From Fangs to Fame: Catching Up with the 'True Blood' Cast Today

The television series True Blood captivated fans with its captivating portrayal of vampire life in Bon Temps, Louisiana in 2008. Its allure continues to resonate with many of the show's devoted followers to this day.

During its six-year run, audiences eagerly watched as the telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, portrayed by Anna Paquin, tried to foster harmony between the town's inhabitants and the vampire community. Sookie's enduring friendship with Tara (played by Rutina Wesley), even after Tara became a vampire, exemplified her belief that humans and supernatural beings could coexist. This belief was further explored through her own romantic involvement in a vampire love triangle.

Sookie managed to handle the complicated dynamic between Civil War vampire Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and his enemy Eric Northman (Alexander Skarsgard). Meanwhile, her brother, police officer Jason Stackhouse (Ryan Kwanten), faced consequences for his notorious reputation as a "fangbanger."

Jason's promiscuous behavior led to the dissolution of his best friend Hoyt's (Jim Parrack) relationship with "baby vamp" Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) and sparked dramatic conflicts with televangelist Sarah Newlin (Anna Camp).

The series, which aired for seven seasons on HBO, adapted the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

During its duration, viewers were introduced to various supernatural beings, such as the werewolf Alcide (played by Joe Manganiello) and the medium Lafayette (portrayed by Nelsan Ellis). While numerous townspeople underwent the transformation into vampires, a few humans, like Arlene (played by Carrie Preston), managed to survive the ordeal unharmed. Unfortunately, her husband Terry (portrayed by Todd Lowe) was not as fortunate.

The cast of the drama formed a close bond and found it difficult to part ways with the show, regardless of their characters' outcomes onscreen.

"It was an incredibly emotional experience," Skarsgard shared exclusively with us in August 2014. "The show has played a major role in my life. I've made some amazing friends on set, and I know we'll remain close for a lifetime."

"He expressed, 'There is a certain indescribable feeling when you visit a place like that and find solace in the people around you, considering them as your own family and their families as your own. During the final scene I filmed, I made an effort to absorb it all and found myself overcome with emotion, shedding tears.'"

"In February 2021, HBO confirmed the development of a reboot, with Riverdale showrunner Robert Aguirre-Sacasa and NOS4A2 creator Jami O'Brien collaborating as cowriters. Paquin and Moyer expressed their enthusiasm and willingness to return for the project."

"I am absolutely thrilled at the prospect of reuniting with all of these individuals and collaborating with them once more," expressed Moyer during his interview with Entertainment Tonight in June 2021.

His sentiments resonated with his wife, Paquin, who stated, "Those were truly some of the most memorable years of my life. If given the opportunity, I would eagerly embrace the chance to work alongside any of those remarkable individuals again."

Scroll down to see what the cast of True Blood has been up to since leaving Bon Temps.

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‘True Blood’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer, Rutina Wesley and More

The dark and captivating world of vampire life in the town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, came to life in the TV series True Blood. Since its debut in 2008, the show has remained a favorite among fans, leaving a lasting impact.

For six years, viewers were enthralled by the story of Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), a telepathic waitress who tried to bridge the gap between the town's residents and vampire community. Through her enduring friendship with Tara (played by Rutina Wesley), even after Tara turned, and her own complicated vampire love triangle, Sookie demonstrated that humans and supernatural beings could coexist.

As Sookie managed the complexities of her relationships with Bill Compton, a vampire from the Civil War era, and his rival Eric Northman, her brother Jason Stackhouse, a police officer, faced consequences for his reputation as a "fangbanger."

Jason's promiscuity led to the end of his best friend Hoyt's relationship with "baby vamp" Jessica and created significant drama involving televangelist Sarah Newlin.

The series, airing for seven seasons on HBO, was adapted from Charlaine Harris' bestselling Sookie Stackhouse novels.

During its duration, viewers encountered various supernatural beings such as werewolf Alcide (played by Joe Manganiello) and medium Lafayette (played by Nelsan Ellis). While numerous townspeople were transformed into vampires, a few humans, like Arlene (portrayed by Carrie Preston), managed to escape unharmed. However, her husband Terry (played by Todd Lowe) was not as fortunate.

The cast of the drama formed a close bond and found it difficult to bid farewell to the show, regardless of their characters' outcomes. Skarsgard shared in an exclusive interview with us in August 2014, expressing the immense emotion experienced. The show had truly shaped his life, as he had forged significant friendships on set, ones that he believed would endure indefinitely.

