Exclusive interview with Steven Yeun

April 10, 2012 | Steven Yeun plays the role of Glenn on the big AMC show "The Walking Dead". In our interview he talks about how he got into acting, his favourite parts of being Glenn and some developments he hopes to see in season 3.

Note: © myFanbase 2011 - The interview is exclusive to myFanbase and may not be published on other websites or the like. You may share the first 2 questions or up to 160 characters if you link back to this site. Translations other than English and German may be posted with full credit including the writer's name and link to this site.
Foto: Steven Yeun - Copyright: Megan Mack
Steven Yeun
© Megan Mack

1. How did you get into acting after studying psychology?

I actually had been doing improv while I was studying my major in college. I joined the school's long form improv team and just kind of fell in love with it from there. I started doing plays and taking some classes.

2. What was your first acting job and how did you get it?
My first acting job on television was on a Best Buy commercial. I remember booking it and being so happy and excited. We shot it at Soldier Field with Devin Hester and Lawrence Tynes. Pretty crazy back then.

3. Before "The Walking Dead" you had a few guest spots on shows like "The Big Bang Theory". What was it like for you as a young actor to work with the lead actors on this successful show?

The guest spots I had were very few before "The Walking Dead". I have to say I didn't know what to expect and I didn't know how the industry was back then, I only knew by stories that I had heard. Luckily for me, I have yet to run in to any examples of those types of stories. The cast of "TBBT" were fantastic and welcoming.

Foto: Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead - Copyright: Gene Page/AMC
Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead
© Gene Page/AMC

4. Were you a fan of the comics or zombies at all before you auditioned for "The Walking Dead"?

I was definitely in to comics and I was into the Walking Dead, it was a crazy dream come true.

5. What was it about the show that first caught your interest and what drew you to audition for the character of Glenn? Can you identify with him?

Honestly, I was just here for pilot season and auditioning for anything people would let me audition for. It just happened to be that I was very blessed to have auditioned for this particular role, in this particular show, at that particular time. Crazy. I definitely identify with Glenn, he reminds me of just a younger me. Which was great… I got to connect to his desire to rise up and be more than he seems.

6. Glenn has become a fan favorite in the series and in the comics. Is this something that makes you nervous?

Well that is definitely something that is very great and very flattering. I do, sometimes, feel pressure, but it's mostly put on by myself because I just want to make sure I'm doing a good job.

Foto: Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead - Copyright: Gene Page/AMC
Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead
© Gene Page/AMC

7. In the first season and also in the first half of season two we had to say goodbye to someone characters. What's working with this cast like and is it sad when someone has to leave the show?

This cast is great, we are all pretty tight and love working together, there is a definite sense of hard work on our show. There isn't much room for slackers and no one is. With that, it's hard to have people leave who have been fighting in the trenches with you the entire time. We are away from our elements in the country side of Georgia, so we really only have each other. It's sad when people leave.

8. What is it like with Frank Darabont, Gale Anne Hurd and Robert Kirkman behind the scenes, who are also involved in the comic books. Is this a challenge?

All the Executive Producers and Writers are fantastic. It's never a challenge, because they have the right views of the show in mind and are open collaborators, what more could you ask for?

9. The makeup of "The Walking Dead" is amazing. Is it scary or creepy when you bump into a zombie on set?

It's fun. It's just amazing to see how talented Greg Nicotero and his KNB team are.

Foto: Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead - Copyright: Matthew Welch/AMC
Steven Yeun, The Walking Dead
© Matthew Welch/AMC

10. In season 2 Glenn has a beautiful love story. Did you know that was coming or were you surprised when you read the script?

I knew from the comics and from discussions with the writers.

11. "The Walking Dead" is already renewed for a third season. What storyline from the comics would you like to see most in it?

I hope we get to see everyone grow, in their own respective ways. I also want to see how badass Michonne will be.

12. Since myFanbase is an online magazine about TV series, do you have a favorite show?

Right now, I am into "Friday Night Lights". Just finished it. Great show.

Eva Klose - myFanbase

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