NYWIFT Blog

By Tammy Reese

Stepping onto the red carpet at The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live premiere at the Linwood Dunn Theater in Los Angeles, California was a surreal moment, one that AMC graciously offered me. As I navigated through the glitz and glamour of the evening, the honor to meet my favorite television actor, Andrew Lincoln as well as the iconic actress Danai Gurira, both beloved actors and executive producers of the new spinoff, became the highlight of an unforgettable experience. Join me as I delve into the heart of this extraordinary journey, weaving together personal and professional reflections from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Tammy Reese with The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live star Andrew Lincoln (“Rick Grimes”)

Though meeting, taking photos with, and having off camera conversations with Andrew and Danai was the epic highlight, so much more kept me smiling from ear to ear. Accompanied by fellow NYWIFT Member LaKisa Renee, we both obtained interviews with the new The Walking Dead Universe cast members including Craig Tate (Lieutenant Colonel Donald Okafor), Terry O’Quinn (Beale who is The Major General of The Civic Republic Military), and Lesley-Ann Brandt (Pearl Thorne). We also obtained an interview with the legendary longtime Showrunner/Executive Producer of The Walking Dead Universe, Scott Gimple.

Tammy Reese at The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live red carpet premiere in Los Angeles

As a day one The Walking Dead fan this was not only a professional triumph but a personal moment that will be remembered forever. There are no words that could express the joy in my heart being there with so many people who created the legacy of what we know as The Walking Dead. Everywhere I looked during the red carpet, and the afterparty where LaKisa and I also attended, I spotted AMC Networks royalty, including publicists, executives, directors, writers, and actors. I was so in awe of all of the creative and inspirational individuals who I have covered, followed and adored their work over the years. OG cast members from the original TWD series who were in attendance included Norman Reedus, Lennie James, Josh McDermitt, Khary Payton, Steven Yeun and Chandler Riggs. We spotted The Talking Dead Host Chris Hardwick, and even The Walking Dead Showrunner Angela Kang to name a few. Actors from some other tv series that LaKisa and I love were Naomi Grossman (American Horror Story) and Assad Zaman (Interview with the Vampire).  Last but not least, to meet iconic director Ernest Dickerson was the icing on the cake! Everyone was so excited to be there to celebrate the new show that will officially premiere on AMC Networks on February 25th.

Tammy Reese and Lakisa Renee with The Walking Dead and The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live star Danai Gurira (“Michonne”)

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live presents an epic love story of two characters changed by a changed world. Kept apart by distance. By an unstoppable power. By the ghosts of who they were. Rick and Michonne are thrown into another world, built on a war against the dead… And ultimately, a war against the living. Can they find each other and who they were in a place and situation unlike any they’ve ever known before? Are they enemies? Lovers? Victims? Victors? Without each other, are they even alive — or will they find that they, too, are the Walking Dead?

Check out some of my interviews from the red carpet below:

Tammy Reese Interviews “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Director Bertie Ellwood

Tammy Reese Interviews “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Cast Member Lesley-Ann Brandt

Tammy Reese Interviews “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Cast Member Craig Tate

Tammy Reese Interviews “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Executive Producer Scott Gimple

Tammy Reese Interviews “The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live” Cast Member Terry O’Quinn

Congratulations to the cast and crew! 

Be sure to check out my The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live non spoiler review here!

Photo and Video Credit: LaKisa Renee of LaKisa Renee Entertainment