One of my best friends is quick to remind me how the evolution of the Loving Reedus really started. I couldn’t stand his iconic character, Daryl Dixon, in the beginning. Hated him even. But by about season 2…I was noticing he had pretty nice arms. By season 3, that damn Google bender happened. I learned that beyond portraying a really interesting and evolving character (that he helped create), Norman Reedus is incredibly artistic, kind, and marches to the beat of his own drummer. He rides motorcycles and loves his cat. He’s an awesome dad to his son. Add all this to how easy he is on the eyes, and I knew I was screwed.
It should also be said that if you tell me he needs a bath or to cut his hair, we can’t be friends.
I also soon learned that The Walking Dead is filmed in Atlanta, Georgia and that Norman regularly attends various comic-cons. Meeting Norman was actually, like, possible. At the time I couldn’t wrap my mind around this, and I was convinced that meeting him may cause me to be temporarily mute or babble incoherently until he called for security.
Well, I can safely say that when I met the man for the first time, neither imagined scenario became a reality, thank God.
By now, I have road tripped and flown to Atlanta several times. I have been to filming, visited TWD locations, and have become a con regular. I am also part of the lucky group to have Selfies with Norman (I felt that should be capitalized. Because Norman.) I even attended The Walking Dead Fan Premiere at Madison Square Garden in New York City, adding to the extensive list of friends and adventures that have resulted as part of my obsession dedication. I have met Norman and other cast several times at this point. Believe me when I say those times of connection are brief, and often in chaos, but still thrilling nonetheless.
And Norman Reedus is just as wonderful as people who have met him say he is. He is without doubt the most genuine, kind-hearted and down-to-Earth actor I’ve ever met. There is no pretense with him, and when speaking with him you quickly forget he makes more money than you do in a year, in a week, if not a day. You even forget that more than likely you just paid $80 (the going rate at a con for his autograph nowadays) towards that to meet him for just a few minutes. Or that you probably stood in line for several hours. All of this is forgotten when you watch him take the time out to talk to each and every person who has waited in line, or when he takes the time out to start with a silly string war with the kid fans. It is especially forgotten when he holds your hand, looks directly into your eyes and says, “Hey babe”. This is when The Reedus Effect takes its hold on you, and suddenly you are throwing $20 bills around like you are at the local strip club. I think I have even blacked out briefly during a photo op, but please don’t tell my husband that. It’s not surprising then that his fandom has exploded in the last few years, and even then you will be surprised to know that he remembers many who have met him more than once. In all seriousness, he has a genuine appreciation for anyone who appreciates him, and his authenticity is only matched by his incredible talent as an artist. (And fine, I admit that I have an Arm Obsession with him.)
It’s no wonder why his, (as well as the rest of the cast’s) fandom, has exploded. The Walking Dead Family has grown to epic proportions. If you’re a newbie, it’s all good. Be a fan, however let’s be clear: No biting, no chasing (whether in car or on foot), no trespassing of any kind, and no legit stalking. You will be the reason we can’t have nice things, and beyond that, those behaviors are just flat-out not okay. Think about this: would you want a stranger following you home from work because they loved the spreadsheet you did that day at work, and just wanted to tell you that? No? It’s creepy? Right. Remember that.
They don’t call the fans and the cast and crew The Walking Dead Family without reason. But please take your kindness and respect with you into the fandom. As for me, my adventures with Reedus are all perfectly Norman. I mean normal.
Written by Kim
Kim is a 30-something, part-time adult in Orlando, Florida. She is a travel-junkie who is always up for the next adventure, especially if it includes red wine and food. Her obsessions include Norman Reedus and all things The Walking Dead, Outlander, Bates Motel, Sex and the City, Buffy, and she will always love Jake Ryan. Please don’t tell her Norman needs a bath or a haircut. She also has a special place in heart for shoes and coconut oil. Her narcissistic-streak would love it if you find her on Twitter @kimberlyannefl
