Ryan Hurst’s portrayal of Beta in The Walking Dead stands out as one of the most chilling and memorable performances in the series. As the towering, faceless villain, Beta became an imposing figure, his walker-skin mask adding an eerie element to his already menacing presence. His character, fiercely loyal to the antagonist Alpha, struck fear in viewers while remaining shrouded in mystery. Beta’s eventual death in the hands of Daryl and Negan was a pivotal moment in the series, cementing his role as one of the most fearsome antagonists.
What many fans might not know is that Ryan Hurst, the actor behind Beta, has had an impressive career beyond The Walking Dead. After his time as Beta, he took on a surprising and significant role in the God of War: Ragnarök video game, where he portrayed Thor. Hurst’s portrayal of the Norse god, complete with a big belly and immense strength, was a departure from his grim portrayal of Beta, showing his versatility as an actor.
Before all this, Hurst starred in the 2000 film Remember the Titans, alongside Denzel Washington, Ryan Gosling, and Hayden Panettiere. Hurst played Gerry Bertier, a key role in the critically acclaimed sports drama, demonstrating his acting chops early in his career.
Ryan Hurst’s diverse roles—from the terrifying Beta to the mighty Thor—highlight his broad range and talent as an actor, leaving a lasting impression on audiences across different mediums.