The Walking Dead Cast Ranked From Richest To Poorest

“The Walking Dead,” an AMC television series that spanned 11 seasons and 177 episodes, captivated audiences with its post-apocalyptic narrative and dynamic characters. As it reached its zenith, the show boasted a staggering 17 million viewers, revolutionizing the broadcasting landscape. Yet, while “The Walking Dead” originated as a comic book series, the actors and actresses who brought its characters to life played an integral role in its success. Consequently, many cast members saw significant growth in their net worth over the show’s run. This article ranks the net worth of ten of the most iconic cast members, shedding light on their journey from the zombie-infested world to financial prosperity.

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Norman Reedus: The Daryl Dixon Star

Norman Reedus is a name that is virtually synonymous with “The Walking Dead.” He portrayed the iconic character Daryl Dixon throughout the series, and his portrayal earned him a top spot on this list with a staggering net worth of $40 million.

Reedus’ journey through the series is a testament to both his talent and the enduring popularity of his character. Daryl Dixon started as a rough-edged survivor but evolved into a fan-favorite and a symbol of resilience in the apocalyptic world. This transformation was mirrored in Reedus’ career and earnings. He appeared in a remarkable 175 out of the series’ 177 episodes, solidifying his status as one of “The Walking Dead’s” most recognizable faces.

What’s particularly noteworthy is Reedus’ earning trajectory. By the end of the series, he was raking in a jaw-dropping $1 million per episode, a figure that places him among the highest-paid actors in television history. This substantial income was a reflection of both his talent and the show’s immense popularity.

But Reedus didn’t stop there. He seized the opportunity presented by his character’s popularity and embarked on his spin-off series, “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.” Not content with just acting, he also took on the role of an executive producer, further cementing his involvement in the franchise.

Beyond “The Walking Dead,” Norman Reedus diversified his career. He delved into voiceover work, lending his distinctive voice to various projects. Additionally, he starred in several movies, including “The Boondock Saints,” and ventured into the world of production with his company, “bigbaldhead.”

Reedus’ appeal extended beyond the screen, as he found himself in the unlikely role of a model for fashion giants Prada and Levi’s. This venture into the fashion world, along with his multifaceted career, contributed to the impressive net worth he enjoys today.

Andrew Lincoln: The Rick Grimes Leader

Few characters in “The Walking Dead” are as central as Rick Grimes, and Andrew Lincoln‘s portrayal of this character played a pivotal role in the show’s success. With a net worth of $30 million, Lincoln is another cast member who saw significant financial growth during his time on the series.

Rick Grimes was the undisputed leader of the group, the character around whom much of the show’s main storylines revolved. Lincoln’s performance, characterized by its depth and emotional range, earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan following. At the peak of his involvement in the series, he was earning a substantial $650,000 per episode, a testament to his importance to the show.

Andrew Lincoln’s journey didn’t end with his departure from “The Walking Dead.” Just like his co-star Norman Reedus, he ventured into a Walking Dead spin-off titled “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live,” alongside Danai Gurira, who portrayed Michonne. This move ensured that Lincoln’s association with the franchise continued to be financially rewarding.

Outside of “The Walking Dead,” Andrew Lincoln’s acting career is marked by a diverse range of roles. Notably, he appeared in the beloved romantic comedy “Love Actually,” showcasing his versatility as an actor. His presence in this film endeared him to audiences beyond the world of zombies, further contributing to his net worth.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan: The Memorable Negan

The introduction of Negan during “The Walking Dead’s” sixth season was a turning point in the series. As the charismatic yet brutal antagonist, Jeffrey Dean Morgan left an indelible mark on the show’s narrative. His portrayal of Negan, complete with his iconic weapon, Lucille, captured the imagination of viewers worldwide. For his work on the series, Morgan earned a substantial $200,000 per episode.

Before joining the cast of “The Walking Dead,” Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s career was marked by a diverse array of roles in both movies and television series. He made appearances in popular shows like “Supernatural,” “The Good Wife,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” showcasing his ability to take on a range of characters.

Morgan’s foray into the world of fashion added another dimension to his career. He launched his own line of sunglasses, aligning himself with the world of style and design. This entrepreneurial endeavor contributed to his growing net worth.

But it’s worth noting that Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s journey in “The Walking Dead” universe is far from over. He is actively involved in “The Walking Dead: Dead City,” a spin-off series that ensures his continued association with the franchise. Moreover, Morgan is listed as an executive producer of the series, reflecting his deeper involvement in its creative direction.

Melissa McBride: The Resilient Carol Peletier

Melissa McBride‘s portrayal of Carol Peletier is a testament to the transformative power of character development in a long-running series. She ranks seventh in this list with a net worth of $9 million.

