“There was a point two weeks into shooting when we were doing a sequence where I woke up in a hospital corridor and Frank (Darabont, EP) sidled up to me and said ‘I think we might have something here’,” Lincoln told his fans during The Walking Dead panel at New York Comic Con in Madison Square Garden on Saturday. Fast forward nine seasons later, Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) will make his inevitable exit from the zombie apocalyptic series.

The NYCC panel consisted of Lincoln’s fellow cast mates and lifelong friends, Norman Reedus (Daryl Dixon), Melissa McBride (Carol Peletier), Danai Gurira (Michonne), and Jeffrey Dean Morgan (Negan). It seems as if this was Lincoln’s last panel and the emotions were at an all high all around the room. “I’m still in a world of denial,” said Andrew Lincoln. The fans and cast members all chanted Lincoln’s name as a final hurrah. “Don’t make me cry,” the actor added.

Lincoln will miss his daily discussions with The Walking Dead fans who bring forth their own ideas and theories.

"This is a fervent and intelligent fan base… This interaction with fans is one of the most unique and special things." – Andrew Lincoln #TWD #NYCC

— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) October 7, 2018

Lincoln has left an impact on his fellow actors as they share their praises for the man who lifted the show up to such great heights. “I fuckin’ hated him,” said a not breaking a smile Jeffrey Dean Morgan. “No one is happier to see him go than I am. There’s not a better partner.” There is the Negan we know and love.  

Norman Reedus and Lincoln share a bromance that is well-known to the cast, producers, and fans. They have been by each other’s side since the first season and have remained close friends who act together, prank together, and eat together.

"Andy used to come to my trailer and eat lunch every day. The day after he left, I went back to my trailer to eat lunch and just sat there." – @wwwbigbaldhead really misses Andrew Lincoln on set! #TWD #NYCC

— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) October 7, 2018

Executive producer Robert Kirkman was also present on the panel to remember Lincoln’s legacy. “Seeing everything that Andrew has done with Rick Grimes,” comic creator and TWD EP Robert Kirkman, “always made me feel like I wasn’t trying hard enough on the comics.” “It’s tough, it’s tough when anyone leaves the show,” Kirkman admitted followed by a clearly heartfelt “I love you Andy.” From episode one, Lincoln has played the role in such a way throughout the show that there is no denying the loss of this beloved character will leave a gaping hole moving forward.

Tune in for Rick’s final days as season nine premieres tonight on AMC at 9/8 c.

New world. New order. New season of #TWD premieres TONIGHT at 9/8c. pic.twitter.com/FTzS1fLDqG

— The Walking Dead AMC (@WalkingDead_AMC) October 7, 2018