Former Walking Dead star shares his journey from child actor to creator
Summary
– Chandler Riggs appeared as a featured guest at SiouxperCon 2026
– The former Carl Grimes actor presented a panel about his evolving creative career
– Fans received an additional opportunity to meet Riggs during a professional photo session
Chandler Riggs returned to the convention spotlight as a featured celebrity guest at SiouxperCon 2026 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The former Walking Dead actor participated in a weekend of fan activities centered on his television career and creative work outside the AMC franchise.
Riggs presented From Child Star to Creator: Chandler Riggs’ Creative Journey on Saturday. The panel gave attendees a closer look at how his career has developed since he began playing Carl Grimes as a child. Riggs grew up alongside the character while The Walking Dead became one of the biggest television shows.
Carl spent eight seasons developing from a frightened child into an experienced survivor with his own vision for rebuilding society. His relationship with Rick Grimes became an emotional foundation of the series, especially as Carl began challenging his father’s approach to leadership, violence, and mercy.
Riggs left The Walking Dead during its eighth season after Carl suffered a walker bite while helping Siddiq. Carl used his final moments to encourage Rick and Michonne to pursue a peaceful future rather than continue the cycle of war. His message influenced Rick’s decisions long after the character’s death.
The departure remains one of the most debated decisions in the history of The Walking Dead. Carl survived much longer in the original comic series, leaving television viewers surprised when AMC ended his story. Riggs has remained connected to the fanbase through convention appearances and discussions about his years with the show.
SiouxperCon also scheduled Riggs for a professional photo opportunity on Sunday, September 27, at 11:50 a.m. The session gave fans another chance to meet the actor and celebrate his place within The Walking Dead universe.
Projects such as Dead City, Daryl Dixon, and The Ones Who Live have continued the franchise, but Carl remains an important part of its original identity. Riggs’ appearance at SiouxperCon showed that fans remain interested in both his Walking Dead history and the creative direction of his career.
