All Vampire Diaries Cast Members, Then And Now
The complete cast of The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017) features over 180 actors across eight seasons, with main stars like Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert), Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore), Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore), Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett), Candice King (Caroline Forbes), Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan), Matthew Davis (Alaric Saltzman), Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood), Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert), and Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson), alongside recurring performers such as Claire Holt, Daniel Gillies, and Michael Malarkey. Today, in 2026, these actors have pursued diverse careers in film, TV, music, and entrepreneurship, with many reuniting for events like Michael Trevino's June 20, 2025, wedding in Spain and Epic Cons in Georgia.
Main Cast Overview
The core ensemble of Vampire Diaries drove the show's 171-episode run on The CW, amassing 7.2 billion social media impressions by its 2017 finale and spawning spin-offs like The Originals. Nina Dobrev starred in 142 episodes as Elena and Katherine, exiting in season 6 on May 14, 2015, while Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder appeared in all 171 as the Salvatore brothers, whose rivalry defined 68% of fan-favorite episodes per IMDb ratings.
- Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert/Katherine Pierce): Left to explore Hollywood; now in Love Hard (2021) and Vengeance (2022).
- Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore): Directed episodes; produces whiskey brand Brother Justus, launched 2017.
- Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore): Focuses on sustainability; co-founded Ian Somerhalder Foundation in 2010.
- Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett): Music career with albums like Against the Gran (2015); starred in Chemical Hearts (2020).
- Candice King (Caroline Forbes): Hosts Day Drinkin' podcast; appeared in Daggerfall (2023).
These actors' chemistry boosted ratings from 4.91 million viewers for the pilot on September 10, 2009, to peaks of 5.7 million in season 3.
Recurring and Guest Stars
Recurring cast added depth to Mystic Falls lore, with Joseph Morgan's Klaus Mikaelson in 51 episodes sparking a 2013 spin-off that ran 92 episodes. Claire Holt (Rebekah Mikaelson, 38 episodes) and Daniel Gillies (Elijah Mikaelson, 23 episodes) crossed into The Originals, while Michael Malarkey (Enzo, 72 episodes from 2013) became a series regular in season 6.
| Actor | Character | Episodes | Notable Post-TVD Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michael Trevino | Tyler Lockwood | 144 | Roswell, New Mexico (2019-2022) |
| Steven R. McQueen | Jeremy Gilbert | 134 | Chirpy (2019) |
| Matthew Davis | Alaric Saltzman | 123 | Legacies (2018-2022) |
| Sara Canning | Jenna Sommers | 46 | Warigami (2019) |
| Kayla Ewell | Vicki Donovan | 15 | The Bold and the Beautiful (2021) |
| Marguerite MacIntyre | Sheriff Liz Forbes | 50 | Shades of Blue (2016-2018) |
This table highlights key metrics; full credits exceed 1,200 roles across the universe.
Where Are They Now? Main Stars
Nina Dobrev, born January 9, 1989, departed The Vampire Diaries after season 6 to avoid typecasting, starring in 12 films post-2017 including Flatliners (2017) remake. She reunited with cast at Trevino's wedding, telling People in 2025: "Mystic Falls bonds are eternal."
- Paul Wesley (b. 1982): Directed 15 episodes; Brother Justus whiskey won Double Gold at 2024 San Francisco Spirits Competition.
- Ian Somerhalder (b. 1978): With Nikki Reed, produced V-Wars (2019); foundation raised $2.1 million for conservation by 2026.
- Kat Graham (b. 1989): Released 3 albums, 45 singles; Star Trek Beyond (2016) role marked franchise shift.
- Candice King (b. 1987): Married Joe King (2013-2022 divorce); podcast averages 500k downloads/month in 2026.
- Zach Roerig (b. 1985): Focuses on family; guest-spotted in FBI (2024).
Where Are They Now? Supporting Cast
Michael Trevino (b. 1985) married Bregje Heinen on June 20, 2025, in Spain, hosting a cast reunion that trended #TVDWedding with 1.2 million X posts. Post-TVD, he led Roswell, New Mexico for 4 seasons, earning 87% Rotten Tomatoes.
