Exploring the evolution of The Walking Dead stars following their exit from the Emmy-winning post-apocalyptic horror drama series.

For over a decade, The Walking Dead has captivated audiences as one of the most popular post-apocalyptic TV series. With its expansive universe and numerous spin-offs, the show continues to bring back beloved characters, keeping fans engaged long after the original series premiered.

The Walking Dead | Credit: AMC

In celebration of these iconic characters, it’s also fascinating to look at the journeys of the stars who brought them to life, both within and beyond the TWD universe.

Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon)

Norman Reedus has been part of The Walking Dead since its inception, portraying Daryl Dixon—a character renowned for his survival skills, hunting abilities, and signature crossbow. He has since reprised his role in the spin-off The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.

Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon | Credit: AMC

Beyond his success in the franchise, Reedus has gained recognition for his performances in films like The Boondock Saints series and other projects. His work in video games, particularly Death Stranding, has further cemented his status in the entertainment industry. Reedus is also set to star in Ballerina, an upcoming installment in the John Wick film series.

Danai Gurira (Michonne)

Danai Gurira has become one of the most recognizable faces in The Walking Dead franchise. After joining the show in Season 3, Michonne quickly took on a major role and eventually became a love interest to Andrew Lincoln’s Rick Grimes. However, her journey in the series ended in Season 10.

Danai Gurira as Michonne | Credit: AMC

The actress has since gained recognition beyond the post-apocalyptic franchise, especially for playing Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. She has also returned to The Walking Dead franchise, reprising her role in the spin-off The Ones Who Live alongside Lincoln.

Looking ahead, she is set to reprise her role as Okoye in the upcoming MCU miniseries Eyes of Wakanda. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about her potential return for a second season of The Ones Who Live, though no official confirmation has been made.

Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee)

While Steven Yeun’s journey in the show ended midway, his character Glenn Rhee has since been remembered for suffering one of the most brutal deaths on the show. While his run ended in Season 7, Yeun has since built an impressive career beyond the post-apocalyptic franchise.

Steven Yeun as Glenn Rhee | Credit: AMC

Following his departure, Yeun’s career skyrocketed, making history as the first Asian American actor to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Actor for his role in the 2020 film Minari. He has also earned critical acclaim for his performances in films such as Burning and Nope. Beyond his success on the big screen, Yeun has also thrived in television.

While he never returned to The Walking Dead universe, he has gained immense recognition for his work in Invincible and Beef, the latter of which earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe. He also has several upcoming projects, including the sci-fi black comedy Mickey 17, where he stars alongside Robert Pattinson.

Jon Bernthal (Shane Walsh)

When thinking of The Walking Dead, it’s impossible to forget Shane Walsh, the intense and influential character brought to life by Jon Bernthal. While his role in the series helped catapult him into the spotlight, Bernthal has since gone on to portray several other iconic characters.

Following his time on the AMC series, Bernthal gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of Frank Castle, aka The Punisher, a role he is set to reprise in the upcoming MCU series Daredevil: Born Again. His television success continued with his Emmy-winning performance as Michael Berzatto in The Bear.

Jon Bernthal as Shane Walsh | Credit: AMC

In addition to his TV roles, Bernthal has earned critical acclaim for his work in films such as Fury, The Accountant, Baby Driver, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Ford v Ferrari. Bernthal has also made a name for himself as the host of Real Ones, a podcast where he engages in thought-provoking conversations with guests from various walks of life.

The actor has several projects lined up, including The Amateur, The Accountant 2, and the upcoming TV series His & Hers, in addition to his much-anticipated return as The Punisher.

Andrew Lincoln (Rick Grimes)

Andrew Lincoln, best known for his portrayal of Rick Grimes in The Walking Dead, has long been the face of the franchise. Despite the show’s immense success and his character’s popularity, Lincoln left the series in 2018, making a brief return for the series finale.

Since then, he has reprised his role alongside Danai Gurira in the spin-off The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live as well as Fear the Walking Dead. Before his time on the show, Lincoln was already well known, particularly for his role in Love Actually, where he played a romantic lead.

Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes | Credit: AMC

However, while Lincoln remains one of the most beloved stars in The Walking Dead fandom, his post-TWD career hasn’t been as extensive as some of his co-stars, such as Steven Yeun, Jon Bernthal, and Danai Gurira.

That said, The Walking Dead has featured a wealth of talented and well-known actors, including Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lauren Cohan, and many more who have continued to make an impact in the industry.

The Walking Dead is available to watch on Netflix.