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Major Dodson
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Major Dodson (born July 8, 2003) is an American actor, known for his roles on The Walking Dead,[1][2] American Horror Story, and Left Behind.[3]
Key Information
Career
[edit]Dodson began acting professionally at the age of six; he acted in various minor roles before his first major television appearance on Revolution as young Danny Matheson. His most notable roles are as Corey on American Horror Story[4] and Sam on The Walking Dead.[5][6]
Charity
[edit]Dodson is actively involved in Smiles for the Homeless, a charity his family helped create that makes care packages for homeless individuals.[7]
Personal life
[edit]Dodson is autistic and has advocated for more opportunities for actors with autism to portray autistic characters.[8]
Dodson confirmed in an Instagram post that he is in a relationship.[9]
Filmography
[edit]Film
[edit]| Year | Film | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Tyson's Run | Tyson | |
| 2016 | Proud Souls | Johnny | |
| 2015 | Dermaphoria | Young Eric | |
| 2014 | Left Behind | Raymie Steele | |
| 2012 | Departure | Young Boy | Short film |
| 2011 | Don't Cry Daddy | Carolyn's Son | Short film |
| 2011 | Alfred Thinks We're Aliens | Alfred | Short film |
Television
[edit]| Year | Series | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–2016 | The Walking Dead | Sam Anderson | 10 episodes |
| 2014 | American Horror Story | Corey Bachman | 4 episodes |
| 2013 | Revolution | Danny Matheson (age 8) | Episode: "The Stand" |
| 2011 | Mystery Diagnosis | Harry | Episode: "Too Young to be Sick" |
| 2010 | Sons of the Brotherhood | Tyler | Episode: "Tea Time with Olivia" |
Video games
[edit]| Year | Game | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Final Fantasy VII Remake | Cloud Strife (age 14) | Flashbacks[10] |
Awards and nominations
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Young Artist Awards | Best Performance in a TV Series - Recurring Young Actor (13 and Under)[11] | The Walking Dead | Nominated |
References
[edit]- ^ "Meet Major Dodson of The Walking Dead". houstonlifestyles.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "The Walking Dead Season 6: Major Dodson Talks Sam's Special Relationship With Carol". www.idigitaltimes.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "'Left Behind' Lacks Legitimate Biblical Bite". www.popmatters.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Major Dodson is a Major Cutie!". moviepilot.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "'The Walking Dead' Star Major Dodson Reveals Surprising Fact About Andrew Lincoln". www.designntrend.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Interview: Major Dodson Discusses 'The Walking Dead' And Cookies". www.techtimes.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ "Get To Know Major Dodson!". www.iaam.com. Retrieved September 16, 2016.
- ^ Schneider, H. Rose (March 10, 2022). "'The kind of picture that should be on the big screen': Utica native's film in theaters soon". Observer-Dispatch. Retrieved May 6, 2022.
Dodson himself is autistic, and has advocated for autistic characters being played by autistic actors. But Bass said he didn't know Dodson had autism when he was chosen.
- ^ "Instagram".
- ^ "Major Dodson (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved June 27, 2025. A green check mark indicates that a role has been confirmed using a screenshot (or collage of screenshots) of a title's list of voice actors and their respective characters found in its credits or other reliable sources of information.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link) - ^ "2016 Young Artist Awards » Young Artist Awards". youngartistawards.org. Archived from the original on October 30, 2016. Retrieved November 1, 2016.
External links
[edit] | This article about a United States film and television actor born in the 2000s is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
Major Dodson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Major Dodson (born July 8, 2003) is an American actor and autism advocate from Dallas, Texas, best known for portraying Sam Anderson, a young survivor, on the AMC series The Walking Dead from 2014 to 2016.[1][2]
Dodson's early acting career included the role of young Danny Matheson on the NBC post-apocalyptic drama Revolution during its 2012–2013 run, where he appeared in multiple episodes as the child version of the protagonist.[3] He gained further recognition in 2014 for playing Corey Bachman, a troubled boy, in the fourth season of American Horror Story: Freak Show, surviving encounters with the clown character Twisty.[2] That same year, he debuted in feature films as Raymie Steele, the son of Nicolas Cage's character, in the faith-based thriller Left Behind.[3]
Diagnosed with autism at a young age, Dodson has become a prominent self-advocate, using his platform to raise awareness about the autism spectrum.[4] In 2022, he starred as Tyson, an autistic teenager embarking on a marathon, in the inspirational film Tyson's Run, drawing from his own experiences to authentically portray the character.[5] He partnered with the United Nations for National Autism Awareness Month that year, sharing his personal story at a virtual conference to promote inclusion and support for individuals on the spectrum.[4]
Beyond acting and advocacy, Dodson co-founded the nonprofit Smiles for the Homeless in Dallas, which provides essential items like toiletries and clothing to those in need, with plans to expand operations to Houston.[2] His work spans television, film, and philanthropy, highlighting resilience and representation for neurodiverse individuals in the entertainment industry.
