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Austin Nichols Pens Touching Letter to “Andrew Lincoln – My Hero”

If you’re still wondering just how monumental of an impact Andrew Lincoln has had on his Walking Dead family, look no further than Austin Nichols’ latest tweet, which featured a touching two page tribute to him titled Andrew Lincoln – My Hero. The letter reflects on Austin’s time on the set of The Walking Dead, where he played Spencer Monroe for seasons five through seven, and the little moments and interactions he observed and shared with Andy.

[row]”My humble time in Alexandria spanned just two years, but in that time I found a hero. Andy became the example that I have since tried to model myself after. As a man. As an actor. As a friend. And hopefully someday soon, as a husband and father,” he wrote.[/row]

He reverently spoke to the way that Andy treated his peers and co-workers on what was often an emotionally and physically grueling set for Lincoln.

[row]”From Andy, I saw selflessness. I saw grace. I saw kindness. I saw a man lift his fellow actors up when they were struggling. I saw him give other actors the spotlight when he could have easily kept it for himself. It can be 105 degrees in Atlanta and wet and slimy with humidity. Andy is often covered in blood and mud and zombie guts. He is often asked to perform heavy heavy emotion. This is a world where the stakes are always life and death. And I never once saw Andy lose sight of those stakes. And if anyone else ever briefly got distracted, Andy was always over there crouching in the grass, reminding us what was important.”[/row]

Nichols also reflected on how Lincoln’s mission to look after and take care of his own mirrors the exact theme of the show – the human connection.

[row]”And truly, I believe Andy is largely responsible for the ever-present nature of this theme throughout the life of the show. Because of his actions every day. Mr. Lincoln’s love saturated the pages of this beloved comic book and seeped into all of us. Into these beautifully drawn heroes and villains.”[/row]

Lincoln has been playing Rick Grimes for a decade and his reason for leaving is simple enough – he wants to be with his family, and Nichols reaffirmed just how wonderful that desire is and will be. 

[row]”Well Andy, I want your kids to know that they have the most impressive man for a father. They will grow up to be strong, compassionate, loyal, upstanding humans just like their dad. And they will be proud to know that their dad gave us Rick Grimes.”[/row]

He ended the note with a touching shout-out to the community that brought their two characters together.

“Thank you for letting us all come play in your…

SAFE ZONE
Mercy for the lost
Vengeance for the Plunderers”

You can read the full letter in Nichol’s tweet below. 

It was announced earlier this summer that Andrew Lincoln would be hanging up his hat as Rick Grimes after playing the character for nearly ten years. This past weekend at San Diego Comic-Con Lincoln spoke to his fans directly, confirming the news but promising that his relationship with Rick Grimes is far from over.

[row]“This will be my last season playing the part of Rick Grimes. I love this show. It means everything to me. I love the people who make this show. I’m particularly fond of the people who watch this show. My relationship with Rick Grimes is far from over.” [/row]

Nichols is the first of many to offer their thoughts on the humble leader’s departure. Most recently Pollyanna McIntosh and Danai Gurira penned heartfelt messages to Lincoln.

It is going to be extremely sad to say goodbye to someone who means to much to this Walking Dead fandom, but at the end of it all we were so blessed to have been given someone like Andy Lincoln to embody and portray the iconic Rick Grimes.

What do you think of Austin’s touching tribute? Did it give you all the feels like it did us? Let us know!

The Walking Dead will have its season 9 premiere on October 7th on AMC. Andrew Lincoln is confirmed to appear in six episodes.