He’s killed zombies on The Walking Dead and was a gun-toting vigilante in The Boondock Saints, but even when he’s not playing a role, Norman Reedus is a pretty cool guy. You can tell just by looking at him that the dude’s probably a badass in real life, too—not so much the violent kind as the kind of guy you’d want to be friends with. Luckily, he opened up to Men’s Fitness about his life and shed some light onto what makes him this way.

He Has a Titanium Eye Socket

Back in 2005, Reedus was involved in a horrible accident while leaving a concert, when his car was hit by an 18-wheeler. He survived, but surgery left with a titanium eye socket. While he admits he felt self-conscious about the way his face looked afterward, it didn’t take long for him to get back out there and continue doing what he loved – making films and acting. Another interesting fact about the titanium in his head? Reedus says that when it’s hot it makes his face hot and when it’s cold his face is cold.

He Loves Bacon

Who doesn’t love bacon? Well, that was Reedus’ exact thoughts when he went fishing with his son. Instead of using your typical bait, he decided to string some bacon on the line. Not surprisingly, he didn’t catch anything that day, but at least he has a funny story to tell – and good taste in cheat meals.

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Aside from being an actor, Reedus is also a talented photographer and sculptor. He recently released a photo book, The Sun’s Coming Up Like A Big Bald Head, which went on sale Oct. 31 and is a collection of some of his best images. Before getting into photography, he was into sculpting and created avant-garde pieces like horned vaginas.

He Loves Being Daryl

Daryl wasn’t even a character in The Walking Dead comic book, but thanks to Reedus, he’s now a key part of the show. There are even t-shirts that say “If Daryl Dies We Riot.” Luckily, the feeling is mutual – Reedus says he’s having the best time of his life in the role and will continue to be on TWD as long as they’ll have him.

He Uses a Friggin Crossbow

When everyone else grabs a gun, and you grab a crossbow…that makes you a badass.

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He Loves His Cat

Because he has a black cat named “Eye in the Dark” that he takes with him everywhere.

SUBMISSION: @Azurett_TWD

Chuck Norris Loves Him

Chuck Norris makes Norman Reedus jokes.

SUBMISSION: @Fixin_Luecks

He Goes Big

He took on a tank… And won.

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He Kills All Kinds of Bad Guys

Because in between killing mobsters & zombies, Reedus slayed vampires #Blade2.

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He Keeps It Real

He’s a badass when it comes to making sure his fans are happy, reason #1.

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Yeah, He Keeps It Real

Because he isn’t afraid to drop an F-bomb, smoke a cigarette or admit they put make up on his arms.

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Interesting…

He can take a squished raccoon on the road and turn it into beautiful art.

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He’s Got Class

Norman is a badass because above all else…he’s a truly honorable, kindhearted gentleman.

SUBMISSION: @LittleTweaker

Yeah, We Want to Be Him

The truth is, Norman Reedus doesn’t need any reasons to be a badass. He just is, enough said.