If you’ve spent any amount of time watching The Walking Dead, you know there’s something undeniably magnetic about Andrew Lincoln. Whether he’s running from a horde of zombies, delivering that perfectly brooding stare, or somehow managing to make morally complicated decisions look heroic, he has a way of drawing you in and making you care deeply about his character, Rick Grimes.
But here’s the thing. As much as we know and love Rick, the man behind the sheriff’s hat is full of surprises. So, if you thought you knew everything about the actor who brought Rick to life, think again. Here are six fun facts about Lincoln every Walking Dead fan should know.
1. Andrew Lincoln isn’t his real name
Believe it or not, “Andrew Lincoln” isn’t the name he was born with. The actor we all know and love as Rick Grimes actually came into the world as Andrew James Clutterbuck. That’s right! Clutterbuck. Kind of a mouthful, right? When he started acting professionally, he decided to switch to a stage name, and thus, Andrew Lincoln was born.
The change wasn’t about leaving behind his identity. It was about presenting himself in a way that would resonate with audiences and fit the path he wanted to take as an actor. And clearly, it worked. Today, Lincoln is recognized around the world not just for his incredible talent, but for bringing one of television’s most beloved characters to life.
2. Lincoln is British
Even though he’s best known for playing Rick, the tough, all-American sheriff on The Walking Dead, Lincoln is actually British. He was born in London, England, on Sept. 14, 1973, and his natural accent is very much that of a Brit.
What’s even more impressive is that for his role as Rick, he had to learn and maintain a convincing Southern American accent. A feat he nailed so well that most viewers never even realized he wasn’t American. It’s a testament to his acting skills and dedication to his craft.
So, while you might picture Rick riding through Georgia, just remember that behind that iconic Southern voice and stoic leadership is a London-born actor showing just how versatile he is.
3. Lincoln's married to rock-music royalty
Lincoln isn’t just a TV star. He’s also married into a musical family! His wife, Gael Anderson, comes from a family with strong ties to the rock music world. Her father is Ian Anderson, the lead vocalist, flautist, and acoustic guitarist of the British rock band Jethro Tull.
Lincoln and Anderson met back in 2001 on the set of the British TV show Teachers, where Lincoln starred as Simon Casey. Anderson worked behind the scenes. They hit it off, started dating, and eventually tied the knot in June 2006. The couple now has two teenage children, a daughter, Matilda, and a son, Arthur, and they’ve chosen to keep their family life far away from the public eye. This is a rarity in Hollywood!
4. Lincoln was supposed to direct an episode of The Walking Dead
Did you know Lincoln wasn’t just planning to act on The Walking Dead? He was also gearing up to step behind the camera. After leaving the show during season 9, he had big plans to make his directorial debut. He even shadowed director Michael E. Satrazemis to learn the ropes, showing just how invested he was in the series and its story.
Lincoln was so committed that he told Entertainment Weekly, “I can’t be that far away because I can’t bear it,” proving he wanted to continue contributing to the show even after his character’s departure. Unfortunately, due to scheduling conflicts, those plans had to be postponed, and he didn’t get to direct in season 10 as originally hoped.
5. Lincoln trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA)
Before he was dodging zombies on The Walking Dead, Lincoln was busy honing his craft at one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, better known as RADA. Located in London, RADA has produced some of the most respected actors in theater and film, and Lincoln is proud to be among its alumni. In fact, it was when he was a student at the school that he began using his stage name instead of his real name.
In short, Lincoln didn’t just stumble into acting. He trained, studied, and polished his craft at one of the world’s top acting schools, which explains a lot about why his performances feel so authentic and engaging.
6. Lincoln gained international exposure after starring in Love Actually
Who remembers Love Actually? The Christmas romantic comedy film starring well-known actors such as Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Liam Neeson, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, and so many others? Well, Lincoln also had a part in this heartfelt movie. He played Mark, the quietly lovesick friend who delivers one of the film’s most unforgettable moments with his silent cue-card confession of love.
Even though it wasn’t a huge role, this performance introduced Lincoln to audiences around the world, helping him gain international recognition. Before this breakout moment, Lincoln had mostly worked in British TV and theater, so Love Actually was a major stepping stone that brought his talent to a much wider audience.
You can catch Lincoln in The Walking Dead, which is currently streaming on Netflix.