Actor Chandler Riggs portrayed Carl Grimes, son of Rick and Lori, on The Walking Dead from season 1 until his death in season 8. He grew up before the eyes of viewers who grew to love and adore his characters as well as the actor himself. How old was he when he began starring in the series?
Riggs was cast as Carl at the age of 10. He and Madison Lintz, who played Sophia, were the same age, and their characters were good friends. It was heartbreaking when Sophia was found reanimated in Hershel’s (Scott Wilson) barn in season 2. The world of the undead required Carl to grow up much quicker than any child should. The running joke during the first seasons is that Carl would never do what he was told, especially if he was told to stay where he was.
Many fans deeply mourned his unexpected death in season 8. In the comic story, Carl lived much longer and was married with a child by the end. This is the life fans hoped to see for him in the series. His death has been attributed by many to be the first event in the series’ downward spiral.
Riggs returned to set during filming for the final episode and donned one of Father Gabriel’s (Seth Gilliam) hats to serve as a background actor for a scene.
In June 2024, Riggs will turn 25, and he has been a busy guy. He started a production company with his friend Xavier Jimenez, who is involved with Riggs’ TWD cast mate Katelyn Nacon, who portrayed Enid. In an interview with ComicBook, Riggs discussed his production company, Smooth Blend Films, and a new project he directs with Jimenez starring Macon and Lintz.
Below is the short film The Unicorn That Never Lies, directed by Riggs and Jimenez and produced by their Smooth Blend Films, along with Willow Brook Studios (Jennifer James), Jason Dolley, and Mia Cole. The film stars Cole as Alex and Dolley as Jake.
In December 2023, it was reported that Riggs was seen on set filming a new movie, Hacked: A Double Entendre of Rage Fueled Karma, in Tampa Bay, Florida. The film also stars Walking Dead alum Glenn Stanton, who portrayed the Warden named Frost in season 11.
In May 2024, Riggs will once again attend the annual The Camp Event held in Peachtree City, Georgia. Riggs and many other amazing guests, including Lennie James, Josh McDermitt, Pollyanna McIntosh, Seth Gilliam and more will be on head for a weekend of fun! The guests will be available for professional photo ops, autographs, panels, and some amazing intimate events. Below is the Season 1 Panel from 2023 at The Camp with Riggs, Lintz, Laurie Holden, and Emma Bell.
