'Walking Dead' Actor, Former Georgia Firefighter, Dies At 48

ATHENS, GA — A Georgia man who had many talents from being a firefighter in Athens for nearly two decades, to a career in wrestling, to finally pursing acting including a stint on "The Walking Dead," has died after battling cancer.

The Athens-Clarke County Fire and Emergency Services posted on Facebook Aug. 10 that Dango Nguyen died early Saturday morning after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Nguyen was a member of the department for almost 20 years.

"Dango was a sergeant with our department when he left to pursue a career in the entertainment industry and other interests," the department wrote. "But, once you're a firefighter, you're always part of our family. And Dango was a very well-known member of our family."

The department said Nguyen will always be remembered for his physical and mental strength.

"He was an aggressive and tenacious firefighter and first responder," the department wrote. "He was also an excellent fire officer. He carried out his service to our community with a high level of pride in his craft, as well as a competitive spirit that made everyone else that he worked with better, too.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Michelle, his family, and all of his friends," officials wrote. "He touched many lives. We will all remember his quick wit, high energy, and unwavering determination. We all aspire to be 'Dango Strong.'"

According to IMDB, Nguyen was a stunt double and actor on TV shows including "The Walking Dead," "The Originals," "MacGyver" and "The Gifted."

His profile on IMDB reads, "Dango started out of high school being a professional wrestler. He trained alongside childhood friend and future WWE hall of famer Rob Van Dam, as well as Sabu. Giving up wrestling to raise a family, Dango got back in the entertainment business, earning background parts in several movies and television series. He finally landed a recurring role on AMC's 'The Walking Dead.' He served as a Woodbury Guard for most of season three under the villain, The Governor. He unfortunately met his end at the hands of Merle Dixon and a mob of walkers. After TWD, Dango moved on to another supernatural show, 'The Originals.' He played a Daywalker, part of Marcel's inner Circle in season one. You will be able to catch him in a flashback in season four. Dango has continued his diversity since leaving 'The Originals,' appearing on 'The Red Road' and 'Banshee' and most recently the History Channel's docudrama 'Search of the Seven, Roanoke II' as well as on the new season of 'Snapped: Killer Couples.'"