Unbelievable Leaks: What The Vampire Diaries Cast Hid From You!
Remember the days when The Vampire Diaries dominated our Thursday nights? The supernatural drama that kept us on the edge of our seats for eight thrilling seasons has been off the air since 2017, but its legacy continues to captivate fans worldwide. What many viewers don't know is that behind the scenes of this beloved series, there were secrets, scandals, and surprises that the cast carefully kept hidden from the public eye.
The show premiered on The CW in 2009 and quickly became the network's most popular series at the time, but some of the actors have changed over the years. From on-set romances to behind-the-scenes conflicts, the cast of The Vampire Diaries has experienced quite the journey since bidding farewell to Mystic Falls. Today, we're pulling back the curtain to reveal what your favorite vampires, witches, and humans have been up to since the show ended.
The Cast Then: A Look Back at Mystic Falls
The Main Trio: Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder
When The Vampire Diaries first aired, it introduced us to a world where vampires, werewolves, and witches coexisted in the small town of Mystic Falls. At the center of this supernatural storm was the love triangle between Elena Gilbert, Stefan Salvatore, and Damon Salvatore.
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Nina Dobrev, who played the role of Elena Gilbert, was relatively unknown when she landed the part that would catapult her to stardom. Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder brought the Salvatore brothers to life with their compelling performances, creating one of television's most memorable sibling dynamics. The chemistry between these three actors was undeniable, both on and off-screen, though not always in the ways fans might have expected.
The Supporting Cast: Friends and Foes
Beyond the central love triangle, The Vampire Diaries boasted an impressive ensemble cast. Kat Graham as Bonnie Bennett, Candice King as Caroline Forbes, and Steven R. McQueen as Jeremy Gilbert formed the core group of Elena's friends. The show also featured memorable villains and complex characters like Joseph Morgan's Klaus Mikaelson, Michael Trevino's Tyler Lockwood, and Zach Roerig's Matt Donovan.
Each actor brought depth and nuance to their roles, creating a rich tapestry of characters that kept viewers invested for eight seasons. The show's success was built not just on its supernatural elements, but on the relationships and character development that unfolded over the years.
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What is the Cast of The Vampire Diaries Up To Now?
Nina Dobrev: From Elena to Hollywood Star
Since leaving The Vampire Diaries after season six, Nina Dobrev has been busy expanding her career in exciting new directions. She starred in the 2017 remake of Flatliners alongside Ellen Page and Diego Luna, proving she could carry a major Hollywood film. Dobrev has also taken on comedic roles, appearing in Dog Days and Love Hard, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
In addition to her acting career, Dobrev has ventured into entrepreneurship. She co-founded Fresh Vine Wine with friend and fellow actress Julianne Hough, launching a line of low-calorie wines in 2021. The actress has also become a social media influencer, partnering with various brands and sharing glimpses of her personal life with her millions of followers.
Paul Wesley: From Stefan to Director and Producer
Paul Wesley has successfully transitioned behind the camera since his days as Stefan Salvatore. He made his directorial debut with an episode of The Vampire Diaries in season five and has since directed episodes of other popular shows like Shadowhunters and Roswell, New Mexico. Wesley also served as a producer on the final season of The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off, Legacies.
In 2019, Wesley starred in and executive produced the CBS All Access series Tell Me a Story, a dark fairy tale-themed thriller created by Kevin Williamson, one of the creators of The Vampire Diaries. He has also appeared in the drama series Fabled and continues to work on various film and television projects.
Ian Somerhalder: Damon's Legacy and New Ventures
Ian Somerhalder, known for his portrayal of the charismatic and complex Damon Salvatore, has remained active in both acting and activism since the show's conclusion. He starred in the Netflix series V Wars in 2019, playing a scientist caught in a conflict between humans and vampires – a role that felt like a natural extension of his Vampire Diaries experience.
Beyond acting, Somerhalder is deeply involved in environmental causes. He founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010, which focuses on environmental conservation and animal welfare. In 2020, he launched Brother's Bond Bourbon with his Vampire Diaries co-star Paul Wesley, creating a business venture that celebrates their on-screen brotherhood and shared passion for fine spirits.
