- Hello Dennis O'Connor and thank you for your time for the Fans of The Walking Dead.


- Dennis , When was the time you know you want to be an actor?
I first worked on a production while in elementary school and was overwhelmed. It was a long
time before I tried again. By following a vague passion, I spent a semester during university in
London studying literature and theater. Lots of theater.
This time included dozens of live performances, many gallery visits and days in the West End
theater district. I studied at the Globe theater and even performed a small part of King Lear on
that stage. I knew I enjoyed it, but did not feel I had a ‘job’ to find there. I graduated after more
classes in acting/ theater and cinema. I worked in many fields after college but not the arts.



- You worked in one of my Favorite series. "Fear The Walking Dead" How did you get cast ?

Then, one day I was looking out my office window and saw fencing going up around the parking
lot. I was informed Black Panther 2 was filming a scene there. I had live in Albuquerque when
Breaking Bad began. I had a job, though. I lived in Santa For example when it became a hot
spot for filming, but again, I had a job. Now, though, I had an opportunity to pursue this passion
that had been on the back burner. I felt it had all aligned for me this time.




- Which caracters did you play in the series?

My second job in returning to this art was in Fear The Walking Dead. I applied to be “German
Resident” and was lucky enough to land some fun days on set as a part of Strand’s ‘gang’. I
was cast by the same company that cast the Apple TV series Manhunt, which directly preceded
FTWD’s final season shoot in Savannah.




- Working in Fear The Walking Dead, What is the first what you remember when you look back on set?

My favorite part of working on FTWD was learning how the TV magic is made. From camera
work to costumes, makeup and effects, I absorbed mountains of information each day. I had a
rough day or two as I learned, but it was an amazing crash course. It was quite the experience
to see the filming and then the finished product.




- When you look back Do you have any interesting behind-the-scenes stories you can share?

Behind the scenes was always interesting, especially as it was the final season of a wildly
popular show, there were many moments that stick out. I always enjoyed a good chuckle at
what you might find Walkers doing in their down time. I have seen Walkers skateboard, eat
lunch, smoke cigarettes and even hackie sack. I will never forget those silly, fleeting moments.




- With a role in TWD/FTWD comes a Big Fan Community, what are your first The Walking
Dead fan experiences?

The fan community of TWD/FTWD is quite active and knowledgeable. I remember the first
episode of the original airing of each show, and they have stuck with me. I have not had a ‘fan
experience’ except my own while occupying a small part of that universe. I got to meet the cast
– Colman, Ruben, Jenna, etc. – while working, so it wasn’t at arm’s length as it might be in
public.



- Never say never in the TWD Universe. Will you come back ,maybe for an Tales of TWD Episode or Dead City?

I will never say never because I survived the finale. So, I am thrilled to say I am available for
prequel, sequel, follow ups, whatever!


- Dennis, you also work for the Apple TV Series "Manhunt", thats right?

Manhunt and Fear will forever be my touchstones for my entry into the business. However, I feel
I have been shot out of a cannon. I have attached my resume for the 1.5 years since, and you
can see it has flourished, but through a pair of strikes and another on the horizon, it has been an
adventure. In just the last month, though, I have worked on three separate Marvel movies and
three television series. I have done digital media shoots and an advertisement for a local tourist
department. I keep finding wonderful surprises


-  Is there any dream role or actor/actress you would loved to work in the future?

Dream roles would include speaking roles and something that allows me to develop a character.
I don’t have short list of actors I want to work with – I’m not able to be picky – but I have already
had more encounters with stars I admire than I can count. I began 2023 working a single day on
Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis as one of 300 background actors and ended the year as
Gabriel Basso’s Stand In for Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. I didn’t know 2024 could top that, but it
has so far been amazing. I’m going to keep working and saying ‘yes’ to opportunities.

- Is there anything else you would like to let TWD Fans and your fans know?

While I’m blushing at the very idea of having an actual fan of my own, I do know that I can
mention FEAR and it will start a captivating conversation. TWD/FTWD are part of an era of
television that is quickly passing by. The days of the ‘water cooler’ conversations of tv are gone
as there are so many shows on a variety of ‘platforms’ and no schedule. The shared experience
is swiftly departing. However, from what I’ve seen, TWD/Fear and the related programs are still
recognized and nkown by most viewers.



- Thank you being my guest Dennis O'Connor and best wishes for the future. I hope to see you one day in Germany.

Thank you, Bernd, for having me. I have enjoyed this exercise and did my best to keep it on
topic. I have a tendency to ramble. I love Germany, by the way. I spent a wonderful week in
Berlin some time ago. If I return, I will let you know.
Danke,
Dennis O’Connor