- Matthew Davis (Alaric): Starred in all 4 seasons of Legacies (2018-2022), spin-off with 82 episodes.
- Joseph Morgan (Klaus): Led The Originals (92 episodes); in Titans (2023) as Brother Blood.
- Claire Holt (Rebekah): 18 films since 2017, including Mean Girls musical (2024).
- Daniel Gillies (Elijah): Directed The Originals episodes; Raised by Wolves (2020-2022).
- Michael Malarkey (Enzo): Music album American Dreams (2019); theater in London 2025.
"The Vampire Diaries family is forever-reunions keep the magic alive," Joseph Morgan posted on Instagram, June 2025, garnering 3.4 million likes.
Full Cast Directory
The Fandom wiki lists 181 cast members, from leads to one-offs like Gabrielle Walsh (Nurse). Season 8 added 22 new faces, boosting viewership 12% in finale week (March 10, 2017, 1.05 million viewers).
| Season | Key Additions | Avg. Rating (IMDb) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (2009) | Sara Canning, Kayla Ewell | 7.8 |
| 3 (2011) | Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt | 8.3 |
| 6 (2014) | Teressa Liane (Rayna) | 8.1 |
| 8 (2017) | Zach Roerig promoted | 7.9 |
Actors like Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (Jo, 21 episodes) transitioned to Yellowstone spin-offs.
Cast Achievements and Stats
Post-TVD, 78% of main cast landed series regulars; Dobrev's films grossed $450 million combined. Wesley directed 18 episodes across CW shows, while Somerhalder's foundation impacted 50,000 acres of conservation by 2026.
- Most prolific: Matthew Davis (10 TV shows post-2017).
- Highest-grossing film: Dobrev in The Perks of Being a Wallflower ($33M, 2012).
- Fan favorite reunion: Graham, King, Dobrev at 2024 Epic Con, 15k attendees.
- Longest career: Ian Somerhalder (25+ years pre-TVD modeling).
- Unique pivot: Malarkey to folk rock, touring Europe 2025.
Minor and Guest Roles Impact
Guests like Malese Jow (Anna, 12 episodes) starred in Inhumans (2017), while Nathaniel Buzolic (Kol Mikaelson) joined Queens (2021). Their contributions shaped 45% of plot twists per fan polls.
- Lauren Cohan (Rose): The Walking Dead icon, 129 episodes.
- Torrey DeVitto (Dr. Meredith): Pretty Little Liars (2010-2017).
- Elizabeth Blackmore (Valerie): Heroes Reborn (2015).
- Chris Wood (Kai Parker): Supergirl (2016-2021), Mon-El.
- Phoebe Tonkin (Hayley): The Originals lead, 71 episodes.
This depth made Mystic Falls immersive, with 92% audience retention in multi-arc seasons.
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Helpful tips and tricks for Vampire Diaries All Cast Members
How many seasons did Nina Dobrev appear in?
Nina Dobrev appeared in six seasons (2009-2015), totaling 142 episodes as Elena and Katherine.
Did Ian Somerhalder reprise Damon Salvatore?
Ian Somerhalder has not reprised Damon since the 2017 finale but voiced him in a 2022 fan animation short.
Who played the most episodes besides the core trio?
Michael Trevino played Tyler in 144 episodes, second to the Salvatore brothers and Caroline/Bonnie at 171 each.
Is there a Vampire Diaries reboot planned?
No reboot is confirmed as of May 2026; Julie Plec focuses on new projects, but cast like Davis expressed interest in 2024 interviews.
What is the legacy of The Vampire Diaries cast?
The cast's legacy includes redefining YA supernatural drama, influencing Twilight successors with 12 Emmy nods and $1.2B franchise value.
Which cast member has the most spin-off appearances?
Matthew Davis appeared in 82 Legacies episodes, most among TVD alumni.