Steven Yeun is a well-known actor in Hollywood today, with Oscar and Emmy nominations under his belt for his outstanding performances in acclaimed projects like A24’s family drama “Minari” and Netflix’s black comedy “Beef”. However, it was his role on AMC’s “The Walking Dead” that truly catapulted his career to international fame.
In “The Walking Dead”, Yeun played the character of Glenn Rhee, a plucky loner who quickly became a fan favorite. He was introduced in the show’s pilot episode as a voice on a radio, guiding Andrew Lincoln’s character, Rick, to safety while being pursued by a horde of zombies. The show premiered on Halloween in 2010 and ran for an impressive 11 seasons, receiving a total of 16 Emmy nominations and two wins.
Glenn’s character stood out for his resourcefulness and determination, as well as for his romantic relationship with fellow survivor Maggie Greene, played by Lauren Cohan. Their love story was one of the highlights of the show, and viewers were invested in their journey. They eventually got married and started a family, but tragically, Glenn was killed before their baby was born.
The seventh season of “The Walking Dead” opened with a devastating scene in which main antagonist Negan, portrayed by Jeffrey Dean Morgan, brutally murdered Glenn and another character named Abraham using a barbed-wire-wrapped bat. This shocking twist upset fans and led to an outpouring of emotions from both the audience and the rest of the cast.
In a live talk-back event for the show at the Hollywood Bowl, the entire cast was visibly moved by Glenn’s final words, “I will find you.” Lauren Cohan, who played Maggie, tearfully explained that these words symbolized their characters’ star-crossed love story. It was a powerful moment that further deepened the impact of Glenn’s death on the show’s viewers.
Despite moving on to other projects like “Beef”, Yeun still finds himself recognized by fans as the beloved character Glenn. He mentioned in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that for a long time, he was primarily known as Glenn from “The Walking Dead”. People would tell him that they stopped watching the show after his character’s demise, although he believed they might be exaggerating. Now, however, he encounters fans who recognize him from his recent work in “Beef”, which he finds enjoyable.
Steven Yeun’s journey from a lesser-known actor to an internationally recognized star is a remarkable one. His portrayal of Glenn Rhee in “The Walking Dead” captivated audiences and showcased his talent as an actor. Today, he continues to impress critics and fans alike with his versatile performances in various projects.
In conclusion, Steven Yeun’s role as Glenn Rhee in “The Walking Dead” played a crucial role in establishing his career in the entertainment industry. The character’s resourcefulness and love story with Maggie Greene resonated with viewers, making Glenn a fan favorite. Despite his character’s tragic death, Yeun’s talent has allowed him to transition to other acclaimed projects, proving his versatility as an actor.