Jon Bernthal did an exceptional job portraying Rick Grimes’ best friend and co-worker, Shane Walsh.

Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) - The Walking Dead - Season 2, Episode 8 - Photo Credit: Russell Kaye/AMC Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) – The Walking Dead – Season 2, Episode 8 – Photo Credit: Russell Kaye/AMC

Shane Walsh was introduced in the pilot episode of The Walking Dead, which premiered on AMC on Halloween night 2010. Portrayed by actor Jon Bernthal, Shane was the best friend of Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln), and both were King County Georgia Sherrif Deputies. Their first scene sets them up to be the best of friends, but as their story unfolds and the outbreak occurs, the dynamic of their relationship is significantly altered.

In the beginning of the series, Shane was seen in the squad car with Rick talking of life, women in particular, before hearing a destress call on the radio. This would lead to several members of law enforcement coming against some criminals who attempted to outrun officers in a car chase.
Viewers remember well the first shot Rick took, which only grazed him, but due to an unseen third man in the criminal’s car, Rick is shot a second time, which puts him into a coma.

TWD_212_1031_8803 Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) – The Walking Dead – Season 2, Episode 12 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

Now, for all Shane’s faults, he did visit his friend in the hospital, likely more than once. When the world started to fall apart, and he was unsure if Rick was alive, he placed a gurney in front of his hospital door. Then, he took over Rick’s role with his family, including a physical relationship with his wife, under the guise of protecting them.

Shane’s head rubbing was a source of humor among viewers

The Walking Dead (Season 2) Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and Shane Walsh (Jon Bernthal) – The Walking Dead – Season 2, Episode 10 – Photo Credit: Gene Page/AMC

In season 2 alone, Shane would rub his head 25 times on camera. That number didn’t include how often he removed his hat in agitation. Several videos on YouTube chronicling this behavior from Shane, including this extremely thorough one.

It became a joke throughout TWD fandom and several memes were created. So what was up with all the head rubbing?

Bernthal, in an interview with AMC in 2011, explained why Shane was constantly touching his head.

“I’ve tried to find mannerisms for him, especially this season. He has things he does when he gets nervous or agitated. Shane is constantly boiling and constantly at war with himself, and I think that these gestures and movements come out of what’s going on inside of him.”

This makes perfect sense, as each time Shane has completely had it with someone, he pulls this move. It is the equivalent of a nervous tic, which, in this case, highlights all of the mental stress Shane was under. He did some head rubbing in season 1, but it was most noticeable after shaving his head in season 2.

Bernthal is well known for his roles in The Bear, Origin, American Gigolo, and We Own This City. Next he will reprise his role as Frank Castle/Punisher in Daredevil: Born Again, and star in The Amateur, The Accountant 2 (another reprisal), and His & Hers.