The Walking Dead Cast React to Andrew Lincoln Leaving The Show

The cat’s finally out of the bag – Andrew Lincoln is leaving The Walking Dead in Season 9. Before we jump into reactions – here’s Andrew at San Diego Comic Con 2018 breaking the news of his character’s departure from the show:

Watch Andrew Lincoln's tearful goodbye to the 'Walking Dead.' Full panel report from #SDCC2018 https://t.co/dbwKh61AiS pic.twitter.com/ZqT3lbC4mA

— Variety (@Variety) July 20, 2018

We compiled the best social media reactions from the cast (and Yvette Nicole Brown) below.

I truly believe Andrew Lincoln is the best leading man on TV. He has made us all better with his leadership, dedication, heart, and generosity. I couldn’t be thankful enough for the time I’ve gotten to work with him and learn from him. It’s been an honor, sir. #SDCC #TWDFamily pic.twitter.com/r23gfkid7n

— Danai Gurira (@DanaiGurira) July 24, 2018

I truly believe Andrew Lincoln is the best leading man on television. He has made us all better with his leadership, dedication, heart, and generosity. I couldn’t be thankful enough for the time I’ve gotten to work with him and learn from him. It’s been an honor, sir. #SDCC #TWDFamily

A post shared by Danai Gurira (@danaigurira) on Jul 23, 2018 at 5:26pm PDT

The sheriff. Always.

A post shared by Khary Payton (@kharypayton) on Jul 25, 2018 at 9:28am PDT

Norman Reedus on Andrew Lincoln leaving #TWD. (via @siriusxm) pic.twitter.com/Z4nPeHcBCj

— #TWD Fan Page (@FTWDFans) July 23, 2018

Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Norman Reedus on exiting star Andrew Lincoln: "He is the leader of this show" https://t.co/dbwKh61AiS pic.twitter.com/ZxdUea4W6p

— Variety (@Variety) July 21, 2018

?|| ""The Walking Dead" stars take a moment at San Diego Comic-Con to say farewell to Andrew Lincoln, who recently announced that he will be leaving the show during its ninth season."#SDCC
(https://t.co/Dr0SU4vfsM) pic.twitter.com/QUSbh6vOtQ

— Jeffrey Dean Morgan (FanPage) (@JDMorganArmy) July 21, 2018

Now dear Andy has talked about it at @sandiegocomicconinternational I can say that I’m genuinely excited for the Walking Dead fans despite the grief of it. The man’s leaving the show in a pretty damn awesome way in Season 9 and you will NOT be disappointed with what’s next. As for me, I’m a lucky bugger for getting to work with him as much as I do and to get to know this honest, talented, funny, generous man and his gorgeous family who will be so happy to spend more time together, which is what they deserve. He’s leaving #TheWalkingDead cast and crew with a lasting legacy of leadership and his cry to always fight for your character, for faith not fear in moving through the world and for decency and respect in your dealings with others will stay with the #TWDFamily forever. A truly remarkable #1. Thank you Mr Andy Lincoln. Love ya. ❤️ #TheWalkingDead #TWD #RickGrimesForever #AndyLincoln #AndrewLincoln

A post shared by Pollyanna McIntosh (@pollyannamcintosh) on Jul 23, 2018 at 1:55pm PDT

Andrew Lincoln – My Hero pic.twitter.com/OaG7H4IvH0

— AUSTIN NICHOLS (@AustinNichols) July 24, 2018

i love this, concur, and want to share. ❤️ https://t.co/YIWwZ4MzSM

— alicia witt (@aliciawitty) July 25, 2018

Ditto. Andy is a man beyond measure, whose compassionate leadership will continue to inspire me every day of my life. XOXO https://t.co/eBOQ5BWk3i

— Gale Anne Hurd (@GunnerGale) July 25, 2018

No better place to start #TheOnslaught than here. What a man. What a leader. What a speech! Thank you Andy, for the great advice, encouragement and love thru the years. I'm excited about what's to come in your next adventure, even if it's just a well-earned rest with your sweet family. Love. Hugs. Joy. ?❤ #SDCC #ComicCon @amcthewalkingdead #AndrewLincoln #RickGrimes #TWD My Outfit: @sofistafunktheskirtco ?

A post shared by Yvette Nicole Brown (@yvettenicolebrown) on Jul 21, 2018 at 11:06am PDT

(We know she’s not in the cast but she’s basically an honorary member)

We’ll update this post with more reactions as they come in. How did you react to the news?