Walking Dead Rich List: The Wealthiest Actors in the Zombie Apocalypse, Ranked
The world of walkers turned a tight knit ensemble into global stars, and with that came serious paydays across multiple series and spin offs. Leading roles, long contracts, and savvy producer credits helped several cast members turn a hit show into a long term financial engine that keeps paying through syndication, streaming, and conventions.
This countdown looks at the full franchise picture. It reflects flagship seasons, spin off deals, headline roles in other hit projects, voice acting, and repeat work that builds stable income. It also considers appearance fees, endorsements, and production companies that extend earnings beyond on screen work.
20. Alanna Masterson
Alanna Masterson built steady income from her years on ‘The Walking Dead’ with a run that included fan favorite episodes and consistent ensemble work. Regular series pay over multiple seasons translates into residuals from replays and streaming, which remain a dependable revenue stream over time.
She added guest roles and supporting parts on other series that keep her screen profile active between convention appearances. The combination of steady television work and fan event circuits provides recurring earnings that continue well past initial episode airings.
19. Josh McDermitt
Josh McDermitt turned Eugene into one of the franchise’s most recognizable characters, which meant reliable season by season earnings on ‘The Walking Dead’. Contract renewals across long stretches of the show created stable pay and ongoing residuals as the episodes reair and stream globally.
Before and during the series, he worked in comedy and on other television projects that diversified his income. Voiceover, live shows, and the convention scene add additional revenue layers that pair well with his ongoing association with the franchise.
18. Ross Marquand
Ross Marquand’s long tenure as Aaron provided multi season income on ‘The Walking Dead’ with residuals that continue through streaming distribution. His flexibility across action and drama roles kept him in the mix during shifting cast cycles.
He is also known for voice work and franchise cameos in major superhero projects, which broadened his earnings beyond the apocalypse. Voice acting and impression work bring repeatable bookings that fit neatly between live action jobs and convention schedules.
17. Seth Gilliam
Seth Gilliam brought a large television resume into ‘The Walking Dead’, and that background helped him secure steady series pay across multiple seasons. Residuals from earlier acclaimed shows combine with franchise earnings to create a layered income profile.
He continues to work in television and genre projects that maintain visibility with loyal audiences. Guest arcs, theater work, and fan events keep revenue active between screen roles, which supports long term financial stability.
16. Khary Payton
Khary Payton’s role as Ezekiel delivered multi season earnings on ‘The Walking Dead’ while his extensive voice acting portfolio powers a second engine of income. Long running animated hits like ‘Teen Titans Go’ and ‘Young Justice’ generate repeat sessions and residuals that add up over time.
He balances on camera appearances with convention schedules tied to both animation and the zombie franchise. That dual fan base increases merchandise signings and panel fees, which enhances overall yearly earnings without relying on a single show.
15. Cailey Fleming
Cailey Fleming stepped into ‘The Walking Dead’ during later seasons and quickly became central to the story, which translated into strong per episode pay for a young star. Residuals from high visibility episodes and international streaming provide ongoing income.
She also booked roles in major genre projects on both film and television, which broadened her earnings at an early stage. As she adds credits, brand partnerships and fan events increase, creating multiple revenue lines that can grow alongside future leading roles.
14. Christian Serratos
Christian Serratos combined years on ‘The Walking Dead’ with earlier blockbuster exposure in the ‘Twilight’ films, which gave her a broad base of residuals. That mix of franchises supports long tail income through continued streaming and licensing.
She headlined ‘Selena The Series’, adding lead pay and music driven promotional opportunities. With multiple fandoms and recurring convention demand, she benefits from steady appearance revenue that complements television and film checks.
13. Chandler Riggs
Chandler Riggs spent many seasons as Carl, which means years of regular series pay and substantial residuals from one of cable’s biggest hits. Leaving the show early in adulthood still preserved a large catalogue of credited episodes that continue to earn through replays and streaming.
He diversified into music and guest roles that keep income coming between larger projects. The longevity of his character ensures ongoing demand at fan conventions, where photo ops and panels bring meaningful supplemental revenue.
12. Lennie James
Lennie James earned across both ‘The Walking Dead’ and ‘Fear the Walking Dead’, which extended his franchise pay over many years. Crossing between series boosted visibility and expanded his residual base across two libraries.
Beyond the apocalypse, he created and starred in the acclaimed drama ‘Save Me’, adding creator and writer fees to acting income. International projects and voice work further diversify his earnings while maintaining a strong profile with fans in multiple markets.
