T-Dog, Lori, Axel, Merle, Milton and Andrea met their ends this season on AMC’s hit drama series “The Walking Dead,†but not Emily Kinney’s character, Beth Greene.
In fact, AMC announced this week it has promoted the Nebraska Wesleyan University graduate from a recurring role to a series regular. The series concluded its third season Sunday.
“I found out awhile ago, but I couldn’t tell anyone,†Kinney said Friday in a phone interview from her New York City home before she boarded a plane for a “Walking Dead†promotional event in Tampa, Fla.
She admitted she told her parents but swore them to secrecy.
“It’s definitely one of those things when you decide to be an actor that it would be really cool to be in a Broadway show or a series regular on a hit show,†she said. “I was, like, ‘Whoa, this is really happening,’ because this is one of those things you work toward.â€
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Kinney, who grew up in Wayne and graduated from NWU in 2006, joined “The Walking Dead†in Season 2, playing Hershel Greene’s youngest daughter.
Her TV credits since leaving Wesleyan have included appearances on “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,†“The Good Wife,†“Law & Order: SVU†and a recurring role on “The Big C.â€
She spent much of the third season of “The Walking Dead†as she did in the previous season, in the background. She took care of Rick’s baby after his wife, Lori, died, and she bonded with Rick’s son, Carl.
But on occasion, the writers placed Kinney in the spotlight, including a touching and memorable scene in episode 11 when she sang Tom Waits’ “Hold On.â€
AMC also upgraded actors Chad L. Coleman (Tyreese) and Sonequa Martin-Green (Sasha) to series regulars for season four.
Kinney said news of her promotion came at a good time because pilot season -- when studios cast actors in potential new shows -- was starting.
“I would rather do a project that I’ve invested so much time to, rather than try to get a part on another show,†she said. “This was great. I’m excited … so excited. It’s like a dream come true.â€
Even better, she said, is landing a role on a series that’s loved by viewers and critics alike.
“It’s a good show,†she said. “Sometimes when you’re starting out with acting, you have to take what you can get to get experience and meet people. It’s been cool to work on something that I actually would want to watch and I think is a good show with good writing and the best people involved.â€
Reach Jeff Korbelik at 402-473-7213 or jkorbelik@journalstar.com, or follow him on Twitter at @LJSjeffkorbelik.