The Supporting Cast: Where Are They Now?
Kat Graham: Bonnie Bennett's Musical Journey
Kat Graham, who brought the powerful witch Bonnie Bennett to life, has pursued a multifaceted career since the show ended. She has released several music singles and EPs, showcasing her talents as a singer and dancer. Graham starred in the 2018 Christmas romantic comedy The Holiday Calendar for Netflix and appeared in the 2019 action film Operation Christmas Drop.
In 2021, Graham made her directorial debut with the short film Ruthless, which she also wrote and produced. She continues to act, releasing music, and advocating for various social causes, including racial justice and women's empowerment.
Candice King: From Vampire to Mother and Podcaster
Candice King, who played the bubbly vampire Caroline Forbes, has embraced a new role off-screen as a mother. She and her husband, Joe King of The Fray, have two daughters. King has taken on select acting projects since the show ended, including a guest appearance on The Originals and voice work for the animated series Courage the Cowardly Dog.
In 2020, King launched the podcast "Directionally Challenged" with her former Vampire Diaries co-star Kayla Ewell. The podcast focuses on life after 30 and features conversations with various guests about navigating adulthood and career transitions.
Steven R. McQueen: Jeremy's Journey Continues
Steven R. McQueen, who played Elena's younger brother Jeremy Gilbert, has continued to work in television since the show's end. He starred in the Chicago-set Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire, appearing as Jimmy Borelli in several episodes. McQueen has also taken on film roles, including the 2015 action movie Piranha 3D and the 2018 drama The Take Off.
In 2022, McQueen married his longtime girlfriend Allie Silva, sharing the happy news with fans on social media. He continues to pursue acting opportunities while enjoying married life away from the spotlight.
The Heart of The Vampire Diaries: Elena's Journey
Elena Gilbert's Impact on the Series
The heart of The Vampire Diaries, Elena Gilbert found herself caught between two vampire brothers from the very beginning of the show, and that would go on to change the trajectory of her life forever. As a human turned vampire turned human again, Elena's journey was central to the show's narrative arc. Her relationships with Stefan and Damon Salvatore drove much of the plot, creating a love triangle that kept viewers invested for years.
Elena's character development from a grieving teenager to a powerful young woman who could hold her own against supernatural threats was one of the show's most compelling aspects. Her friendship with Bonnie and Caroline, and her complicated relationship with her younger brother Jeremy, added layers to her character that resonated with audiences.
Nina Dobrev's Departure and Return
Nina Dobrev's decision to leave The Vampire Diaries after season six came as a shock to many fans. The actress cited a desire to pursue other opportunities and the fact that she always envisioned Elena's story as a six-season adventure. Her departure required the show to pivot, focusing more on the Salvatore brothers and other characters.
However, Dobrev returned for the series finale in 2017, giving fans closure on Elena's story and her ultimate choice between Stefan and Damon. This cameo was kept largely under wraps until the episode aired, demonstrating the show's ability to maintain secrecy in the age of social media spoilers.
Behind the Scenes: Secrets and Scandals
On-Set Romances and Real-Life Relationships
One of the biggest secrets the cast kept from fans was the real-life romance between Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder. The pair dated for several years while starring as Elena and Damon, but kept their relationship largely private. Their breakup in 2013 and Somerhalder's subsequent relationship with and marriage to Nikki Reed (which began in 2014) were handled with professionalism, though rumors of on-set tension persisted.
Paul Wesley also had his share of on-set romances. He dated and later married The Vampire Diaries co-star Torrey DeVitto, who played Dr. Meredith Fell. The couple divorced in 2013, but continued to work together professionally.
Contract Negotiations and Salary Disputes
Behind the scenes, there were tensions over contract negotiations, particularly as the show's stars became more famous. Reports suggested that Nina Dobrev was initially paid significantly less than her male co-stars, leading to discussions about pay equity in the industry. As the show progressed, the main cast members renegotiated their contracts, with Somerhalder, Wesley, and Dobrev reportedly earning $40,000 per episode by the later seasons.
