The Vampire Diaries: From Innocence to Immortality - Age Journey of the Main Characters

Summary

Age differences between actors and their characters were common in The Vampire Diaries, but it didn't negatively impact the show's success.

Actors like Nina Dobrev, Zach Roerig, and Michael Trevino portrayed characters who were younger than their real ages. The show provided a platform for these actors to demonstrate their abilities and advance in their careers as their characters developed over time.

The Vampire Diaries concluded in 2017, creating curiosity about Nina Dobrev's age during the show. Over the years, The CW has had several successful supernatural series. However, The Vampire Diaries, which premiered in 2009, was particularly noteworthy for introducing talented actors who portrayed characters different in age. For instance, Nina Dobrev joined the series at the age of 20, portraying a 17-year-old character, while Ian Somerhalder, who was 30 years old, played a character of 25. These age differences, especially considering the vampire plotline, were evident throughout the show. However, similar situations occurred in other popular dramas like Beverly Hills 90210, where actors playing high schoolers had significant age gaps. Despite these discrepancies, they did not negatively affect the quality or popularity of The Vampire Diaries, as it remained a highly watched and widely discussed series.

Sara Canning - Jenna Sommers

The caring and maternal aunt of Elena and Jeremy Gilbert, 25-year-old Jenna Sommers simply aimed to provide her niece and nephew with a secure and ordinary home environment. However, once the supernatural entered their lives, normalcy became a thing of the past. Actress Sara Canning took on the role of the guardian aunt in the series at the young age of 22, three years younger than her Vampire Diaries character. Canning, who was only slightly older than Nina Dobrev, portrayed her aunt. Despite leaving the show after season 2 and only making occasional appearances throughout The Vampire Diaries, she was 29 years old by the end of the series.

Zach Roerig - Matt Donovan

A complex yet endearing character, Matt Donovan started off as a 17-year-old high school student when The Vampire Diaries premiered in 2009. Throughout the series, he longed for validation from others and tirelessly pursued the affections of Elena Gilbert. However, his quest for love became increasingly intricate with the entrance of Stefan and Damon Salvatore. Despite the character being a teenager, actor Zach Roerig, aged 24, flawlessly portrayed Matt Donovan's youthful jock appearance in the early seasons. As the show progressed, both Roerig and his character experienced growth and maturity. By the series' conclusion, Roerig, now 31 years old, bid farewell to the role of Matt as he assumed the position of sheriff in Mystic Falls.

Michael Trevino - Tyler Lockwood

Matthew Davis - Alaric Saltzman

Tyler Lockwood, a 17-year-old rebel with a reputation and a popular athlete at Mystic Falls High in The Vampire Diaries, was known for his wealth, confidence, and arrogance. However, as time passed, he underwent personal growth and began to discover his true identity. Michael Trevino, who took on the role at the age of 24, shared the same age difference as his co-star Zach Roerig. Trevino portrayed Tyler Lockwood with remarkable skill, appearing in seasons 1-6 and making recurring appearances in seasons 7-8. By the conclusion of the series in 2017, Trevino was 31 years old. Unfortunately, Tyler's story came to an end when Damon, under Sybil's control, ended his life, freezing him at that age.

Alaric Saltzman, a compassionate character, has become known for his wise and insightful quotes throughout his time on the show. Despite skepticism about the authenticity of his friendship with Damon, Alaric consistently acts as the voice of reason, effectively steering Damon away from impulsive actions. As a key figure in Mystic Falls' supernatural realm, Alaric endeavors to safeguard his loved ones to the best of his ability. In 2009, Matthew Davis assumed the role of Alaric at the age of 31, a character who was depicted as 33 years old in The Vampire Diaries. Alaric's journey extended beyond the initial series, as he ventured into The Originals and Legacies.

Steven McQueen - Jeremy Gilbert

Kat Graham - Bonnie Bennett

Jeremy Gilbert, the younger brother of Elena Gilbert, grappled with the loss of his parents and struggled to find his true identity. While his unwavering loyalty for his sister and aunt was undeniable, Jeremy's impulsive nature sometimes got the best of him. Prior to his breakthrough role as the 15-year-old Jeremy at the age of 21, Steven R. McQueen had only played minor characters in series such as Everwood and CSI: Miami. However, his portrayal of Jeremy marked a turning point in his career, as it grew alongside his character's growth. Although Jeremy left the series to pursue vampire hunting, he ultimately returned and became a teacher at the Salvatore Boarding School.

Known for her unwavering devotion to her loved ones, Bonnie Bennett never hesitated to make sacrifices and face immense losses. However, she always remained resilient, emerging each time even more formidable and determined. Kat Graham's journey on television screens commenced long ago in 1998 with her appearance in The Parent Trap. At just 19 years old, Graham stepped into the shoes of the 17-year-old Bonnie Bennet in 2009, a mere two-year age difference. This proximity in age lent credibility to her portrayal, establishing a deep connection with the audience. As the series progressed, so did Graham, blossoming into a 26-year-old woman by the end and embarking on a quest to explore the world.

Candice King - Caroline Forbes

Caroline Forbes emerged as a multifaceted character, alternating between being hailed as a hero or condemned as a villain. Despite her fair share of missteps, one aspect remained unwavering: her unwavering loyalty and affection for her loved ones. Candice King took on the role of Caroline Forbes in 2009, when she was 22 years old, portraying a character five years her junior. While King had previously appeared in series such as Greek and Supernatural, it was her portrayal of Caroline Forbes in The Vampire Diaries that propelled her into the spotlight. From 2009 to 2017, King was a constant presence in the show. By the conclusion of the series, she was 29 years old, while her character had transformed into an immortal vampire.

Ian Somerhalder - Damon Salvatore

Damon Salvatore, the darker and more impulsive brother of Stefan, is a character who lives by his own rules and speaks without considering the consequences. He exhibits a lack of concern for anyone or anything until his return to Mystic Falls where he meets Elena Gilbert. Portrayed by Ian Somerhalder, the actor stepped into the role at the age of 30, while his character's age is established as 25 in human years and approximately 170 in vampire years. As the series concludes, Ian Somerhalder reaches the age of 37, a significant contrast to Damon's age. This disparity arises when Damon becomes human, reuniting with Elena and subsequently ages at a normal pace from the age of 25.

Paul Wesley - Stefan Salvatore

A character that underwent multiple transformations from season 1 to his ultimate appearance, Stefan Salvatore was a character with a complex history. His homecoming to Mystic Falls marked the beginning of a dynamic bond with Elena Gilbert and the resurrection of his brother and past. Commencing the series at the age of 27, Paul Wesley and his persona were significantly apart in age, as Stefan's apparent age was 17 in human years and over 100 years in vampire years. As the show ultimately concluded in 2017, Paul Wesley was 34, whereas Stefan perished in The Vampire Diaries finale to ensure Damon and Elena's blissful closure.

Nina Dobrev - Elena Gilbert

Nina Dobrev portrayed Elena Gilbert in the TV show Vampire Diaries. Elena, a teenage girl grappling with the recent loss of her parents and the discovery of a new love interest, was presented as a 17-year-old character. Interestingly, Nina Dobrev was actually 20 years old when she commenced filming for her role in The Vampire Diaries. This meant that she was only three years older than the age of her character. The Vampire Diaries served as a remarkable breakthrough for Dobrev, even though she eventually left the show in its sixth season after her character entered a coma. Ultimately, by the series' conclusion in 2017, Nina's age had reached 27, whereas Elena awoke from her coma and carried on with her life alongside Damon.