The Walking Dead: Exclusive interview with Major Dodson

When you auditioned for the role of Sam, The Walking Dead probably filled you in on some of the character’s past and motivations.  How much did they give you to prepare?

"“For the actual audition process, they give you a fake script, as to not give too much away.  I don’t think they gave me too much to deal with for Sam, so I kind of made up my own personality for him.  The original audition script is that Sam came downstairs and saw his uncle stealing money from his mom’s purse and played out what would happen if he told.  So it was really quite relevant to the actual character.  It gave me an idea of what Sam would be.”"

"“I don’t know.  I mean, he’s been living a really darn strange life so far.  The kind of survivor that I personally would like him to be like is either Rick or Abraham.  They’re both kick-butt characters.”"

How does it feel to be one of the youngest people on the set of two of the biggest horror themed shows on television working with so many talented, well-trained adults?  And how do you think that is helping you with your acting career?

"“It’s amazing.  I mean, they’ve actually taught me a lot from just looking at them.  Andy (Andrew Lincoln), he’s taught me how to be determined when acting.  He works really darn hard at it.  And I mean that. He’s intense.  I try hard not to laugh, but I don’t want to interrupt him.  The funniest thing I’ve ever seen…another thing about Andy.  He was outside on the porch sitting by his Alexandria house, he was out there just singing.  I tried to grab my phone to catch him singing to record it, but I was just a little too late.  He also likes to listen to techno music.  That surprised me.  I figured he’d be more of a death metal kind of guy.”"

Next: More with The Walking Dead's Major Dodson