He expressed, "There is a distinct feeling that comes with being in such a place, where these individuals become your family, and their families become your family as well. During the final scene I filmed, I tried to fully absorb the experience and found myself overcome with emotion, leading to tears."

In February 2021, HBO officially announced the development of a reboot, which will be co-written by Robert Aguirre-Sacasa, the showrunner of Riverdale, and Jami O'Brien, the creator of NOS4A2. Paquin and Moyer expressed their willingness to reprise their roles in the reboot.

Moyer expressed his eagerness to reconnect and collaborate with those individuals once more, exclaiming, "I would absolutely cherish the opportunity to see all of these individuals again and engage in collaboration with them once again," when speaking to Entertainment Tonight in June 2021.

Agreeing with her husband, Paquin exclaimed, "Those were undeniably the most remarkable years of my life. I would go to any lengths to reunite with any of those individuals and work alongside them once more," during that period.

Scroll down to see what the cast of True Blood has been up to since leaving Bon Temps.

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Anna Paquin

Paquin married her onscreen partner Moyer in 2010 and became the proud parents of twins, Poppy and Charlie, in 2012.

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Stephen Moyer

Moyer swiftly transitioned from his portrayal of vampire Bill Compton to his role as Milus Corbett on The Bastard Executioner. He also appeared in Shots Fired, The Gifted, and in 2020, he took on the lead role in Fortunate Son. In addition to his acting credits, the British actor showcased his directorial skills by helming three episodes of True Blood. Moreover, he ventured into producing with projects like The Parting Glass and Flack, in which his wife also starred.

He shares two children with the Canada-born actress and has two children from a previous relationship.

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Alexander Skarsgard

Skarsgård's character, Eric Northman, plays a significant role in the love triangle throughout the series. In addition, he manages Fangtasia, a vampire bar, while carrying out his duties as vampire sheriff of Area 5. Prior to his return to television with Big Little Lies in 2017, the Swedish actor appeared in The Legend of Tarzan and Hold the Dark. Skarsgård's performance as Perry Wright on the HBO drama earned him a Golden Globe. He has also been seen in The Stand and Succession, and starred in Godzilla vs. Kong in 2021.

From 2015 to 2017, the actor had an on-again, off-again relationship with Alexa Chung. In late 2022, he and girlfriend Tuva Novotny celebrated the arrival of their first child.

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Sam Trammell

After his stint as the shapeshifter Sam Merlotte, who transforms from a bartender to become the town mayor, Trammell ventured into the world of movies. He appeared in notable films such as I Am Wrath and Say You Will. In 2019, he made a comeback to television with recurring roles in The Order and Reckoning. Hailing from New Orleans, Trammell then took on the role of President Ben Hayes in Homeland before mesmerizing audiences as Mark in Generation.

Trammel shares two children with his partner Missy Yager.

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Ryan Kwanten

Kwanten has had roles in various films such as Reach Me and Edge, after his seven-season portrayal of Sookie's brother, Jason Stackhouse. He also appeared as Superknife in Apollo Gauntlet, and took on the roles of Steve Hammond in The Oath and Peter in Scared Lies. In 2021, he played George Bell in Them and Jack in Loveland. The subsequent year, he starred in Expired and Glorious. Dating since 2014, Kwanten is currently in a relationship with Ashley Sisino.

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Chris Bauer

Bauer had the role of Andy Bellefleur, the sheriff of Renard Parish, for a total of seven seasons. Following this, he achieved further success in the television industry, appearing in shows such as American Crime Story and Survivor's Remorse. Additionally, he portrayed Tim Rutten in Law & Order True Crime, Bobby Dwyer in The Deuce, Deke Slayton in For All Mankind, and James McCord in Gaslit.

Bauer has been married to Laura Cunningham Bauer since 1997 and is father of two children.

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Nelsan Ellis

The actor from Illinois, known for his impressive performance as Lafayette Reynolds, a cook and medium, captivated fans with his talent. Following his time on True Blood, Ellis went on to star in Little Boxes and Roxanne Roxanne, as well as have a recurring role on Elementary. Tragically, he passed away in July 2017 due to complications from alcohol withdrawal, specifically heart failure. He leaves behind his son, Breon.

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Carrie Preston

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Preston transitioned from being a waitress-turned-bar owner named Arlene Fowler to portraying Debbie in Happyish. She went on to further her television career by taking on recurring roles in The Good Wife (which won her an Emmy), Crowded, and Person of Interest. The talented actress, originally from Georgia, later played Polly in TNT's Claws and made an appearance on Grace and Frankie. In 2022, she showcased her acting skills in Glimpse, Space Oddity, and They/Them.

