Even after countless episodes and marathon rewatching sessions, there are just some things in The Walking Dead that fans are bound to forget. Of course, you're going to remember the shocking deaths, the epic walker attacks, and the heart-wrenching farewells. Those moments are just too unforgettable to ever fade from memory.
No, what we're talking about are the cameos. You know those quick, unexpected appearances from actors who may have already been famous, or who would later go on to become household names. Since they didn't play huge roles in the beloved zombie series, you likely forgot they were even there in the first place.
Well, we're about to jog your memory by revisiting three Walking Dead cameos you definitely forgot about!
Kyle Gallner
Nowadays, people know Kyle Gallner for stealing scenes in modern horror hits and emotionally charged indie films like Smile and Strange Darling. But before he became a familiar face in genre cinema, he briefly stepped into the brutal, walker-infested world of The Walking Dead.
Gallner appeared in the season 4 premiere, playing Zach, a young and optimistic survivor who had recently joined the prison community. At the time, the group was attempting to rebuild some sense of normalcy following the devastating events of previous seasons. Zach’s character immediately stood out because he brought a lighter, more hopeful energy to the group, especially through his budding relationship with Beth Greene.
But unfortunately, his character’s story was destined to be short-lived. During a routine supply run to a Big Spot store, Zach joins Daryl and several other survivors. However, things quickly spiral out of control when the building begins to collapse under the weight of a massive walker infestation. In the frantic escape, Zach is suddenly attacked and bitten by a walker. Moments later, part of the collapsing ceiling crashes through the store, crushing Zach while the other make it out alive.
Alicia Witt
Alicia Witt was already a well-known actress prior to her short stint on The Walking Dead. She had appeared in a wide variety of films and television shows, from cult classics like Dune and Twin Peaks to comedies and dramas that showcased her versatility as a performer.
Her role in The Walking Dead came in season 6, in the episode “The Same Boat.” Witt portrayed Paula, a top-level member of the Saviors, the ruthless group led by Negan that was wreaking havoc on Rick Grimes’ community. After capturing Carol and Maggie and holding them hostage, Paula immediately establishes herself as a cunning and dangerous adversary for Rick's group.
However, she would meet her demise after being impaled on a spike during a physical altercation with Carol and then bitten by a walker. After reanimating briefly as a walker, Paula is finally put down by Maggie stabbing her in the head with a knife.
Ethan Embry
Most people know Ethan Embry from his iconic roles in ’90s classics like Can’t Hardly Wait and Empire Records. But longtime fans of The Walking Dead likely forgot that he also stepped into the zombie apocalypse for an episode.
Embry appeared in the season 6 premiere as Carter, a resident of the Alexandria Safe-Zone. Initially, Carter is skeptical of Rick's leadership and wary of his methods for dealing with the ever-present walker threat. However, as the episode progresses, Carter begins to develop a greater respect for Rick.
It's too bad that his time in the series is ultimately cut short. While helping manage a herd of walkers outside the walls, Carter is bitten on the cheek by a walker. Rick, recognizing there's no hope, mercifully ends his life with a stab to the back of the head.
The Walking Dead is streaming on Netflix right now.