It’s almost like it was meant to be—Chandler Riggs, born in 1999 in Atlanta, Georgia, would eventually land his breakout role on the AMC hit series The Walking Dead (2010–), which just so happens to be filmed right in his home state. You could say fate played a hand, but Chandler Riggs’ journey into acting actually began much earlier than most people realize. Believe it or not, at just seven years old, Chandler Riggs made his debut—ironically—as a zombie in the indie flick Jesus H. Zombie (2006). That quirky start didn’t immediately lead to more roles, but a few years later, Chandler Riggs appeared in Get Low (2009), a touching family drama starring Bill Murray and Robert Duvall, once again shot in Georgia.
Then came the big break. In 2010, at only ten years old, Chandler Riggs joined the cast of The Walking Dead during its very first season, stepping into the shoes of Carl Grimes—the son of protagonist Rick Grimes. It’s worth noting that William Riggs, Chandler Riggs’ real-life father, even made a guest appearance on the show in season 4, adding a personal touch to the experience. Over the years, as the series unfolded, Chandler Riggs really grew into the role, showcasing impressive depth as Carl transformed from an innocent kid into a hardened survivor navigating a morally complex world. The evolution of the character mirrored Chandler Riggs’ own growth—not just as an actor, but as a young man balancing sudden fame with everyday life.
Despite becoming a household name through The Walking Dead, Chandler Riggs stayed grounded. He continued attending public school in Georgia, making efforts to keep things as normal as possible—even while traveling to fan conventions and hosting an annual meet-up for devoted fans. Around the same time, Chandler Riggs took on another notable lead role, portraying George Bruckner in the 2014 horror film Mercy, based on Stephen King’s chilling short story “Gramma.” In it, Chandler Riggs delivered a compelling performance as a boy forced to care for his terrifying, possibly demonic grandmother.
When Chandler Riggs’ arc on The Walking Dead came to a close in 2017, he transitioned smoothly into new projects. That same year, he starred alongside Bella Thorne in the psychological horror film Keep Watching, proving that Chandler Riggs was more than ready to explore different genres beyond the post-apocalyptic world he had helped define. Through every step of his career, Chandler Riggs has managed to stay authentic, letting his work speak for itself while quietly building a legacy that extends far beyond one iconic role.
When it comes to Chandler Riggs’s filmography, fans and critics alike have taken notice of his evolving performances over the years. One standout in his career so far is Breakup Season (2024), which has emerged as Chandler Riggs’s highest rated movie to date. The film received praise for its emotional depth and strong character development, with many highlighting Chandler Riggs’s performance as a key factor in its success. On the other end of the spectrum, Only (2019) currently holds the spot as Chandler Riggs’s lowest rated film. While it had an intriguing premise and atmospheric visuals, it didn’t quite resonate as strongly with audiences or critics. Still, it’s worth noting that even in less-acclaimed projects, Chandler Riggs brings a level of dedication that keeps viewers interested. Overall, tracking Chandler Riggs’s work offers insight into his growth as an actor, from early roles to more recent, nuanced performances like those seen in Chandler Riggs’s latest releases.