LOS ANGELES, CA – Long before he became the bat-wielding antihero Negan on The Walking Dead, Jeffrey Dean Morgan was just another actor waiting for his big break. That break came in the form of a dying heart patient named Denny Duquette — a role so powerful, it catapulted him into Hollywood’s elite.

“I’ve auditioned zero times since Grey’s. That role changed everything,” Morgan revealed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE.

💔 One Role. One Death Scene. One Career Reborn.

Morgan was juggling roles in Supernatural, Weeds, and Grey’s Anatomy — but it was Denny, the charming, doomed patient who stole Dr. Izzie Stevens’ heart, that stole America’s too. Even in death, Denny became a character that casting directors and fans never forgot.

“Nobody knew who I was until that show,” Morgan admitted. “My whole career launched from that character.”

🦸 From Denny to The Comedian: Hollywood Took Notice

His unforgettable Grey’s performance didn’t just win hearts — it caught Zack Snyder’s eye.

“He cast me in Watchmen because of Denny. How you go from sweet dying guy to nihilistic psycho? Ask Zack,” Morgan laughed.

🔥 Negan: The Role That Made TV History

In 2015, he got the call: The Walking Dead wanted him. Before they even said the name, he knew.

“‘It’s f—— Negan,’ I said. And I was right. And I was f—— doing it.”

Now, nearly a decade later, he’s still playing Negan — this time in TWD: Dead City.

🎤 A Wild Pivot: Hosting Destination X

Fans expecting a moody antihero were stunned to see Morgan hosting a travel-based competition show. But Destination X isn’t just another reality gig — it’s a high-concept European mystery ride.

“I’m no Ryan Seacrest. I’m crass, sarcastic… But this was fun as hell,” he said.

His wife, actress Hilarie Burton, nudged him toward the challenge.

“She said, ‘You’re not getting any younger. Show the world something new.’”

🧠 Denny Duquette Still Lives in His Mind

Despite roles in The Boys, Invincible, The Good Wife, and beyond, Morgan says no character compares to Denny.

“I see a clip online sometimes, and I’m like… ‘F—.’”

He credits Grey’s Anatomy — and Shonda Rhimes — for everything.

“It was lightning in a bottle. I still say thank you to her every morning.”

📺 Catch Jeffrey Dean Morgan on Destination X

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC
Streaming next day on Peacock