Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan is opening up about what his "Walking Dead" family means to him. Ahead of the season 2 premiere of "The Walking Dead: Dead City" this weekend, Morgan, who portrays Negan in the series and is an executive producer, said the latter role is "his favorite part" when it comes to working on the show in a creative way.
"That is your family," he said about the cast and crew in an interview with Variety. "This is who I'm going to spend half the year with, every single day, for 14 hours a day, so you want to find people that you love, because we don't want any as assholes on the show." He added, "'The Walking Dead' has always been really good at picking great people. These are people who are all still my friends, even if they're no longer alive on the show, and I can't say that about a lot of other jobs I've had."
"Dead City" is the first sequel to "The Walking Dead" franchise. It centers around Negan and Maggie (Lauren Cohan) who are "travelling into a post-apocalyptic Manhattan, long ago off from the mainland," according to a press release. "The crumbling city is filled with the dead and denizens who have made New York City their own world full of anarchy, danger, beauty, and terror," the press release continues. "In season two, in the growing war for control of Manhattan, Maggie and Negan find themselves trapped on opposite sides. As their paths intertwine, they come to see that the way out for both is more complicated and harrowing than they ever imagined."
Morgan, who joined "The Walking Dead" in season 6, which aired in 2015, said that he feels like "one of the veterans" of the franchise now. "I feel like I've earned my stripes," he said. "[Ten] years is a long time. This is not an easy show to do in any way, mentally and certainly physically, so I'm amazed by the fact that I'm still able to pull off my part of it."
"The Walking Dead: Dead City" season 2 premieres Sunday, May 4, on AMC at 9 p.m. ET/PT and will be available to stream on AMC+. Morgan's insights into the show and his long-standing relationships with the cast come at an exciting time as fans eagerly await the continuation of the gripping story.
Curious about Jeffrey Dean Morgan’s wife? The actor, known for his rugged charm and his iconic role as Negan in "The Walking Dead," has also appeared in "Supernatural" and "Grey’s Anatomy." His strong performances and engaging presence have captivated audiences. Besides acting, Morgan is a producer and has made notable guest appearances, showcasing his versatility. Fans are also intrigued by his personal life, especially his family life.
So, here are all the details of Morgan’s spouse, their children, and the timeline of their relationship. Jeffrey Dean Morgan is married to Hilarie Burton. Like her husband, Burton is also a prominent name in the entertainment industry. The actress gained prominence playing Peyton Sawyer on the popular teen drama series, "One Tree Hill." Additionally, she has appeared in movies like "The List," "Solstice," and "Our Very Own," as well as shows like "Grey’s Anatomy," "White Collar," "Lethal Weapon," and "Forever." Burton has even shared screen space with her husband in shows like "Extant" and "The Walking Dead."
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton have two kids together. The couple welcomed their son, August “Gus” Morgan, on March 14, 2010. Burton and Morgan embraced parenthood for the second time on February 16, 2018, with the birth of their daughter, George Virginia. In 2025, their kids will be 15 and 7, respectively.
Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton met for the first time in 2009. During an episode of the couple’s quarantine talk show, "Friday Night In with The Morgans," it was revealed that they were introduced by their mutual friends Jensen and Danneel Ackles. Their meeting at an Irish pub located in Los Angeles sparked an enduring romance that remains vibrant to this day.
After a decade of shared experiences, including raising children and building a life together, Morgan and Burton ultimately exchanged wedding vows. They privately tied the knot on October 5, 2019, in a small ceremony in New York, attended by close friends and family. In a conversation with People, Burton shared her thoughts on why they chose to solidify their bond through marriage. She mentioned, "We had built this life together. We’d had kids together. I think there comes a point where you just don’t want to go another day by being inauthentic about it."
Over the years, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Hilarie Burton have often featured in each other’s social media posts and are often spotted together at public events. In October 2024, they celebrated 15 years of togetherness and 5 years of marriage. Moreover, they continue backing one another’s goals and cherishing their life together, both in personal and professional realms.
