The Walking Dead fans honor Scott Wilson at Walker Stalker Atlanta

Fans of The Walking Dead from all over paid tribute to Scott Wilson at Walker Stalker Atlanta this year with messages of love and gratitude.

For The Walking Dead fans, Walker Stalker Con Atlanta is kind of a somber affair this year. Andrew Lincoln’s last two episodes of The Walking Dead air this Sunday and next Sunday. And this is the first Walker Stalker Atlanta where Andrew Lincoln hasn’t appeared. Usually, Walker Stalker Atlanta and Walker Stalker London are the only cons that he appears at.

Also missing this year is Scott Wilson, who played beloved patriarch Hershel Greene on the show. Even though Hershel was killed by The Governor in season 4 his legacy has loomed large over the show and over the fans who still count Hershel’s death as one of the most traumatic of the series.

Scott Wilson passed away three weeks ago, leaving a Hershel sized hole in the hearts of fans everywhere. In tribute to the legendary actor, Walker Stalker Con put up the banner that would have hung over his booth at the con, which he always attended. Fans were invited to write messages of love and gratitude to Scott on the banner in his memory.

Our own Sara Khan attended Walker Stalker Atlanta and was able to get a great photo of the banner covered in heartfelt messages from fans who were touched by the way the Scott brought Hershel to life and the epic journey that Hershel took in The Walking Dead world.

Scott Wilson’s Last The Walking Dead Appearance

Just before his death, it was confirmed by The Walking Dead showrunner Angela Kang at NYCC that Scott Wilson was one of several former cast members who was returning as part of Rick’s final story arc. Jon Bernthal as Shane, Scott Wilson as Hershel Greene, and Sonequa Martin-Green as Sasha will all appear in Rick’s final The Walking Dead episode.

Hershel had a number of memorable speeches and quotes that become synonymous with the messages of hope, family, love, and loyalty that The Walking Dead is known for. But probably the most iconic of those was the “Risk Your Life” speech that Hershel gave as an epidemic was sweeping through the prison. It was so iconic that it was featured on the program at Scott Wilson’s memorial which was attended by many of the cast and crew of The Walking Dead. The speech reads:

"“You step outside, you risk your life. You take a drink of water, you risk your life. And nowadays you breathe, you risk your life. Every moment now you don’t have a choice. The only thing you can choose is what you’re risking it for.”"

And you probably just heard Scott’s voice as Hershel giving that speech as you read it didn’t you? Of course, you did. Because that’s the kind of presence that Scott Wilson had. If you’re at Walker Stalker Con Atlanta this week go sign Scott’s memorial banner. And tune in for Rick Grimes’ final episode and Scott Wilson’s final appearance on The Walking Dead next week, November 4th.