11. David Morrissey
David Morrissey’s time as the Governor brought high profile earnings and durable residuals from some of the franchise’s most watched episodes. His established career in British television and film added long term income sources that predate his walker days.
He continues to lead and support in series such as ‘Britannia’, which deliver ongoing pay and international visibility. Theater work and directing credits supplement screen income, creating a well balanced portfolio beyond a single role.
10. Sonequa Martin-Green
Sonequa Martin-Green parlayed her ‘The Walking Dead’ visibility into a lead role on ‘Star Trek Discovery’, which provided top tier series compensation over multiple seasons. Headlining a major science fiction franchise also increased residuals and licensing opportunities.
She remains active in film and games tie ins, which broaden earnings across media. Brand campaigns and convention circuits that serve both science fiction and horror fans create reliable appearance revenue on top of screen work.
9. Lauren Cohan
Lauren Cohan combined long runs on ‘The Walking Dead’ with a lead slot on ‘Dead City’, giving her back to back franchise paydays. Moving to a co lead position brings higher per episode rates and producer style involvement that can add back end potential.
Her film roles and earlier television work, including arcs on ‘Supernatural’, add residual income that continues to accrue. Public events, fashion and beauty partnerships, and international press tours provide additional revenue throughout the year.
8. Melissa McBride
Melissa McBride’s transformation of Carol into a core lead translated into significant salary growth over time, especially across later seasons. She continues that momentum alongside the spinoff centered on the Daryl and Carol partnership, which extends top billing pay.
Her long tenure means one of the largest episode counts in the franchise, and that brings substantial residuals. Appearances, curated projects, and selective endorsements round out earnings while keeping a schedule aligned with ongoing series work.
7. Michael Rooker
Michael Rooker’s early ‘The Walking Dead’ run introduced him to a new generation of fans, but his major wealth driver comes from blockbuster roles like ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’. Participation in large scale superhero films increases upfront pay and long tail residuals from television windows and streaming.
He stays busy with action films, genre television, and voice acting that fit his established brand. Convention demand is strong across multiple fandoms, which translates into consistent appearance income throughout the year.
6. Jon Bernthal
Jon Bernthal leveraged his ‘The Walking Dead’ breakout into a lead run on ‘The Punisher’ and standout arcs on ‘Daredevil’. Headlining and key supporting roles in film thrillers and prestige dramas contribute to a strong annual earnings base.
He produces and hosts the interview series ‘Real Ones’, which adds ownership style revenue alongside acting checks. With steady film work and high profile television roles, he benefits from both upfront pay and continuing residuals.
5. Jeffrey Dean Morgan
Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s entry as Negan came with premium series pay that continued into ‘Dead City’. Leading a spinoff adds higher per episode rates and producer involvement that can include profit participation.
His earlier television successes on ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, plus films like ‘Watchmen’, create residuals that stack with current work. A large social following and frequent fan events expand income through signings and branded opportunities.
4. Danai Gurira
Danai Gurira’s portrayal of Michonne delivered top tier series pay and later executive producer responsibilities on ‘The Ones Who Live’. Those responsibilities can bring additional fees beyond acting, which increases overall earnings per season.
Her film career includes central roles in ‘Black Panther’ and its sequel within a global franchise, which adds major box office scale residuals and bonuses. She is also an award winning playwright, and that writing work brings separate income streams through productions and licensing.
3. Steven Yeun
Steven Yeun transitioned from Glenn to acclaimed leading roles in projects like ‘Minari’ and the hit limited series ‘Beef’. Awards recognition and headlining status increase quotes for new projects and open doors to producer deals.
He also voices the lead in ‘Invincible’, which provides steady income through seasons and related media. Brand partnerships and selective endorsements add to a diversified portfolio that no longer depends on a single genre.
2. Andrew Lincoln
Andrew Lincoln anchored the flagship for many years and returned to co lead ‘The Ones Who Live’, maintaining premium compensation. As a central face of the franchise, he benefits from strong appearance fees and sustained global demand.
His earlier film and television work, including ‘Love Actually’, contributes residual income that complements current projects. Strategic scheduling with limited series and event television helps preserve high per episode rates across fewer installments.
1. Norman Reedus
Norman Reedus moved from ensemble favorite to franchise pillar, culminating in lead and producer roles on ‘Daryl Dixon’. Those roles typically command top of show pay and added compensation for creative responsibilities.
He also hosts ‘Ride with Norman Reedus’, which creates a parallel revenue line and keeps his brand active between scripted seasons. Licensing, merchandise collaborations, and a strong international fan base drive significant appearance and business income beyond the set.
Share who you think belongs higher or lower on this list in the comments.