Scream King Kyle Gallner is well known for his roles in horror films, including The Haunting of Connecticut, Jennifer's Body, Nightmare on Elm Street (the 2010 remake), Scream (2022), and most recently, Strange Darlings. One brief role fans may not remember is that of Zach in season 4 of AMC's The Walking Dead.
Gallner joined the series in the premiere episode of season 4, "30 Days Without an Accident." The episode was written by newly appointed showrunner Scott M. Gimple and directed by SFX guru Greg Nicotero. The episode is set several months after the season 3 finale that featured Andrea's (Laurie Holden) death and the Governor's (David Morrissey) unsuccessful attempt to overtake the prison, which leads to him killing many members of Woodbury.
Rick (Andrew Lincoln) and the group welcomed the remaining members of Woodbury to the prison, and the season 4 opener shows life at the prison has moved forward in a positive direction, which includes many new members of the group.
The Walking Dead - 30 Days Without an Accident
One new addition is Zach, a college student played by Gallner. He joined the prison group with his fellow classmates and became the boyfriend of Beth (Emily Kinney). Zach, who is shown to be a friendly and brave young man, is recruited for a supply run to the Big Spot with Daryl (Norman Reedus) and many others. Before they leave, Beth kisses Zach, and they share some jokes.
As the group sits outside the Big Spot, banging on the windows to draw out any walkers, Zach plays a game with Daryl. He tries to guess what Daryl's profession was before the outbreak. He settles on homicide detective for Daryl, a guess that makes Michonne (Danai Gurira) chuckle. Daryl tells him he is correct, but Zach doesn't believe him.
When they enter the store, Zach remains close to Daryl and assists Daryl in killing walkers who have swarmed Bob Stookey ( Lawrence Gilliard Jr.) who became trapped under a falling shelf. Once Bob is freed, Zach's neck is torn open by a walker as everyone watches in horror. Almost immediately, a helicopter that was on the roof breaks through, crushing Zach, ending his misery.
When the group returns to the prison, Daryl informs Beth of Zach's death. She barely reacts telling Daryl she doesn't cry anymore but it was nice to have met him.
Gallner is also well known for his roles in the Smile movies, The Passenger, Interrogation, Dinner in America, and more. Next, he will star in a romantic crime thriller, Carolina Caroline, with Samara Weaving, Kyra Sedgwick, and Jon Gries. He has also been cast in Paul Pompa III's thriller Just Breathe and Daniel Blake Schwartz's Cotton Fever.
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