Preston is happily married to fellow actor Michael Emerson.

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Rutina Wesley

Tara Thornton, Wesley's character in True Blood, started off as Sookie's best friend and eventually transformed into a vampire during season 5. Even though Tara met her demise in season 7, her impact was felt throughout the rest of the series. After her time on True Blood, the actress from Las Vegas, Nevada, continued to find success in television, landing a role on Hannibal. Subsequently, she took on the character Nova Bordelon in Queen Sugar. Additionally, Wesley ventured into executive producing, boasting her involvement in the short film Last Looks and later in the project 2 Dollars.

In 2013, Wesley filed for divorce from husband Jacob Fishel after eight years of marriage. Four years later, the actress announced her engagement to girlfriend chef Shonda.

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Deborah Ann Woll

Woll's character, Jessica Hamby, was a vampire progeny of Bill (Moyer) and had a romantic relationship with Hoyt (Parrack), but eventually abandoned monogamy. Alongside her television projects, she also appeared in the films Silver Lake and Escape Room. She portrayed Karen Page in Daredevil and reprised the role in The Punisher. Additionally, Woll wrote and starred in an episode of Relics and Rarities for six episodes. In October 2021, she was announced as a cohost, alongside former costar Kristin Bauer, for HBO Max's True Blood rewatch podcast called "Truest Blood." In 2018, Woll tied the knot with E.J. Scott.

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Joe Manganiello

Manganiello starred as werewolf Alcide Herveaux on the HBO drama from 2010 to 2014. He also portrayed Big Dick Richie in the Magic Mike films during that time. In addition, he has appeared in several other movies such as Rampage, Drunk Parents, Bottom of the 9th, and lent his voice to the character of Hefty Smurf in Smurfs: The Lost Village. Apart from his film roles, he has also been part of projects like The Spine of Night and Kaoti. More recently, Manganiello secured the role of Tomm Schultz on the television series Moonhaven, set to be released in 2022.

The Pennsylvania native married Sofía Vergara in 2015. The couple announced their split in 2023.

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Anna Camp

Starting in 2009 and lasting until 2014, Camp portrayed the character Sarah Newlin, who made multiple appearances and attempted (but failed) to eliminate the vampire population. Following this role, Camp went on to have recurring parts on The Good Wife, and eventually took on leading roles in Good Girls Revolt and Perfect Harmony. Hailing from South Carolina, Camp also played the character Aubrey in the Pitch Perfect series, and made appearances in films such as Café Society, Milkshake, The Lovebirds, Desperados, and Murder at Yellowstone City.

In 2019, Camp ended her marriage with fellow Pitch Perfect actor, Skylar Astin, after three years together. March 2020 marked the time when Camp officially revealed her relationship with musician Michael Johnson on Instagram.

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Jim Parrack

Parrack's character in True Blood is Hoyt Fortenberry, who is Jason's (Kwanten) best friend and also the lover of vampire Jessica (Woll). After his role in True Blood, this Texan actor appeared in movies such as Fury, Wild Horses, and The Adderall Diaries. He has also starred in Suicide Squad, Lost Child, and God Send. Since 2020, Parrack has been portraying firefighter Judd Ryder in the TV series 9-1-1: Lone Star. Additionally, the actor holds the position of president at 120 Productions, Inc. and Brooklyn Actors Lab, LLC.

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Kristin Bauer van Straten

The Wisconsin native who portrayed vampire Pam Swynford De Beaufort, co-owner of Fangtasia and fiercely loyal to Eric (Skarsgard), had a notable career on True Blood. In addition to her role on the hit vampire series, Bauer van Straten made appearances as a recurring character on Once Upon a Time. She further showcased her acting abilities in films such as Nocturnal Animals and Hollyweed, before taking on the role of Shannon in Sacred Lies. Not only has Bauer long been an advocate for animals, but she also prioritizes wellness in her life. In October 2021, she was announced as a cohost for HBO Max's True Blood rewatch podcast, "Truest Blood," alongside former costar Deborah Ann Woll. Surprisingly, both confessed that it was their first time watching the show despite their involvement in its production.

She’s been married to Abri van Straten since 2009.

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Todd Lowe

Lowe played the character of Terry Bellefluer, a former marine and cook who married Arlene (Preston). He later returned to his role as Zack in three out of the four episodes of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. Additionally, he had recurring roles in Cold, Ave 43, and Shooter. The actor, originally from Texas, was also involved in the production and acting of Alamo Downs.