Early life
Childhood and family
Major Dodson was born on July 8, 2003, in Dallas, Texas, USA.[3] He grew up in Dallas alongside his younger brother, Cooper Dodson, who is also an actor born in 2006.[6] The Dodson family provided a supportive environment that encouraged creative pursuits, with his parents actively assisting in his early endeavors, including his mother helping prepare audition materials.[7] This familial backing fostered Major's interests from a young age, such as a desire to assist those in need, which later influenced community-oriented activities.[8] In his childhood, the Dodson family, originally based in Dallas, relocated to Houston, Texas, where they continued to nurture a close-knit dynamic centered on encouragement and shared values.[7] A key aspect of their family life involved initiating charitable efforts; Major and his family launched Smiles for the Homeless during his early years, motivated by his wish to provide aid to the homeless through simple acts of kindness, such as assembling care packages with essentials.[8][9] This initiative reflected the family's commitment to giving back, originating from Major's personal inspirations as a child without delving into broader operations.[10]Entry into acting
Major Dodson began his professional acting career at the age of six in 2009, when he auditioned for a local theater production of A Christmas Carol in Texas. During the audition, he performed a song and was cast in the role of Tiny Tim, marking his initial stage experience.[11] Following this debut, Dodson's mother played a key role by submitting him to talent agencies in Dallas, which led to his signing with representation and early bookings in commercials as well as minor television and film roles.[7] To build his skills for these opportunities, Dodson participated in early training that included acting classes, audition technique workshops, and improv sessions, all conducted locally in Texas.[7]Acting career
Early roles
Major Dodson began his professional acting career in 2010 at the age of seven, debuting in a minor television role as Tyler in the episode "Tea Time with Olivia" of the short-lived series Sons of the Brotherhood.[12] This appearance marked his entry into on-screen work, following initial involvement in commercials and local theater encouraged by his family.[9] In 2011, Dodson built his resume with several small parts in independent short films, including the lead role of Alfred in Alfred Thinks We're Aliens, a story about a boy's imaginative fears, and Carolyn's Son in the emotional drama Don't Cry Daddy.[13][3] He appeared as Harry, a child facing a mysterious illness, in the documentary-style episode "Too Young to be Sick" of Mystery Diagnosis.[14] These roles, often requiring emotional depth despite their brevity, allowed him to hone basic acting skills in low-budget productions. Dodson's early television exposure expanded in 2012 when he secured his first notable network TV credit in Revolution, playing Danny Matheson at age eight in a pivotal flashback sequence that introduced the character's backstory in the post-apocalyptic drama. Though limited to one episode, this role represented a step up from prior minor appearances, providing on-set experience with a larger production while he continued balancing auditions with homeschooling.[10] Through these foundational credits from 2010 to 2013, Dodson accumulated practical industry knowledge, transitioning from uncredited extras and student films to credited ensemble parts that showcased his versatility as a child performer.[3]Breakthrough and major roles
Dodson's breakthrough came in 2014 when he was cast as Sam Anderson, the young son of Jessie Anderson, on the AMC series The Walking Dead, appearing in seasons 5 and 6 from 2014 to 2016.[15] Sam, a sheltered child in the Alexandria Safe-Zone, represented the vulnerability of innocence amid the apocalypse, with key storylines involving his traumatic encounters with walkers and emotional bonds, such as his poignant interactions with Carol Peletier that explored themes of loss and survival.[16] His character's arc culminated in a shocking death during the season 6 walker herd invasion, underscoring the relentless dangers even in fortified communities.[17] The role garnered significant attention for Dodson, then just 11 years old, propelling him into the spotlight as one of the series' youngest recurring cast members.[10] Fan reception was polarized; while some viewers found Sam's fearful demeanor endearing and highlighted his scenes as emotionally resonant, others criticized the character as whiny, though his demise elicited widespread shock and debate over the brutality of killing off a child actor's portrayal.[18] This exposure on a high-profile show like The Walking Dead, which averaged over 12 million viewers per episode during his tenure, marked a turning point, establishing Dodson as a capable young talent in genre television.[19] That same year, Dodson demonstrated versatility by taking on the role of Corey Bachman in the fourth season of FX's anthology series American Horror Story: Freak Show.