Melissa McBride, who is mostly known for her portrayal of Carol Peletier on The Walking Dead, has become a household name in television, celebrated for her strong performances and emotional depth. Melissa McBride is currently estimated to be worth around $9 million. She built her wealth on a successful acting career, particularly in one of the longest running television series of the last decade.
Early Beginnings.
Born on May 23, 1965, in Lexington, Kentucky, Melissa McBride did not begin her acting career formally. Before she broke into the industry, McBride was a commercial casting director in Atlanta, Georgia, for more than a decade. She also acted during that time in supporting roles in films and television. Her early acting work included roles on shows like Matlock and Walker, Texas Ranger.
McBride played small roles consistently in the 1990s and early 2000s, but major stardom did not come until she joined the cast of The Walking Dead in 2010. Little did she know that the role would change her career and bring financial success.
Major Sources of Income
The Walking Dead: The biggest income source for Melissa McBride is from The Walking Dead. Joining the show for its first season, McBride’s character, Carol Peletier, quickly became a fan favorite. Originally a supporting role, Carol eventually became one of the series’ central figures, known for her strong, resilient, and complex character. McBride became known for her portrayal of Carol and her salary soared with it.
In the later seasons of The Walking Dead, it was reported that McBride and other key cast members earned between $100,000 and $200,000 per episode. Because the show lasted 11 seasons, this steady income helped her net worth grow significantly. McBride also has sold merchandise for her character at conventions and fan events outside of the show.
Spin-Offs and Future Projects: The Walking Dead spin-off starring McBride and fellow actor Norman Reedus was announced in 2020. McBride left the project early for personal reasons, but her future involvement in any future spin-offs or content related to it could generate significant additional income. As a Walking Dead character, McBride is still a valuable asset to the franchise, and future projects could make her earnings skyrocket.
Film Roles and Other Ventures: Though most famous for her television work, McBride has also appeared in several films, including The Mist (2007), directed by Frank Darabont, the man who would later create The Walking Dead. Her movie roles are less financially rewarding compared to her TV career but have added to her acting resume. Even outside of The Walking Dead, McBride’s continued work in the industry ensures her relevance and marketability.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Even with her fame, Melissa McBride is fairly private with her personal life. She remains grounded and grateful for the opportunities she’s had in her career. McBride is also a silent donor – she supports animal welfare and mental health issues. Her humility and desire to give back have earned her fans both on and off the screen.
