for survival in an apocalyptic scenario. Before you earn your share UndeadCallies was known for her starring role in the crime thriller Prison Break.
Callies portrayed Michael's love interest and eventual wife Sara Tancredi in Prison Break and worked as a doctor at Fox River State Penitentiary. As an essential part of this popular Fox series, Prison Break combined intense emotions with suspenseful drama in a gripping story of an elaborate plan for an inmate to escape from prison and clear his name. While Prison Break declined in quality over its five seasons, the first few seasons were truly engaging and entertaining television.
6
The X-Files (1993 - 2002, 2016 - 2018)
Starring Laurie Holden
As one of the original survivors of Atlanta in UndeadLaurie Holden's characterization of Andrea was essential to the show's first three seasons. As a former civil rights lawyer with a strong moral center, Andrea represented the harsh realities of grief faced by those left behind, as her sister's death nearly drove her to suicide and saw her come into conflict with Rick Grimes and the Governor. However, Undead wasn't Holden's only claim to fameas she also had memorable roles in the Stephen King adaptation The fog and like Marita Covarrubias in The X-Files.
Holden appeared in ten episodes of The X-Files and was an occasional recurring character from seasons four to nine of the popular science fiction series. Marita Covarrubias was originally an informant who leaked diplomatic information to FBI Special Agent Fox Mulder, although it was later revealed that she was an agent of the secret Syndicate. Covarrubias was just one of many recurring characters who fleshed out the fascinating world of paranormal intrigue seen through The X-Files and its various derivative media.
5
Minari (2020)
Starring Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun's portrayal of Glenn Rhee in Undead It was a whirlwind of intensity as his character continually avoided death, only to be shockingly killed by Negan in a scene that disappointed many viewers in the Season 7 premiere. Although Glenn was Yeun's best-known role, he has had an impressive film and TV career in everything from acclaimed TV shows like Beef for animated series like Final Space. With an impressive range and varied filmography, Yeun has become known as one of Hollywood's most underrated talents.
The biggest non-Undead The role came in 2020 with the launch of Minaria thoughtful story about South Korean immigrants in 1980s Arkansas. This autobiographical film from writer and director Lee Isaac Chung captures the challenges of the immigrant experience as this struggling family did everything they could to achieve their own version of the American dream. Like a contemplative and thoughtful film, Minari showcased Yeun's dramatic acting and vulnerable screen presence.
4
A Million Little Things (2018 - 2023)
Starring Chandler Riggs
Chandler Riggs was first cast as Carl Grimes in Undead when he was just ten years old and was a central character in the series' first eight seasons. As the son of Rick Grimes, viewers watched Riggs grows alongside his character as he went from a scared, innocent child to a brave, determined survivor, willing to put his life on the line to protect those he loves. Although Riggs doesn't have as large a filmography as the rest of his Undead colleagues, he still remained active in film and television.
One of Riggs' most notable recurring roles was on the family drama A million little thingswhich featured a cast of Boston friends shocked by the suicide of their close friend. Riggs appeared in nine episodes as PJ Nelson, a young man who befriended one of the main protagonists, Rome Howard (Romany Malco). A million little things was a highly engaging series that dealt with heavy themes of life and death that never managed to reach a wide audience throughout its five seasons.
3
The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon (2023-present)
Starring Norman Reedus
For many actors, Undead signaled their breakout role and the part for which they are now most recognized. This was certainly the case for Norman Reedus, who despite having an impressive CV full of films such as The Boondock Saints, 8MMand American gangsterwill forever be associated with Daryl Dixon. This crossbow-wielding, motorcycle-driving Southerner originally stood in the shadow of his abrasive older brother, Merle, in Undead. However, Daryl outlived his brother and soon became one of the series' most popular characters.
Reedus' portrayal of Daryl in Undead left viewers wanting moreand has since reprized his role as the spin-off show's main character The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. This riveting series expanded the franchise's story by following Daryl as he landed in France and began the arduous journey to discover how he got there and try to return home. Reedus brought the same intense characterization that made Daryl a huge success to this spin-off series.
2
The Boys (2019 – present)
Starring Jeffrey Dean Morgan
The addition of Jeffrey Dean Morgan as Negan beginning in season six of Undead injected the necessary tension into the show. As a cruel, harrowing, and ruthless character, Negan mercilessly killed his adversaries and served as a far more brutal and cunning antagonist than any zombie seen in the series. Although Morgan continued to play his role as Negan in the spin-off series, The Walking Dead: Dead CityViewers can also see him in another highly popular comic book television adaptation.
Morgan has joined the cast of the popular Amazon Prime series The boys in its fourth season, where he played Joe Kessler. Bringing the same sinister energy he continually brought to Negan, Morgan appeared as the hallucinatory vision of Billy Butcher as a side effect of overusing Temp V. This unique characterization allowed Morgan to lean heavily on his talent for playing deranged and unpredictable characters, and he encouraged Butcher into intensely violent behavior.
1
True Love (2003)
Starring Andrew Lincoln
Andrew Lincoln played The walking dead main protagonist, Rick Grimes, throughout the show's first nine seasons, as audiences watched him awaken from a coma and spent many years leading groups of survivors through the zombie apocalypse. It was a testament to Lincoln's acting talent that he so skillfully showcased the harsh realities and panicked humanity at the center of this show's story. However, one of the The non-Undead the parties couldn't be further from Rickas he starred in an all-time beloved Christmas classic.
As Mark in the Christmas-themed romantic comedy True loveLincoln contributed to one of this holiday movie's most memorable subplots. Mark's love story saw him fall in love with his best friend's wife, and in a famous scene that became a classic internet meme, Lincoln's character professed his feelings through a series of cue cards. Lincoln's enjoyable role in True love was just one of many examples of cast members from Undead breaking viewers' expectations and starring in completely different projects from AMC's popular zombie series.