FIRE ESCAPE,
marlene van allen

KATHERINE SCHULZ

The German-born actress, Katherine Schulz, only started to gain particular recognition in her TV role as the antagonistic Marley Van Allen during 'The Walking Dead''s first season. Originally auditioning for the title of Amy Harrison, she failed in her audition ― yet the casting director, and in turn, Robert Kirkman saw her to be too good to let go ― taking the small character from the first issue of the comics, Marley, and turning it on its head to suit their needs, Katherine had a similar character upbringing as her costar Norman Reedus. The original character only lasted the starting few durations of the first issue, mirroring Shane Walsh, Marley's life was extended beyond the comics and brought to life in collaboration with the actress and the writers. Having only been modeling, and had a few minor appearances in shows such as 'LOST', and 'Criminal Minds', Katherine seemed to have bitten off more than she could chew when an outpouring of hate came her way in her characters later, and now famous development during the shows second season.

As Marley was an empty shell in the comics, her job was unhinged and flimsy, turning it so she could be killed off so early that her character wouldn't have the screen time she does now. During hiatus between season two and three, Katherine originally had no contract to sign to return, announcing that her character was killed off between seasons in a long, arduous backstory about what happened in the winter for team family. But, in a turn of events, a wave of support from her cast mates and fans ultimately convinced the writers and herself that Marley's story simply wasn't finished. So, a contract was written up just in time for her to start filming with her friends.
Since that rocky introduction, Katherine Schulz has been subject to a steady build in fan support, screen time, and recognition.

The character, Marley, has been her stepping stone towards new projects such as her role in Marvel's 'Daredevil' as Claryssa Laurent, and a movie deal to star in an upcoming Guillermo Del Toro movie.

In the earlier stages of her fame, Schulz started recovery for her alcoholism, and came out to the press. The mix of events was hardship, but the actress is now in a steady relationship with a costar of hers that shows signs of healthy longevity.

c ; me ( @dewitts )
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