The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror television series developed for television by Frank Darabont and based on the comic book series of the same name by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moore and Charlie Adlard. It premiered on the AMC network on October 31, 2010 with a 70-minute premiere episode, during the network's "Fearfest". AMC has renewed the series for a second season of 13 episodes.

We caught up with lead zombie, Melissa "The Bicycle Girl" Cowan, to talk about The Walking Dead TV series.

Horror News Network: How did you get involved in the Walking Dead TV series?

Melissa Cowan: I have been acting for about 2 years, one of the casting companies that I had done a lot of work for contacted me requesting some pictures.  

Horror News Network: Were you a reader of the Walking Dead comic prior to getting the role?

Melissa Cowan: To be honest, No… I had heard of it, but never actually read it or anything like that, of course I am a loyal reader now and a big fan, I have truly realized what I had been missing!  

Horror News Network: What kind of research did you have to do for this role? Have you been a fan of zombie movies or did you have to go and watch how zombies move, etc?

Melissa Cowan: I didn’t do a ton of research other than watch some movies, mostly the Romero movies, the slow moving zombies as I knew from talking to Frank and Greg that is what they envisioned. Yes, I was a fan of zombies movie prior to, so it was pretty cool for me,  the reason that I went back and watched the movies was to study the movement, speed etc…

Horror News Network: Were you shocked to become the “face” of the series?

Melissa Cowan: YES, Absolutely. I had no idea that I would become the face of the show! I do remember several different people saying this would be “epic” and huge and that everyone would love my zombie, but I really didn’t comprehend the scale of it.   LOL

Horror News Network: You were known as the bicycle zombie girl, did you play other zombies throughout the series?

Melissa Cowan: Yes, while bicycle girl is the most popular and widely used zombie for the show, I did get to play a few other zombies as well. The other one that got good face time and actually some pictures were released was from the day we filmed the horse scene.

You see Rick coming down the street in downtown Atlanta on his horse, you see the 2 guys get off of the bus and then you see me get in front of them and lead the way around the corner to the tank. Also from that day some pictures of Robert, the 2 zombies from the bus (Joe and Brian) and I was released. So that was pretty cool to have a picture with Kirkman released and it spread like fire. It was pretty neat for me, because it shows me as another zombie.  What can I say; I make a kick ass zombie! LOL  

Horror News Network: What was a common day like on set?

Melissa Cowan: Not as bad as one would think, the days were long, we filmed typically for 12-14 hours, sometimes longer, the heat was brutal, especially when covered in prosthetics and makeup that was sticky, that tends to melt a little in the heat. Other than that it was just a normal day on set. Always good conversations and laughs, I always like sitting in the chair getting zombiefied, always a good time, the make up process for just a background zombie (extra) would take anywhere from 20 mins to an hour, depending on exactly what they were going for, which would depend how which type of zombie you were, which is where you would be placed in closeness to the cameras.
Now being bicycle girl, was a lot different, I was specifically casted for this, flown out to LA, had my own trailer, was the only zombie on set that day, had people that would hold umbrellas over me to cover the sun up a bit… I mean yes, I was really spoiled, HAHA nothing like that when you’re just in the background.  LOL  :-)

Horror News Network: What has been the best thing so far about being a Walking Dead zombie?

Melissa Cowan: I would say being bicycle girl, and the exposure that has come with that! I have gotten world wide recognition, I have been given the opportunity to travel the U.S. and soon the be world to attend conventions etc, there is people that would kill for a chance like this, and it was pretty much handed to me, so I am FOREVER grateful that the right people thought about me for this role and I was able to get it, I think I made a lasting impression on Frank at the audition, he hired me on the spot!!!!  To work with Frank that close was really like a dream come true to me, I had always admired his work and I learned a lot from him!

Horror News Network: Will you be appearing in season 2?

Melissa Cowan: Yes, everything is still in the works, but attentively it’s looking GREAT! I did receive a phone call that was good news, so now just hoping that everything will work out in the end, in this business everything is subject to change without a moments notice, so until we sign contracts and I have a filming date, location etc, I can only hope that it will happen, but I am pretty confident that it will all work out.  

Horror News Network: Where can our readers find out more about you?

Melissa Cowan: I have a website which is www.melissadcowan.com
and I also have a Facebook fan page, which is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Cowan/149339598411401?v=wall


Horror News Network: In closing, what would you like to say to our readers about The Walking Dead TV show?

Melissa Cowan: I would like to say/repeat the obvious, this show is a great show, it has your drama, love story, suspense, action, gore etc…   ANYONE and EVERYONE can relate to this show and enjoy it.  I have met so many people that have stated that normally they would never watch a zombie show or a show that is violent in nature etc, but they find themselves glued to the TV when TWD was on, so that just PROVES that what I have been saying since day 1 in accurate!!   I have said from the start that this show would win awards and be a huge success, and look at what is already starting to happen, the writers is up for awards, there is a golden globe nomination and also “bicycle girl is up for an award too!!! So, if you haven’t already check it out, AMC will be airing it often and the DVD is set to be released on March 8, 2011!!!

I would like to thank all of my fans out there for the support and kind words, as I often say, without you, who would I be?? So again, thank you, this is for the new fans, and the fans that have been there from the start!! I love you all!!!

Horror News Network: Thank you for your time, Melissa. Best of luck with The Walking Dead TV series. Comment on this interview on our forum.