9 Famous TV Characters Who Were Originally Much Smaller Roles

8. Carol - The Walking Dead

The Character: Carol (Melissa McBride) started the series off as one of the side characters within the camp of survivors. She was a meek and quiet housewife whose life was controlled by her abusive husband. She eventually grew in terms of the role as well as the character. Carol became stronger and more pragmatic with each passing season until she became the matriarchal figure of the survivors we now know and love

What Almost Happened? McBride joined the cast without auditioning because the role was so small. Indeed, throughout the first season, Carol is mostly a background character. While she was given more to do later on, the showrunners eventually decided to kill her off in season 3.

When McBride was given the news she argued that they were wasting a good character who had much more to offer. Her pleas worked and they kept Carol alive, even incorporating some of McBride's ideas into the character.

How'd It Turn Out? Carol's arc has been the most interesting one on the show so far. The character's personal development has been mirrored by the importance her character has on the rest of the show. It's extremely satisfying to see this woman who was once so powerless become the group's most stable and resilient members.

Having her die without reaching those heights would have felt cruel.