New Bedford Actor Lives the Dream in ‘Walking Dead’ Debut

New Bedford’s Tom Sinko has debuted yet again on national television, this time in AMC’s The Walking Dead: Dead City, Season 2.

A longtime fan of horror and zombie media, Sinko called the experience “a dream come true," and for good reason.

A True Horror Fan’s Dream Come True

“I’ve been a fan of the genre ever since George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead,” said Sinko, who filmed his scenes over the course of three months in Lowell, Worcester and Charlestown. “To be part of the actual Walking Dead universe? Unreal.”

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Sinko appears in two featured scenes: a dramatic sermon in a church delivered by fan-favorite character Negan (played by Jeffrey Dean Morgan), and a gritty zombie pit fight. While his role is technically background, it came with more visibility and involvement than a typical extra.

More Than Just Background

“In some of the scenes, it was such a small group that the director gave us direct guidance,” he said. “It wasn’t just standing around, we were involved.”

That involvement led to real screen time and real memories. Sinko even got a surreal moment many fans only dream of: a late-night conversation with Morgan outside a church in Lowell. He also chatted with Kim Coates of Sons of Anarchy fame, who is also in the new season.

How He Got Cast in the Zombie Universe

This isn’t Sinko’s first on-screen appearance. He previously landed roles in Finestkind (filmed in New Bedford) and the Marvel movie Madame Web, all through Kendall Cooper Casting.

What sealed the deal for Dead City?

“The casting director likes how I keep my beard,” Sinko laughed. “She tells me never to cut it. It’s a unique look she can place anywhere.”

Survivor Over Zombie: A Badge of Honor

Unlike most background actors on The Walking Dead, Sinko wasn’t cast as a zombie; he was cast as a survivor.

“For my own story canon, I’ve survived 15 years into the apocalypse,” he joked. “That’s got to mean something.”

When asked if he prefers fast or slow zombies, Sinko didn’t hesitate.

“Slow zombies. Romero-style. It’s more fun and tells a better story," he said. "Fast zombies? You’re wiped out in five minutes.”

Behind the Scenes with the Cast and Crew

Sinko described the cast and crew as welcoming and down to earth.

“Even the stars made time to chat with us,” he said. “We had a laugh when they told us we looked terrifying. We were covered in blood, with bone weapons strapped to us.”

One of the biggest highlights was a front-row seat during a five-page monologue delivered by Morgan in the church scene.

“I had to stop myself from smiling like an idiot,” Sinko said. “It was that surreal.”

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What’s Next for Tom Sinko?

Sinko isn’t slowing down. He’s keeping an eye on upcoming casting opportunities, particularly those filming in New England.

“Massachusetts has a lot brewing for late spring and summer,” he said. “If they want me to play a tree, I’ll do it. I just want to keep going.”

When he’s not on screen, Sinko works as a logistics manager for a women’s fitness apparel company. He turns 40 in October and plans to celebrate in style: with a few more screen credits, if all goes well.

Watching with Mom, Even if She Hates Zombies

Sinko watched the premiere with his mom, who isn’t a fan of zombie media but made an exception to see her son on screen.

“She questions my sanity,” he joked. “But she’s proud.”

While he’s not in it for the fame – “I’m not even on Twitter,” he said – Sinko hopes people take inspiration from his journey.

“Put yourself out there,” he said. “The worst you can be told is no.”