Meet the Walking Dead Cast Before they Made it Big

We know them now as the kickass zombie fighters from The Walking Dead.

We have idolized them as the enduring characters of AMC’ award winning television series known as The Walking Dead. Yet these beloved zombie warriors had a rather less gruesome life before they made a gut wrenching splash on the television screen. They have made us cry, laugh and even had the scared the shock out of us with their brilliant portrayal of these characters.

It is safe to say that the Walking Dead’s cast members had a more fulfilling life outside of their bloody television battles with the zombies. Whether you love them or you hate them, we catch a glimpse of them right before they were launched into a post apocalyptic world that made them the lovable characters we know today.

And here are the cast from the walking dead starting with

1.) Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon

Before he became revered as on the of the series’ most enduring characters, Norman Reedus headed a 50’s gang in the 2002 movie Deuces Wild with James Franco, Matt Dillon and Frankie Muniz. It is said that the role of Daryl Dixon was created specifically for him.

2.) Danai Gurira as Michonne

This Zimbabwean-American actress appeared in the lead role of 2013’s Mother of George which won her the Jean Claude Gahd Dam and 2013 Choice Awards. Now, everyone knows her as the samurai sword wielding chick from The Walking Dead.

3.) Scott Wilson as Dr. Hershel Greene

Whether you loved him or you hate him, there is no doubt, Dr. Hershel Greene was an important figure in the Walking Dead universe. This veteran actor was notable for his role in the 1967 true crime flick In Cold Blood as the real life killer Richard Hickock. He got the opportunity to get the role whole visiting his mother in Georgia for her birthday.

4.) Melissa McBride as Carol Peletier

You may have seen her in an episode in Dawson’s Creek and Matlock. Her character Carol Petelier was promoted to series regular by the second season.

5.) Andrew Lincoln as Sheriff Rick Grimes

Far from his rather rugged and unshaved look, actor Andrew Lincoln appeared in a starring role in the film Love Actually. He also starred in the 2009 adaptation of Wuthering Heights. This British actor had to master the southern American accent for his role.

6.) Lauren Cohan as Maggie Greene

Before being known for being constantly covered in blood and grime, actress Lauren Cohan played the pristine Sister Beatrice in Casanova.

7.) David Morrissey as The Governor

The Governor had some good credentials up his sleeve before wrecking havoc and chaos in the series. British actor Morrissey played his critically acclaimed role as Stephen Collins in the movie State of Play.

8.) Michael Rooker as Merle Dixon

Whether you love him or hate him, Rooker played the role of Daryl Dixon’s brother Merle. Before he became Merle, Rooker appeared in the movie Eight Men Out and Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer.

9.) Sarah Wayne Callies as Lori Grimes

You either love her or hate her yet we all said goodbye to her during the 3^rd season when she gave birth to her daughter. Callies used to go to school in Hawaii and has a degree in Fine Arts from Denver’s National Theater Conservatory.

10.) John Brenthal as Shane Walsh

His character was a series regular before being killed off in 2012. But who knew this Walking Dead actress had some comedic roots. He appeared in TV’s The Class from 2006-2007. Relive these characters’ greatest moments!