10 Breakout TV Characters Who Went From Bit Parts To Series Regulars
1. Daryl Dixon (The Walking Dead)
Unlike the rest of the roles on this list, a completely new character was created for The Walking Dead star Norman Reedus, who originally auditioned for—and lost—the role of Merle Dixon. However, the producers on the AMC hit series felt so strongly about adding Reedus to the cast they wrote him in as a completely new character: Merle’s little brother, Daryl.
Meant to support show leads Rick, Carl, Lori, and Shane, Dixon brought life to what was intended to be a one-note character with little dialog. Reedus utilized Daryl’s minimal speaking role as a means to create a complex and layered character—a quiet and anti-social hunter with exceptional survival skills and, however gruff his outward appearance may be, a good heart.
Nine seasons later, the redneck bowman has become a permanent fixture on The Walking Dead, even taking over the starring role after original protagonist Rick left the show in Season 9. Not bad for someone who was originally supposed to be a one-season wonder.