The Spin-Offs and Their Impact
The success of The Vampire Diaries led to two spin-off series: The Originals and Legacies. These shows expanded the universe and allowed for further exploration of the supernatural world created in the original series. However, they also created competition for storylines and character development, leading to some behind-the-scenes strategizing about which characters would appear where and when.
Life After Mystic Falls: Career Transitions
Acting Versus Other Ventures
Many of the Vampire Diaries cast members have used their fame from the show to launch other ventures. Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley's bourbon business is just one example of how actors are leveraging their on-screen chemistry into real-world partnerships. Nina Dobrev's move into producing and her wine business show a trend of actors diversifying their income streams and creative outlets.
Some cast members, like Kat Graham and Candice King, have balanced acting with other passions like music and podcasting. This diversification not only provides financial stability but also allows actors to explore different aspects of their creativity and connect with fans in new ways.
The Challenge of Typecasting
For many actors, the biggest challenge after a successful show ends is avoiding typecasting. The Vampire Diaries cast has had to work hard to prove they can play roles beyond their supernatural characters. This has led to interesting career choices, with actors taking on roles that are as different as possible from their Vampire Diaries personas.
Paul Wesley's move into directing and producing, Ian Somerhalder's focus on environmental activism, and Nina Dobrev's foray into romantic comedies all represent efforts to broaden their artistic horizons and avoid being pigeonholed as their vampire characters.
Fan Culture and the Show's Lasting Impact
The Devotion of TVD Fans
Even years after the show's conclusion, The Vampire Diaries maintains a dedicated fanbase. Conventions, fan fiction, and social media communities keep the spirit of Mystic Falls alive. The show's impact on popular culture can be seen in the continued interest in vampire-themed media and the success of other supernatural teen dramas that followed in its wake.
The cast members have remained engaged with their fans, often reuniting at conventions and sharing throwback photos on social media. This ongoing connection helps maintain the show's relevance and introduces it to new generations of viewers who discover it on streaming platforms.
The Show's Contribution to The CW's Success
The Vampire Diaries was instrumental in establishing The CW as a destination for young adult programming. Along with shows like Gossip Girl and Supernatural, it helped define the network's brand and target demographic. The success of The Vampire Diaries paved the way for other supernatural dramas on the network, including The Originals, Legacies, and Riverdale.
Looking to the Future: What's Next for the Cast?
Potential Reboots and Revivals
In the age of reboots and revivals, fans often wonder if The Vampire Diaries will return in some form. While there have been no official announcements, the show's creators and cast have expressed openness to revisiting the world of Mystic Falls. The success of The Originals and Legacies demonstrates that there's still interest in the franchise, and the rich mythology created in the original series provides ample material for future stories.
Individual Career Trajectories
As the cast members continue to evolve in their careers, we can expect to see them take on increasingly diverse roles. Nina Dobrev's move into producing suggests she may develop her own projects in the future. Paul Wesley's directing career could lead to him helming feature films. Ian Somerhalder's environmental activism might result in documentary work or partnerships with eco-friendly brands.
The younger cast members, like Kat Graham and Candice King, have the opportunity to define their careers on their own terms, balancing motherhood, creative pursuits, and acting in ways that weren't possible during the intense filming schedule of The Vampire Diaries.
Conclusion
From its premiere 14 years ago to its conclusion in 2017, The Vampire Diaries left an indelible mark on television and pop culture. The show's cast has gone on to pursue diverse and exciting careers, proving that life after Mystic Falls can be just as compelling as their supernatural adventures on screen.
As we look back on the series and its impact, it's clear that The Vampire Diaries was more than just a teen drama about vampires. It was a launching pad for talented actors, a cultural phenomenon that spawned spin-offs and conventions, and a show that tackled themes of love, loss, and family in a unique and engaging way.
The secrets and scandals that the cast kept hidden from fans only add to the mystique of the show. From on-set romances to contract negotiations, the real drama behind The Vampire Diaries was almost as captivating as the fictional drama in Mystic Falls. As the cast continues to evolve and grow in their careers, fans can look back on the show with fondness, knowing that the magic of The Vampire Diaries will live on for years to come.
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