Carol’s character underwent remarkable growth during her journey through “The Walking Dead.” She evolved from a timid, abused wife into a formidable fighter and a mother figure to all. McBride’s ability to portray this transformation convincingly earned her the admiration of both fans and critics.

When McBride first joined the cast, she was paid a modest $8,500 per episode. However, as the series progressed and her character’s importance grew, her income experienced exponential growth. By the time “The Walking Dead” concluded, her earnings reflected her pivotal role in the show’s success.

Melissa McBride’s financial journey is poised for further growth as she expands her career beyond the “The Walking Dead” universe. Fans remain hopeful for a potential appearance alongside Norman Reedus in “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon,” which could further boost her net worth.

Chandler Riggs: The Young Carl Grimes

Chandler Riggs‘ portrayal of Carl Grimes is remarkable not only for its emotional depth but also for the fact that he embarked on this journey at just 10 years old. He held onto the role until Carl’s tragic exit during season eight, earning up to $100,000 per episode.

After leaving “The Walking Dead,” Chandler Riggs transitioned smoothly into another TV family with ABC’s “A Million Little Things.” His versatility as an actor is complemented by his foray into music, which he releases under his stage name, Eclipse. Riggs’ ability to navigate a career in both acting and music speaks to his multifaceted talent.

Tom Payne: The Memorable Jesus

Tom Payne may have appeared in only 45 episodes of “The Walking Dead,” but his portrayal of Paul “Jesus” left a lasting impression on fans. Payne was instrumental in orchestrating his character’s shocking exit, driven by a desire to invigorate the storyline.

After leaving the series, Tom Payne embarked on a new journey as the main character in “The Prodigal Son” from 2019 to 2021. This transition showcased his adaptability as an actor, as he embraced a different role and narrative.

Danai Gurira: The Iconic Michonne

Danai Gurira‘s introduction as Michonne at the end of “The Walking Dead” season two marked a significant moment in the show’s history. Her character became one of the series’ mainstays, earning her up to $60,000 per episode by the show’s conclusion.

Beyond “The Walking Dead,” Danai Gurira is recognized for her role as Okoye in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring in “Black Panther” and “Avengers.” Her presence in the MCU adds another layer of financial success to her career.

In addition to her acting pursuits, Gurira is an award-winning playwright with four plays to her name so far. This venture into playwriting reflects her versatility and creativity, contributing to her growing net worth.

Steven Yeun: The Beloved Glenn Rhee

Steven Yeun instantly became a fan-favorite as Glenn Rhee on “The Walking Dead.” His season 7 death, listed as one of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments of the entire series, left a lasting impact on viewers.

After “The Walking Dead,” Yeun turned down several roles, expressing a desire to play new characters rather than revisiting the shadow of Glenn. This decision showcased his dedication to his craft and his commitment to exploring diverse roles.

Yeun eventually found his footing and landed many new roles, including several voiceover parts. His role in “Minari” made history as he became the first Asian-American actor to be nominated for the Best Actor Academy Award. Additionally, he worked on projects such as Jordan Peele’s “Nope” and Netflix’s “Beef,” where he also took on the role of producer.

Josh McDermitt: The Quirky Eugene Porter

Josh McDermitt joined “The Walking Dead” as Dr. Eugene Porter during the fourth season. Despite his character’s love-hate relationship with fans, he ended the series on a positive note.

Much of Josh McDermitt’s net worth is believed to be from “The Walking Dead,” but since the series concluded, McDermitt wasted no time securing two new roles that are currently in production. This proactive approach to his career highlights his determination to continue growing as an actor.

Lauren Cohan: The Versatile Maggie Greene

Before stepping into the shoes of Maggie during season two of “The Walking Dead,” Lauren Cohan had already held roles in several other television series, including “The Vampire Diaries” and “Supernatural.” She also starred in ABC’s “Whiskey Cavalier.”

Cohan’s net worth primarily stems from her work in film and television, but she also makes appearances as a keynote speaker at events. Following the conclusion of “The Walking Dead,” Lauren Cohan embraced a leading role in the Maggie and Negan spin-off, “The Walking Dead: Dead City.” In this new series, she stars and serves as an executive producer, solidifying her commitment to the franchise.

Conclusion

The journey from a zombie-infested world to financial prosperity is one that many “The Walking Dead” cast members have undertaken. Norman Reedus, Andrew Lincoln, and Jeffrey Dean Morgan top the list with substantial net worths, reflecting their significant contributions to the show’s success. Other cast members, including Melissa McBride, Chandler Riggs, Tom Payne, Danai Gurira, Steven Yeun, Josh McDermitt, and Lauren Cohan, have also seen their fortunes rise as they pursued diverse career paths beyond “The Walking Dead.” Their journey is a testament to their talent and dedication to their craft, and it serves as a testament to the enduring popularity of the series that brought them fame.

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