[16] As the kidnapped son of a couple targeted by the serial killer Twisty the Clown, Corey appeared in episodes that delved into psychological terror and family peril, allowing Dodson to pivot from post-apocalyptic drama to outright horror.[20] The part, though brief, showcased his ability to convey raw fear and innocence under duress, earning praise for adding emotional depth to the season's carnival-themed nightmares and helping him avoid early typecasting as solely a dramatic actor.[21] Dodson's film debut in 2014 further solidified his rising profile with the role of Raymie Steele in the faith-based thriller Left Behind, a remake starring Nicolas Cage.[22] Playing the young son of an airline pilot grappling with the Rapture, Dodson portrayed a bewildered child navigating sudden global chaos, contributing to the film's exploration of faith and family amid disaster.[23] The project, which grossed over $14 million domestically despite mixed reviews, provided Dodson with his first major theatrical outing and experience working alongside established stars, broadening his appeal beyond television.[11] A pivotal lead role came in 2022 with Tyson's Run, an indie drama where Dodson starred as Tyson Hollerman, a neurodivergent teenager inspired to train for a marathon after discovering his late father's athletic legacy.[24] The film, which premiered at the 2021 Heartland International Film Festival and later streamed on Netflix, drew direct personal parallels to Dodson, who is autistic himself, allowing him to infuse the performance with authentic emotional nuance regarding isolation, bullying, and self-discovery.[25] Critics commended his grounded portrayal for raising awareness about autism representation, with the movie achieving unexpected streaming success, ranking in Netflix's global top 10 despite a modest theatrical box office of under $400,000.[26] In the years following, Dodson continued diversifying his portfolio with indie and voice work, including the role of Seymour in the 2022 horror film Ghost Party, where he played a teen entangled in a supernatural Halloween gathering at a haunted mansion.[27] He also lent his voice to young Cloud Strife in the 2024 video game Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, expanding into interactive media and demonstrating growth in vocal performance.[28] These choices reflect Dodson's deliberate evolution toward multifaceted roles—spanning horror, drama, and animation—to evade typecasting from his early child survivor archetypes, emphasizing characters with depth and neurodiversity.[29]Philanthropy and advocacy
Involvement with Smiles for the Homeless
Smiles for the Homeless is a charity initiative founded by Major Dodson and his family in Dallas, Texas, inspired by friends in Shreveport, Louisiana, who were involved in similar efforts to support individuals experiencing homelessness.[2] The organization focuses on assembling and distributing care packages containing essential items such as toiletries, water bottles, socks, and occasionally fresh fruit like oranges to provide immediate relief to those in need.[8] This family-driven project reflects their longstanding commitment to community service, which Dodson has described as a natural extension of their values.[10] Dodson was actively involved since the charity's inception, personally participating in the assembly of the care packages and joining his family in distribution events across Texas.[2] In early efforts as of 2015, the group prepared and distributed 50 bags, quickly scaling up to 100 and then 150 packages per drive, with the latter being depleted rapidly by recipients who expressed gratitude for the support.[8] Dodson led or promoted additional collection drives, including local initiatives in the Houston area to gather necessities for homeless shelters, with plans to expand the charity's reach within the region.[2] The charity emphasized holiday-season drives to heighten impact during times of increased hardship, with Dodson helping to organize distributions that built on their core model of providing practical aid.[10] By 2015, the initiative had grown to target 200 packages per event, demonstrating steady progress in addressing homelessness through grassroots action, though specific metrics beyond these early distributions remain limited in public records.[8] No public records of further activities were available after 2015.Autism awareness initiatives
In 2022, Major Dodson partnered with the United Nations to support National Autism Awareness Month initiatives, emphasizing the importance of inclusive education for individuals on the autism spectrum.[4] He participated in the UN's virtual World Autism Awareness Day event on April 8, where he appeared in a video segment titled "Adapting Schools to Different Ways of Learning," alongside global contributors from organizations and experts in neurodevelopmental support.[30] This collaboration highlighted Dodson's commitment to using his platform as an actor to foster greater understanding and resources for autistic youth.[4] Dodson also collaborated with KultureCity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting acceptance for people with invisible disabilities including autism, through events tied to his advocacy work.