Chandler Riggs

Chandler Carlton Riggs is an American actor and director best known for his transformative role as Carl Grimes on the AMC horror-drama series The Walking Dead. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, he launched his career as a child actor before securing the part that would define his early adulthood. His portrayal of the character evolved over eight seasons, turning a frightened boy into a hardened survivor leader.

Riggs appeared in 89 episodes of the show between 2010 and 2018. His performance earned him three Saturn Awards and a Young Artist Award. After leaving the series in 2018, he transitioned to adult roles and began exploring opportunities behind the camera. As of late 2026, he remains active in the entertainment industry through independent film production and music. [edit]

Chandler Carlton Riggs entered the world in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 1999. He grew up in the metropolitan area where he developed an early interest in the performing arts. Before stepping onto the national stage, Riggs attended local schools and participated in community theater productions. His mother, Gina Ann Riggs, played a pivotal role in managing his early career logistics while ensuring he maintained a relatively normal childhood routine.

His professional debut came in 2009 with a minor appearance in the Robert Duvall and Bill Murray-starring film Get Low. This small role served as his entry point into the industry. Following this initial step, Riggs auditioned for various projects while balancing his education. The opportunity that changed everything arrived in 2010 when casting directors selected him for the role of Carl Grimes in the first season of The Walking Dead. This selection marked the beginning of a journey that would see him grow up alongside millions of viewers. [edit]

Riggs secured the role of Carl Grimes in 2010, launching a career-defining run that lasted until 2018. Over eight seasons, he appeared in 89 episodes, chronicling the character's evolution from a young child to a moral leader. His work earned him significant acclaim, including three Saturn Awards for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series in 2012, 2014, and 2015. He also took home a Young Artist Award in 2012.

Following his departure from The Walking Dead, Riggs shifted his focus to adult roles and new creative ventures. He starred in the thriller Keep Watching in 2017 and the horror film Only in 2019. Beyond acting, he has pursued directing and producing. In October 2026, he released the fan-made short film Biohazard, a live-action adaptation of the video game Resident Evil 7. The project showcased his ability to helm independent productions and generate buzz within the gaming community. [edit]

Riggs is known for his humility and natural demeanor. Unlike many former child stars who struggle with public perception, he is viewed positively for his maturity and successful transition to adult roles. He maintains an unpretentious style, often seen in casual attire off-screen. His social media presence on platforms like Instagram and X reflects his genuine interests in film and gaming rather than curated celebrity content. Critics and fans alike appreciate his willingness to take risks with independent projects. [edit]

As of October 2026, iFANN has not yet collected fame data for Chandler Riggs. While he does not appear on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list, his legacy remains tied to the massive audience of The Walking Dead. Fans of the show, often called "Walkers" or "Deadheads," formed a dedicated sub-segment specifically for Carl Grimes. These supporters launched petitions to keep the character alive and organized birthday tributes that trended globally during the series' run. Riggs built a reputation for being accessible to fans, frequently attending conventions and engaging directly with them through meet-and-greets. [edit]

Chandler Riggs is a self-proclaimed gamer, a passion that directly inspired his creation of the Biohazard fan film. Despite his global fame, he attended a standard high school in Georgia and graduated with his peers. He has a younger brother named Carson Riggs who is also involved in the arts. Riggs stands at 5 feet 10 inches tall and maintains a low-profile personal life compared to many of his contemporaries. He often credits his time on set with Andrew Lincoln for teaching him valuable lessons about father-son dynamics both on and off screen. [edit]

Chandler was born to Gina Ann Riggs, who managed his early career, and an unnamed father. He has a younger brother named Carson Riggs who shares his interest in the arts. The family remained grounded in Atlanta throughout his rise to fame. Riggs has spoken about maintaining a close bond with his parents, who supported his artistic ambitions without pushing him into the spotlight prematurely. Their stable home environment allowed him to navigate the pressures of child stardom with relative ease. [edit]

Andrew Lincoln, Melissa McBride, Anthony Alyassi, Zach Cregger[edit]

Chandler Riggs has maintained a notably private personal life throughout his career. There are no credible public records, news reports, or verified social media posts indicating that he has ever been married, engaged, or in a long-term publicly acknowledged romantic relationship as of late 2026. While there were occasional rumors and tabloid speculation regarding high-profile flings during his peak fame years around 2015 to 2017, none have been substantiated by multiple sources or confirmed by Riggs himself.

He has not publicly disclosed any children. His decision to keep his dating life out of the spotlight appears to be a conscious strategy to separate his public persona as Carl Grimes from his private identity. This approach allows him to pursue new creative ventures without the constant scrutiny of his personal relationships. As of 2026, Chandler Riggs is reported to be single. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Chandler Riggs' net worth at approximately $6 million. This figure reflects his earnings from a highly successful eight-year run on The Walking Dead, where he reportedly earned between $50,000 and $75,000 per episode in later seasons. Additional income streams include residuals from the long-running series, fees from films like Keep Watching and Only, and revenue from his recent independent production ventures such as Biohazard.

Riggs also generates income through comic convention appearances, which remain a steady source of revenue for actors of his caliber. His musical endeavors and royalties contribute further to his financial portfolio. As of 2026, his wealth continues to grow through strategic investments in indie filmmaking and his expanding role as a producer behind the scenes. [edit]

Chandler Riggs won three Saturn Awards for Best Performance by a Younger Actor in a Television Series for his role in The Walking Dead in 2012, 2014, and 2015. He also received a Young Artist Award in 2012 for Best Performance in a TV Series – Supporting Young Actor. Throughout his tenure on the show, he accumulated five Saturn Award nominations and three Young Artist Award nominations. [edit]