Tyreese

Fictional survivor and protector in The Walking Dead.

Tyreese Williams is a fictional character from the comic book series The Walking Dead and its television adaptation, portrayed by Chad L. Coleman. In the comics, he serves as group leader Rick Grimes' right hand man until the end of "Made to Suffer." Introduced in The Walking Dead #7 (April 2004), Tyreese is a strong-willed father and protective leader who favors a hammer over firearms.

Quick Facts

Series

The Walking Dead

First

Comic:
"Issue #7" (2004)
Television:
"Made to Suffer" (2012)

Last

Comic:
"Issue #72" (2010)
Television:
"Forget" (2015)

Portrayed by

Chad L. Coleman

Occupation

NFL linebacker
Comic:
Car salesman
Bouncer
Television:
Supply Runner for the prison
Guard for Woodbury

Creator

Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard

Adapted by

Glen Mazzara; Robert Kirkman

Family

Television:; Sasha Williams (sister)

Facts from the source article.

Appearances

In the comics, Tyreese had a brief NFL stint as a linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons, then worked as a bouncer and later a car salesman. He was a divorcé with a teenage daughter named Julie, whom he fiercely protected, though their relationship was strained by tension with Julie's boyfriend Chris. Tyreese, Julie, and Chris meet Rick's group on the highway as winter approaches. He quickly becomes an essential asset, providing muscle and leadership, earning Rick's trust.

Within days, he and Carol begin a subtle romantic relationship, with him acting as her protector. He struggles with Julie and Chris's sexual antics and fails to establish ground rules. After arriving at Wiltshire Estates, his relationship with Carol escalates to sex. In the television series, Tyreese is from Jacksonville, Florida, with his sister Sasha.

They hid in a neighbor's underground bunker for seven months after the outbreak, then joined another group that gradually dwindled to him, Sasha, and a family of three.

Casting and reception

Chad L. Coleman was cast as Tyreese in mid 2012. Robert Kirkman had his eye on Coleman since seeing him as Cuddy from The Wire, and told AMC, "Chad is Tyreese." Coleman auditioned with dummy sides and had to return once more. He recalled taking the bus to Raleigh Studios in Hollywood for the audition.

Tyreese, a fan favorite in the comics, was adapted for the third season after its midseason break. On November 20, 2012, his role was officially confirmed. Coleman described the character as having "the sky's the limit" and being "a bona fide leader that can probably find his footing in any situation." Zack Handlen of The A.V. Club noted that Tyreese's introduction in "Made to Suffer" occurred in the same episode that Oscar, another African-American character, was fatally shot.

Forbes' Erik Kain worried for Tyreese because "black guys in The Walking Dead do not have an easy time staying alive." Eric Goldman at IGN enjoyed Tyreese's return in "I Ain't a Judas." Zack Handlen found it hard to blame Tyreese's group for siding with the Governor rather than Rick, who seemed insane.