[4] On April 4, 2022, he hosted KultureCity's HeroKulture event in New York City, which celebrated neurodiversity and sensory inclusion.[4] This affiliation stemmed from his involvement in promoting autism representation in media, extending his efforts to practical community engagements that support sensory-friendly environments and acceptance.[11] Dodson actively promoted the film Tyson's Run (2022) as a key vehicle for advancing neurodiversity representation, drawing on his personal experiences to advocate for authentic casting of autistic actors in such roles.[29] In interviews surrounding the film's release and its 2024 streaming availability on Netflix, he emphasized how the story of an autistic teenager pursuing a marathon inspires acceptance and challenges stereotypes, contributing to broader conversations on autism in Hollywood.[29] Through these public efforts as of 2024, Dodson leveraged media opportunities to encourage support for autism communities. No further public advocacy activities were reported after 2024.Personal life
Autism diagnosis
Major Dodson was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of four.[25] He was diagnosed at a very young age.[4] Throughout his childhood, Dodson experienced challenges related to his autism, particularly in navigating social and cultural norms at public school. He described being "mostly blind to cultural and behavioral things that were expected" by his peers, such as understanding the popularity of trends like loom bands, which made fitting in difficult but did not lead to bullying—a circumstance he views as a significant blessing.[25] While specific therapies or school accommodations are not detailed in his accounts, his family has provided key support throughout his life.[31] Dodson has publicly disclosed his autism in interviews, notably around the promotion of his 2022 film Tyson's Run, where he informed the casting director of his place on the spectrum immediately after auditioning for the lead role of an autistic teenager.[25] In these discussions, he emphasizes self-acceptance, portraying himself as "really just a normal guy" with minor quirks rather than defining his identity solely by the diagnosis.[25] The diagnosis continues to influence Dodson's daily life, particularly in social interactions where he may overlook unspoken cues, and his approach to acting, as his position on the spectrum aids in memorizing lines and drawing authentic parallels to characters like Tyson.[25] He has reflected that these personal insights enhance his performances without overshadowing his professional capabilities.[31]Family background
Major Dodson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, in a close-knit family that has remained supportive of his acting pursuits. His parents have played a key role in his career, assisting with travel, preparing audition tapes, and providing emotional encouragement throughout his professional journey.[7][32] As of 2022, Dodson resided in Los Angeles, California, to pursue his acting career, while maintaining ties to his Texas roots.[33] Dodson shares a close relationship with his younger brother, Cooper Dodson, who is also an actor known for roles in films like The Fabelmans (2022) and the television series Fear the Walking Dead.[34][32] This familial bond extends to collaborative encouragement in their shared industry, highlighting a dynamic of ongoing inspiration and camaraderie. Dodson has kept much of his personal life private, with no public information on marriages, partners, or children available. Outside of acting, he pursues hobbies that reflect his creative and intellectual interests, including drawing, collecting vintage cameras and video game consoles, playing video games, and solving Rubik's Cubes.[7] These activities provide a balance to his professional commitments and underscore his multifaceted personality.Filmography
Film
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Don't Cry Daddy | Carolyn's Son | Short film IMDb |
| 2011 | Alfred Thinks We're Aliens | Alfred | Short film IMDb |
| 2014 | Left Behind | Raymie Steele | IMDb |
| 2015 | Dermaphoria (also known as Desiree) | Young Eric | Rotten Tomatoes |
| 2016 | Proud Souls | Johnny | Rotten Tomatoes |
| 2019 | Age of Bryce | Bryce Yancy Paul (Bip) | Short film IMDb |
| 2022 | Tyson's Run | Tyson | IMDb |
| 2022 | Ghost Party | Seymour | IMDb |
Television
Major Dodson began his television career with guest appearances in early roles before gaining prominence in genre series. His credits span documentary-style programming, science fiction dramas, horror anthologies, and post-apocalyptic narratives.| Year(s) | Title | Role | Episodes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Sons of the Brotherhood | Tyler | 1 | Episode: "Tea Time with Olivia"[35] |
| 2011 | Mystery Diagnosis | Harry | 1 | Episode: "Too Young to be Sick"[14] |
| 2013 | Revolution | Danny Matheson (age 8) | 1 | Episode: "The Stand"[36] |
| 2014 | American Horror Story: Freak Show | Corey Bachman | 4 | Episodes: "Monsters Among Us," "Massacres and Matinees," "Edward Mordrake: Part 1," "Edward Mordrake: Part 2" |
| 2015–2016 | The Walking Dead | Sam Anderson | 10 | Recurring role in seasons 5–6 |
| 2018 | Gwen's World of Weird | Chad Cheetah | 1 | Pilot episode[37] |