Remember when The Vampire Diaries first hit our screens back in 2009? In no time, it became the teen supernatural drama that defined a whole generation. Across eight seasons, the series delivered unforgettable characters, heart-stopping love triangles and a lasting pop culture legacy. Now, as the show turns 16, we look at where the cast of The Vampire Diaries is today.
Based on L. J. Smith’s bestselling book series of the same name, the supernatural romance drama follows the story of Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev), an ordinary teenager whose life is turned upside down when she becomes entangled with the mysterious vampire brothers, Stefan (played by Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (played by Ian Somerhalder).
Here’s what The Vampire Diaries cast has been up to since the series wrapped up in 2017.
Where are Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder and the rest of The Vampire Diaries cast now?
Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert)
Following the conclusion of The Vampire Diaries, lead cast member Nina Dobrev starred in the science-fiction drama Flatliners (2017) and achieved her biggest commercial success with XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017). In 2024, she starred in the American comedy-mystery movie Reunion, alongside Lil Rel Howery and Chace Crawford.
Besides acting, Dobrev launched the health-conscious lifestyle brand Fresh Vine Wine in 2021 with her best friend and business partner Julianne Hough.
On the personal front, the Canadian actor had been in a relationship with retired Olympic snowboarder Shaun White since 2020, with their engagement announced in October 2024. However, on 11 September 2025, People confirmed that the celebrity couple had ended their engagement and parted ways.
“It was a mutual decision, and wasn’t an easy one, but it was made with love and a deep respect for one another,” a source close to the couple told the outlet.
Also read: Best celebrity rings from Hollywood’s latest engagements
Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore)
After The Vampire Diaries, American actor Paul Wesley starred in other hit TV shows, including Tell Me a Story (2018–2019) and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022–present). He also directed episodes of Legacies (2018–2022) and Batwoman (2019).
Additionally, he co-founded the bourbon brand Brother’s Bond in 2021 with The Vampire Diaries cast member Ian Somerhalder. Wesley got engaged to model Natalie Kuckenburg in July 2025. They had been dating since 2022.
Regretting You" sizes="(max-width: 400px) 100vw, (max-width: 650px) 75vw, (max-width: 900px) 40vw, 1000px" loading="lazy"> Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore)
After bidding farewell to Damon Salvatore, Ian Somerhalder starred in the Netflix series V Wars (2019). He directed one episode and also served as an executive producer. Furthermore, he leaned into his passion for environmentalism, expanding the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which works toward wildlife conservation and sustainability.
On the personal front, Somerhalder married Twilight star Nikki Reed in 2015, uniting two vampire universes in real life. The couple has since welcomed two children, daughter Bodhi Soleil Reed Somerhalder, and son Eagle.
In a 2024 People interview, Somerhalder shared that he has stepped away from acting and is now focused on building his family and other ventures.
Also read: Top-rated vampire TV shows to binge through the night
Candice King (Caroline Forbes)
Candice King carried her beloved role of Caroline Forbes into the spin-offs The Originals (2013-2018) and Legacies (2018-2022), keeping the Mystic Falls legacy alive in brief but crucial appearances. She also appeared in movies and TV shows like After We Collided (2020) and We Were Liars (2025).
Additionally, she became a podcaster with A Superbloom Podcast with Candice King (2022-).
She married musician Joe King from the rock band The Fray in 2014 and separated in 2022. The duo is together raising two daughters. In May 2025, King got engaged to her The Originals co-star Steven Krueger.
Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson)
Joseph Morgan left an indelible mark on fans with his role as Klaus, later leading the spin-off The Originals (2013–2018). He also made an appearance in Legacies. The actor’s more recent credits include Brother Blood in Titans (2022) and Halo (2024-).
In 2014, Joseph married The Vampire Diaries cast member Persia White, who played Bonnie Bennett’s vampire mother, Abby, in the show.
Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett)
Kat Graham has thrived as both an actor and a musician after The Vampire Diaries. She starred in movies such as How It Ends (2018) and Love in the Villa (2022). Kat also voiced April O’Neil in the animated movie Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2022).
Alongside acting, Kat has released multiple albums, including Long Hot Summer (2022) and The Broken Hearts Club (2024), exploring her passion for music.
In 2023, Kat got married to internet personality Bryant Wood.
Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan)
Zach Roerig has steadily worked in both television and movies since his stint on The Vampire Diaries. His credits include The Last Full Measure (2019), Dare Me (2019–2020) and Step Up: High Water (2022).
Outside of acting, Zach is a devoted father to his daughter (born in 2011) with ex-partner Alanna Turner. The actor is currently in a relationship with TVD co-star Arielle Kebbel.
Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood)
Michael Trevino found success beyond Mystic Falls as Kyle Valenti in Roswell, New Mexico (2019–2022), where he also tried his hand at directing.
Trevino is married to Dutch model Bregje Heinen. The celebrity couple announced their engagement on 24 December 2023, and subsequently tied the knot in a ceremony in Barcelona, Spain, on 20 June 2025.
Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert)
Steven R. McQueen reprised Jeremy Gilbert in Legacies and also gained recognition for his role in Chicago Fire (2015–2016) and The Warrant (2020).
He got engaged to model Alexandra Silva in 2018, though the two later parted ways.
Matthew Davis (Alaric Saltzman)
Matthew Davis extended his role as Alaric into Legacies, remaining a central figure until the show wrapped in 2022. He has also appeared in multiple other movies and TV shows, including Hallmark’s Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses (2019) and Grosse Pointe Garden Society (2025).
In 2018, Davis married actress Kiley Casciano. The couple welcomed two daughters in 2020 and 2022.
Michael Malarkey (Enzo St. John)
Michael Malarkey entered The Vampire Diaries in season five as Enzo, quickly becoming a fan favourite. Since then, he has starred in Project Blue Book (2019–2020), Big Sky (2021–2022) and Law & Order: Organized Crime (2022). Alongside acting, Malarkey has pursued a music career, releasing albums such as Mongrels (2017) and Graveracer (2020).
He has been married to actor Nadine Lewington, known for the medical drama Holby City, since 2009. The couple are parents to two sons, Marlon Malarkey and Hugo Malarkey.
(Hero and Featured image credit: IMDb)
