There was something really special about the first few seasons of AMC’s The Walking Dead. The overall “newness” to it, the cast at the time, and the direction the series was going in. What wasn’t so special was what the actors were getting paid. Which, was nothing according to former star Michael Rooker. The Guardian of the Galaxy star appeared here and there throughout the first three seasons as Merle Dixon, the not so pleasant brother to fan-favorite Daryl Dixon.
Rooker explains:
“Were they cheap? Of course they were cheap. Come on, give me a break! Are you serious? Nobody got any money those first three, four seasons. And we killed it, dude. We worked our asses off and we made that series. But nobody got any money.”
He continued:
“But of course, you know, the show becomes popular and they started paying people after that. But I don’t blame them, I’d do the same thing. Why would I want to pay top dollar on a show that’s not proven? If I could get really good actors to do this for less money, go for it. That’s my producer brain thinking.”
Rooker was then asked if TWD stars deserved more than would reflect the success of the show at the time and Rooker answered:
“Of course you do, and they do. They get more money now. But not the beginning ones, not the new guys. But the older [stars], Norman and all those guys get plenty of money. And they deserve it,” he added. “Dude, everybody gets hurt on that show. We’re running through woods, jumping over logs, dodging rattlesnakes, I mean, come on. Everything.”
I’m sure everyone’s doing alright now – certainly making better money than most of us out there.
Have you kept up with The Walking Dead?
Source: CB
Make sure to check out our podcasts each week including Geek Vibes Live, Top 10 with Tia, Wrestling Geeks Alliance and more!
A girl with too many fandoms to count.
