After 4 seasons, the ever popular zombie-survival series, The Walking Dead, has certainly maintained its original high-hitting popularity, with views of around 15.7 million during its fourth and latest season. However, while the likes of Andrew Lincoln and Norman Reedus lead the way in becoming fan favoured characters, it has to be said that without the inclusion of the many, many actors/actresses whom spend hours preparing for their roles and receive very little recognition from viewers.
We are indeed talking about the walking dead themselves. In this feature, we talk to the walkers to get the inside scoop on just what it takes to look, act and remain in the role of a flesh-eating monster.
Darien Jonson, Christopher Weite and Jaime Griffon have all featured as walkers within The Walking Dead. After contacting them – via a quick Google search that led to Twitter pages after their contact details were unknown on IMDB – the three generously told of their experiences throughout their life as a walker.
Working on such a popular series can be a very daunting experience; Johnson explains how it’s “A little intimidating at first, but it did help being around others doing the same thing. There’s always someone interesting to talk to because of the number of zombies on any given day.” However, in Griffon’s case, the pressures that come with being a long time fan of the series were a little less likely. She confesses: “I have never seen the show! I think I was the only person on set that hadn’t seen it. Of course I was familiar with it and aware of the popularity. So, I treated like any other job. No extra pressure.”
The difficulties of remaining in role are often a task for actors when approaching something uncommon, so to portray such a creature as a walker and remain in the flesh-eating state can be quite the objective. Not for Weite. Instead, he enjoys everything about it: “Character acting is my thing. Suit me up, cover me in blood, FX, etc and I’m ready too go! I have a thing for keeping in character.” It seems that not everyone feels this way though. Many talk of long and tiring days of hard work maintaining their walker mannerisms. However, once called to set, the majority manage not to break character, even between takes. “It is actually easier that way. A walker’s posture is very specific so to go back & forth would be a pain. The slouched posture meant that I had to go get my back worked out after work, however” says Griffon.
She then goes on to describe her experience working with the lead actors and the behind the scenes reality that not many are aware of, “I was killed by “Rick” but, as I mentioned before, I stayed in character once on set so I did not speak to anyone at all. In fact, I wouldn’t even give them a smile or say hello to keep a bit mystery there for them to work with.” It seems that the role of a walker can certainly improve your chances of acting with the more approchable members of the cast. As Weite mentions, “I have worked on scenes with both David Morrissey and Lawrence Gillard Jr. in Season 4.”
The most notable process of becoming a (un)living, breathing walker is the make-up. “This was the most fun part of the process for me” says Griffon. She continues by telling of the excessive detail that goes into the monstrous transformation: “My (blonde) hair was sprayed brown & made to be somewhat curly. The make-up was achieved by lots & lots of layers. Tan, brown, black & red were sprayed on in patterns on my face, arms, ears, under my nails, etc. The most difficult part was having my teeth painted. It felt like having alcohol rubbed into my gums. Yuck!” The difference afterwards is outstanding and when it’s time to revert to the living? “The trick to removing all the goop is men’s shaving cream.” Who knew?
But it’s not just spray paint that goes into making the walker, “They start with trying several prosthetics to get the right fit, next they glue it down. The contacts are done on the set.” says Johnson, before expressing his joys of resurrection. “When they remove the make-up, it feels fantastic.”
Work as an extra can be tough financially and unfortunately the role of a walker is no different. It’s evident that the experience is what actors receive from the role. Although, is it worth the risk? “The acting world is funny; some jobs pay really well and some jobs don’t. As an actor, I truly do look at the experience as a whole to decide if it is a good fit for me. If it doesn’t pay well, but I will grow as an actor, then I am all in!” explains Griffon. Johnson concludes: “The pay is low, but the experience makes up for that.”
He continues: “Overall it was great, but it is not as easy as it seems, mainly because of the long hours in the summer heat.” It seems that there are many unknown difficulties this low down on the acting chain, though as many admit, the experience often out ways the cost. As Griffon talks about her last day of shooting, she tells of leaving the studio, “I drove out of the gates, the street was lined with fans cheering for us. It was an incredible feeling to say the least!”
For our more in-depth interviews with each of the actors, follow the links below:
