The Vampire Diaries Cast: Jaw-Dropping Transformations! Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, and a Whole Lot More!

Content: The Vampire Diaries' premiere in 2009 captivated viewers with its portrayal of vampires, witches, and werewolves. Set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, the show showcased a captivating mix of mythical creatures and ordinary humans. Alongside the stories of individuals transforming into vampires or discovering their supernatural abilities, such as Bonnie Bennett (played by Kat Graham), the series also depicted an unforgettable love triangle on television.

Content: Teenager Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev) found herself torn between vampire brothers Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley) and Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder), leaving fans to pick their favorite heartthrob. Even though Elena eventually made her choice by season 8, the show's fanbase remains divided between Team Stefan and Team Damon. Shedding light on this timeless love triangle, creator Julie Plec explained that while the writer can create the scenario, chemistry between the characters is ultimately what makes it work.

Thankfully, the main three actors possessed the perfect blend of chemistry in their roles as lovers, siblings, and friends.

"The chemistry between Ian and Nina as the rebellious guy and the virtuous girl was evident, and the connection between Paul and Nina as the hero and heroine was simply exquisite. It was something that naturally flourished and couldn't be manufactured or scripted," she remarked. "It had to organically exist."

The cast, which consisted of Candice Accola, Michael Trevino, Joseph Morgan, and others, developed a strong lifelong bond offscreen. This bond has been maintained, in part, through a group text. "I communicate with them frequently," Graham revealed in an exclusive interview with We in December 2017. "I have a lot of conversations with Michael Malarkey, and Nina and I exchange text messages often. So yes, I have a great relationship with all of them."

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The actress from Cut Throat City acknowledged that, after being together for almost ten years, the former costars have each other's backs.

"We provide a great deal of support for one another," she stated. "Many of us are embarking on a new phase, and it is crucial that everyone genuinely supports each other, particularly at this time."

Scroll down to see what TVD cast has been up to since it premiered.

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‘Vampire Diaries’ Cast: Where Are They Now? Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev and More

Vampires, witches, and werewolves, oh my! The debut episode of The Vampire Diaries in 2009 introduced fans to a captivating vampire-themed series that remains unforgettable.

Spanning eight seasons until 2017, the CW show was set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, where mythical beings and humans coexisted. Alongside narratives of individuals turning into vampires or discovering their supernatural abilities - such as Bonnie Bennett (played by Kat Graham) - the series expertly portrayed one of television's most enduring love triangles.

Teenager Elena Gilbert (played by Nina Dobrev) fell in love with vampire Stefan Salvatore (played by Paul Wesley) and later developed feelings for his rebellious brother, Damon Salvatore (played by Ian Somerhalder). This led to a divided fan base, as viewers had to choose between Team Stefan and Team Damon. Creator Julie Plec discussed the importance of chemistry in a love triangle, stating that while writers can create the circumstances, the chemistry between the characters is ultimately what makes it work.

Fortunately, the main trio possessed a perfect blend of chemistry in their roles as romantic partners, siblings, and companions.

"Ian and Nina's chemistry was captivating, with Ian playing the rebellious bad boy and Nina embodying the virtuous good girl. Additionally, the chemistry between Paul and Nina as heroes and heroines was simply exquisite. This natural connection was not something that could be artificially crafted or scripted; it had to genuinely exist," she explained.

Behind the scenes, the ensemble — including Candice Accola, Michael Trevino, Joseph Morgan, and others — developed an enduring connection, aided in part by a group text.

"I stay in touch with them constantly," Graham revealed in an exclusive interview with We in December 2017. "I chat with Michael Malarkey quite often. Nina and I exchange texts frequently. So, yes, I have a strong bond with them."

The actress from Cut Throat City mentioned that, despite their long partnership of almost ten years, the former costars have each other's backs.

"We offer a great deal of support to one another," she expressed. "Many of us are embarking on this new phase, and it is crucial for everyone to provide unwavering support, especially in the current circumstances."

Scroll down to see what TVD cast has been up to since it premiered.

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Ian Somerhalder

Somerhalder transitioned from his role as vampire Damon on TVD to portraying vampire research physician Luther Swann on V-Wars, a project that he also produced. He made appearances on Good Mythical Morning and secured a part in Time Framed. In 2020, the Louisiana native collaborated with his former onscreen brother, Wesley, to create Brother’s Bond Bourbon.

In 2015, Somerhalder, who previously starred in Lost, tied the knot with Nikki Reed. Two years later, they celebrated the arrival of their first child, daughter Bodhi. In January 2023, the couple announced Reed's pregnancy with their second baby, and their son was born that June.

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Paul Wesley

Following his role as Stefan Salvatore, a New Jersey native, the actor went on to narrate the short film Aliens. In 2018, Wesley also took on the character of Tucker Reed in Tell Me a Story. Wesley has an impressive array of credits as both a producer and director, which include notable works such as Ashmina and Anna as well as directing episodes of Legacies and Batwoman. Recently, in 2022, Wesley joined the cast of Star Trek: Strange Worlds, taking on the iconic role of Captain Kirk.

Wesley and actress Torrey DeVitto ended their two-year marriage in 2013. In 2019, the actor tied the knot again, this time with Ines de Ramon. However, in September 2022, it was confirmed that Wesley and de Ramon had separated. Shortly after, in November 2022, he moved on with Natalie Kuckenburg.

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Nina Dobrev

Despite taking on the iconic role of Elena Gilbert, who gained fame for her romances with brothers Stefan and Damon Salvatore, Dobrev (who also portrayed Elena's doppelganger Katherine Pierce) exited the show in 2015. However, she made a comeback for the series finale in 2017. Following her departure, the Bulgarian-born actress appeared in several films such as Flatliners, Dog Days, Run This Town, and Lucky Day. Additionally, she played the character Clem on the short-lived TV series Fam. Dobrev will soon showcase her producer skills with the upcoming film Sick Girl. In May 2013, it was confirmed that Dobrev and Somerhalder had ended their three-year relationship. Since February 2020, she has been in a relationship with snowboarder Shaun White. In May 2021, the Fam alum, alongside Julianne Hough, launched Fresh Vine Wine, a collection of low-calorie wines. Dobrev stars in the Netflix holiday movie Love Hard, which premiered in November 2021. In the same year, she co-founded the organic alcohol brand Fresh Vine Wine with her friend Julianne Hough.

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Candice Accola

Accola played the character of Caroline Forbes, a cheerleading captain who became a vampire, in the TVD spinoff show called The Originals. She appeared as a recurring character in 2018. Additionally, she acted in Splitting the Bill and After We Collided. In 2018, the actress, along with her former Vampire Diaries co-star Kayla Ewell, launched a podcast called "Directionally Challenged". In 2022, she returned to the Legacies series finale, reprising her role as Caroline Forbes-Salvatore.

Accola got married to Joe King, who is a member of the band The Fray, in 2014. They had their first child in 2016, and their second child was born in December 2020. In April 2022, Accola filed for divorce, stating irreconcilable differences.

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Kat Graham

The Swiss-born actress captivated viewers as the enchanting Bonnie Bennett throughout all eight seasons of the CW series. Since then, she has graced the screen in Love in the Villa, All Eyes on Me, The Holiday Calendar, Fashionably Yours, and Cut Throat City. Additionally, she lent her voice to the character April O’Neil in Rise of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Not limited to acting, Graham has also embarked on a musical journey, debuting two solo albums, notably Love Music Funk Magic in 2017. Continuously expanding her artistic repertoire, she recently treated fans with her latest single "Swim" released in August 2021.

In December 2014, it was confirmed by Us that Graham ended her engagement with Cottrell Guidry after being together for two years. She started a new relationship with director and producer Darren Genet in 2017. Us confirmed that the couple got engaged during a Mexican vacation in April 2022.

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Zach Roerig

Roerig’s Matt Donovan resided in Mystic Falls as one of the rare humans among the population. Throughout his time on the show, he had romantic involvements with Elena, Caroline, and others. Besides his portrayal of Matt, he showcased his talent in various projects, including The Year of Spectacular Men, The Outer Wild (where he served as an executive producer), and a handful of episodes in The Gifted and TVD spinoffs, The Originals and Legacies. Notably, he assumed the role of Sarge Will Mosley in USA Network’s Dare Me. In a significant event, Roerig garnered attention in 2013 by pursuing sole custody of his daughter, Fiona, who was born in 2011, from his ex-partner Alanna Turner. After legal proceedings, he was ultimately granted custody.

