Hershel Greene

A farmer and veterinarian who becomes the group's moral compass.

Hershel Greene is a fictional character in The Walking Dead franchise, appearing in the comic book, television series, and game series. He is a widowed farmer and former veterinarian in Georgia, known for his strong Christian faith and protective nature toward his large family. Initially introduced saving Carl Grimes after a shooting, Hershel becomes a moral center for the survivor group.

Quick Facts

Series

The Walking Dead

First

Comic:
"Issue #10" (2004)
Television:
"Bloodletting" (2011)
Video game:
"A New Day" (2012)

Last

Comic:
"Issue #48" (2008)
Television:
"What Comes After" (2018)
Video game:
"A New Day" (2012)

Portrayed by

Scott Wilson

Voice

Chuck Kourouklis (video game)

Occupation

Comic:
Farmer
Veterinarian
Group medic
Television:
Head of the Prison Council

Creator

Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard

Adapted by

Glen Mazzara (The Walking Dead)

Facts from the source article.

Appearances

Hershel is a middle-aged man of Irish descent who grew up on his family's farm, where he developed a love for animals. As an adult, he ran a veterinary business with his wife, which collapsed after her death. Distraught, he fulfilled his father's dying wish by moving himself and his seven children back to the farm, tending livestock and returning to a simpler life. He struggled with family finances, especially college expenses for older children.

Sheltered from the apocalypse's reality, he initially believed zombies were sick humans who could be cured, locking them in his barn. When the Atlanta band took refuge at his farm after Carl was shot, he welcomed them but grew frustrated. After the barn burst open and zombies killed two of his children, he blamed the survivors. Discovering his daughter Maggie sleeping with Glenn and seeing the group refuse to leave, he put a gun to Rick's head and forced them out, though he later felt ashamed. As the farm became unsafe, he and his people joined the Atlanta band at a semi-abandoned prison.

Development and reception

Scott Wilson was announced as cast in June 2011, alongside Lauren Cohan and Pruitt Taylor Vince. On Talking Dead, it was revealed that Hershel was initially scripted to be killed by Randall in the episode "Better Angels" during Randall's escape, but producers allowed the character to live to explore dramatic potential in later episodes. Noel Murray of Rolling Stone ranked Hershel Greene 8th in a list of 30 best Walking Dead characters, describing him as a wizened pragmatist who cut through emotions to find compromises.