Norman Reedus insisted that Drag Race star Paloma be on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

The latest spinoff of The Walking Dead, Daryl Dixon, has gotten a fantastic reception so far. Set in France with a whole new set of characters, it’s a fresh start for the franchise. And it marks the first time that star Norman Reedus has had a leading role within the franchise. He’s also an executive producer!

Thanks to his new duties, Reedus had a bigger hand in the behind-the-scenes decision-making than he did on the original show. Notably, he convinced AMC to hire long-time Walking Dead director and practical effects artist Greg Nicotero. And most recently, Drag Race France winner Paloma revealed that she landed a role on the show because Reedus personally put in the request. Her character, Coco, is a performer in the Demimonde, a nightclub situated deep inside the Paris catacombs.

“The scriptwriter told me that Norman asked them to write a part for me,” Paloma told Digital Spy. “He told me Norman is a very big fan of Drag Race in general, but of France in particular.”

Norman Reedus personally cast Drag Race France winner on The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon

While Reedus fanboyed over meeting his Drag Race idol, Paloma had no such feelings towards The Walking Dead. “It’s quite a funny story because I have to confess I haven’t seen The Walking Dead. It’s not a show I knew,” she said. “One day my phone just rang and it was my agent who told me, ‘They want to meet you for The Walking Dead.’ There was no audition, it was just a meeting. They wanted to see me and hear me speaking English. And I was like, ‘Okay. Why not?’”

It’s hard to say no when the role was created especially for you. “The casting director told me, ‘There is no one else in mind for the character. It’s for you. I’ve been waiting for you.’“

Turns out, Reedus unleashed his inner fanboy when they first met on set. “And the first day of shooting? Norman [Reedus] just jumped on me, gave me a big hug, and was like, ‘Oh my God. I’m so happy to meet you. I’m a fan,’” Paloma said.

The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon continues Sundays on AMC!

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