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Michael Trevino

Trevino concluded his role as werewolf hybrid Tyler Lockwood in 2015, but he made a comeback for a few episodes in 2016 and 2017. Following this mythological venture, he showcased his talents in Out of Control, Sunset Park, and The Caption. He then secured the part of Kyle Valenti in The CW's Roswell, New Mexico, captivating audiences from the 2019 pilot to the 2022 series finale. In June 2021, Trevino embarked on his directorial journey with the independent film, Two Roads. Via Instagram, he expressed his gratitude towards the New Mexico indie film community for their assistance and shared his excitement for this long-awaited opportunity. He eagerly anticipates sharing more updates about this project in the forthcoming weeks.

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Steven R. McQueen

For six seasons, the Los Angeles native played the role of Jeremy Gilbert, Elena's younger brother, on the show. After that, McQueen appeared as Jimmy Borelli on Chicago Fire and made a few guest appearances on Chicago P.D. He then returned to The Vampire Diaries for its series finale and later reprised his character on Legacies. Apart from his acting career, the actor, who is the grandson of the late Steve McQueen, has also starred in movies such as The Take Off, Home by Spring, and The Warrant. Throughout his professional journey, he has actively participated in charitable endeavors, including volunteering with organizations like Smile Train, TECHO, Thirst Project, and Echoes of Hope.

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Matthew Davis

Davis, known for his role as Alaric Saltzman, a history teacher and vampire hunter, assumed the responsibility of caring for Elena and Jeremy following the passing of their aunt Jenna Sommers (Sara Canning). The actor, originally from Utah, later appeared on The Originals and took center stage in the TVD spinoff Legacies for a span of four seasons. Davis also made an appearance in the film Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses. In 2018, the Legally Blonde actor tied the knot with Kiley Casciano, and in March 2020, the couple joyfully welcomed their first child, Ripley.

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Joseph Morgan

The CW drama welcomed the addition of British actor

Joseph Morgan

in its second season, portraying the iconic role of the Original vampire, Klaus Mikaelson. Succeeding his stint on the show,

Joseph Morgan

took center stage as the lead in the spinoff series, The Originals, spanning across an impressive five seasons. Prior to diving into these vampire-filled worlds, Morgan showcased his talent in movies such as Gone Baby Gone and Animal Kingdom. Furthermore, his versatility was highlighted when he secured the role of CJack60 in the captivating series Brave New World. Not only was he a remarkable actor, but

Joseph Morgan

also explored his creative prowess by directing several episodes of The Originals, as well as being heavily involved in the production and writing processes of short films, Carousel and Revelation. In 2014,

Joseph Morgan

tied the knot with actress Persia White and had previously served as the global ambassador for Positive Women.

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Michael Malarkey

Enzo St. John, also known as Lorenzo, made his debut on the show during its fifth season. He was previously Damon's cellmate in the 1950s and a fellow vampire. This British-American actor has also portrayed characters such as Sam Foster on The Oath and Captain Michael Quinn on Project Blue Book. Alongside his television roles, he has appeared in films such as A Violent Separation and Oliver's Landing. Additionally, Malarkey has showcased his musical talents with the release of two studio albums, including Graveracer in 2020, as well as three EPs. In 2009, he exchanged vows with Nadine Lewington, and the couple is now proud parents of two children.

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Marguerite MacIntyre

MacIntyre played the role of Sheriff Liz Forbes in the vampire drama, appearing in various episodes. She has also acted in other projects such as April Apocalypse, Eve, and an episode of Little Fires Everywhere. Apart from her acting career, MacIntyre has an impressive background as a producer and writer. She has written and directed episodes of shows like Casual, The Originals, and Legacies. MacIntyre, hailing from Michigan, has been happily married to cinematographer Cary Lalonde since 2007. In another collaboration with TVD creator Julie Plec, MacIntyre is currently working on an adaptation of Vampire Academy for a TV series on Peacock. In this project, she serves as the co-showrunner and executive producer alongside Plec. The new series, which was announced in May 2021, will bring to life the fictional universe created by author Richelle Mead in her book series.