When taking a look at the biggest shows in history, The Walking Dead stands out as being one of the biggest and most impactful of the bunch. Despite a seemingly odd kid-friendly rating, this series was dark, and fans devoured every second of it, helping it become one of the biggest shows of its era.
The stars of the show benefited greatly from the show's success, with some getting golden opportunities elsewhere, and its most popular characters getting monster paychecks. Norman Reedus, for instance, used his time on the show to achieve an entirely new level of fame, all while making millions.
Let's take a closer look at Norman Reedus, and the amount of money he was making while playing Daryl Dixon on The Walking Dead for so many years.
Norman Reedus Was Dynamic As Daryl Dixon On The Walking Dead
The Walking Dead, adapted from Robert Kirkman's comic book series, premiered in 2010, and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. The show's gripping narrative, compelling characters, and visceral depiction of a post-apocalyptic world gripped viewers from the very first episode. The series amassed a dedicated fan base and consistently high ratings, making it one of the most-watched shows on television.
The show got many things right, including the casting of Norman Reedus.
Norman Reedus' performance as Daryl Dixon showcased his versatility as an actor. From the character's introduction in the first season, to his evolution as a resilient survivor, Reedus imbued Daryl with a mix of toughness, vulnerability, and unexpected tenderness.
Reedus' portrayal of Daryl Dixon propelled him to new heights of fame and cemented his status as a pop culture icon. The character's popularity led to a surge in merchandise, including action figures, apparel, and even a cookbook inspired by the show. Reedus' rugged charm and enigmatic persona resonated with fans, turning Daryl into a beloved figure that transcended the television screen.
Due to the show's success, and Reedus' popularity, the man was making a fortune while on the show.
Reedus Was Paid $1 Million Per Episode For His Work
Last year, StyleCaster gathered extensive data on Reedus' salary increase over time, and the man wages went from solid, to bonkers.
"Reedus, who plays fan-favorite Daryl, has been a cast member on The Walking Dead since season 1, but he wasn’t made a series regular until season 2. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Reedus made $8,500 per episode in season 2. Eight seasons later, and his salary has since skyrocketed to $1 million per episode, which makes him one of the highest paid actors on TV, according to Variety," the site reported.
The site didn't stop there, adding additional context, including the departure of the show's former lead star, and some other incentives that Reedus had worked into his contract.
"Us Weekly reported in 2018 that Reedus signed a new deal with AMC to receive $20 million after The Walking Dead‘s previous lead, Andrew Lincoln, left the show. Given that the series often averages around 20 episodes per season, the $20 million likely accounts for the $1 million Reedus receives per episode. THR also reported tin 2018 that Reedus was one of two actors who signed a three-year, which would pay him anywhere from $50 million to $90 million even if his character is written off," the site continued.
There aren't many stars that are capable of cracking that type of salary, but few people are able to land popular roles on iconic shows.
Reedus was making a fortune, but he wasn't the only Walking Dead star to secure the bag.
Other Stars On The Walking Dead Made Plenty Of Money, Too
StyleCaster compiled data for some of the show's other stars, and Andrew Lincoln, who played Rick Grimes, had a large paycheck, too.
"Lincoln, who had been the lead of The Walking Dead, since season 1, left the show in season 9 in 2019. Before he left, the actor made an impressive $650,000 per episode, according to Cheat Sheet, which would’ve accounted for $13 million per season," the site reported.
Melissa McBride earned a fortune, as well.
"Like Reedus, McBride’s salary has also increased exponentially. According to THR, she signed a deal with AMC to receive $20 million over three years. (Her per-episode rate is unknown.) McBride also received the same conditions as Reedus for her three-year deal, which meant that if she was written off the show or relocated to another Walking Dead series, she will still receive the same rate," StyleCaster wrote.
A once in a lifetime show comes with once in a lifetimes salaries, and for Norman Reedus, his salary from the show ensures that he will never have to work another day in his life.
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