You’ve seen his face. Honestly, if you’ve watched a major cable drama or a gritty Netflix original in the last decade, you’ve probably hated his guts at least once. Joshua Mikel has carved out a niche as one of the most reliable "love-to-hate" actors in the industry. He’s the guy who walks into a scene, says something incredibly annoying or threatening, and immediately raises the stakes for the hero.
But there’s more to the man than just playing the jerk. From the zombie apocalypse of Georgia to the backwoods money laundering of the Ozarks, his filmography is a weirdly perfect map of modern prestige television.
The Walking Dead: The Birth of "Shitty Jared"
If you want to talk about tv shows with joshua mikel, you have to start with the Saviors. Mikel’s portrayal of Jared on The Walking Dead wasn't just a minor role; it became a cultural touchstone for the fandom. Fans didn't just dislike Jared—they loathed him. He was the guy who pushed Benjamin, the guy who constantly tested Morgan’s pacifism, and the guy who eventually met one of the most satisfying (and gruesome) ends in the series' history.
What’s wild is that Mikel actually appeared as a walker way back in the season two finale before being cast as Jared in season seven. It’s a testament to the Atlanta filming ecosystem that he stuck around long enough to become a recurring antagonist. He played the role with a specific kind of greasy, unearned confidence that made his eventual demise in a corridor full of walkers feel like a communal victory for viewers.
Breaking Down the Savior Archetype
- Show: The Walking Dead (AMC)
- Role: Jared
- The Vibe: Pure, unadulterated "douchebaggery."
- Impact: He provided the necessary friction to push Morgan Jones back into his "Clear" mindset.
From The Righteous Gemstones to Ozark
Mikel doesn't just do zombies. He’s remarkably good at playing characters that feel like they belong to a specific place. In The Righteous Gemstones, he popped up as Daedalus, fitting right into the bizarre, high-octane world of Danny McBride’s mega-church satire. It’s a far cry from the horror of AMC, but it uses the same "wild card" energy he brings to every set.
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Then there’s Ozark. In season four, he showed up as John. It’s a brief but memorable appearance that reminds you how much of a staple he is for shows filmed in the Southeast. He has this "everyman-if-the-everyman-was-having-a-really-bad-day" quality. It works for Netflix, it works for HBO, and it definitely works for the gritty crime dramas he seems to favor.
He’s also popped up in:
- Mayfair Witches (AMC) as Matthew Hopkins.
- Black Lightning (The CW) as Steven Conners.
- Doom Patrol (HBO Max) where he played—wait for it—Imaginary Jesus.
Yes, really.
Why He’s the Ultimate Character Actor
It’s easy to look at a list of credits and see "Thug #2" or "Hired Gun," but Mikel treats these roles like Shakespeare. Maybe that’s because he actually studied theater at Florida State University. He isn't just a guy who looks the part; he’s a playwright and a musician (formerly the drummer for the indie rock band Look Mexico).
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This background gives him a rhythm that other bit-part actors lack. When he’s on screen in The Act or Rectify, he’s not just filling space. He’s building a world. He understands that for a hero to look good, the villain—even a minor one—has to feel like a real threat. Or at least a real annoyance.
The 2024-2025 Surge: Manhunt and Beyond
If you think he's slowing down, you haven't been paying attention to Apple TV+ or the MCU. Mikel recently appeared in Manhunt as John Surratt Jr., a key figure in the Lincoln assassination conspiracy. This was a pivot from his usual "modern dirtbag" roles into something historical and deeply layered.
And for the Marvel fans? He’s set to appear in Thunderbolts* (2025). While the specific details of his role as "Bob’s Dad" are still under wraps, the fact that he’s jumping into the biggest sandbox in Hollywood says a lot about his trajectory. He's moving from "that guy from The Walking Dead" to a legitimate fixture in blockbuster casting.
Current and Upcoming Notable Roles
- The Runarounds (2025): Playing a character named Spider.
- The Waterfront (Netflix): Appearing as Rodney Hopkins.
- Brothers (2024): A supporting role as Glenn alongside Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans and Aspiring Actors
If you're following Mikel’s career, or if you're an actor trying to figure out how he does it, there are a few things to keep in mind.
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First, location matters. Mikel is the poster child for the "Hollywood of the South." By staying rooted in Atlanta, he made himself the go-to guy for every major production passing through Georgia.
Second, embrace the niche. He didn't shy away from being the "jerk." He leaned into it, perfected it, and made himself indispensable.
Finally, diversify. He isn't just waiting for the phone to ring for acting gigs. He directs music videos for bands like Against Me! and Waxahatchee. He writes plays. That creative output keeps his perspective fresh, which is exactly why he doesn't feel like a "stock" character when he shows up on your TV screen.
To see the full range of his work, start with his "Shitty Jared" arc in The Walking Dead Season 7, then jump to his more nuanced historical work in Manhunt. You'll see two completely different performers who happen to share the same sharp, unmistakable features.