Let’s be real for a second. If you spent your Tuesday nights in 2009 glued to The CW, you weren't just watching a show about bloodsuckers. You were watching a cultural reset. When The Vampire Diaries premiered, it felt like the entire world stopped to argue about whether Elena Gilbert belonged with the "brooding but safe" Stefan or the "toxic but electric" Damon. But while we were all obsessing over the fictional love triangle in Mystic Falls, the actors of Vampire Diaries were navigating a whirlwind of sudden, massive fame that basically changed the trajectory of their lives forever.
It’s been over fifteen years since that pilot aired. A lot has changed.
People often ask me if the cast actually liked each other. The answer is complicated. You had Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder dating in real life, breaking up, and then having to continue playing soulmates on screen for years. That’s not just "work stress." That’s high-level emotional endurance. Honestly, it’s a miracle the show stayed as cohesive as it did.
Beyond the Fangs: Nina, Paul, and Ian’s Post-Mystic Falls Pivot
When Nina Dobrev left the show in Season 6, it felt like a death knell for the series. She was tired. She’d spent years playing Elena, Katherine, Amara, and Tatia—literally playing against herself in some of the most technically demanding scenes on network TV. Since then, she hasn't just sat around. She’s become something of a lifestyle mogul and an indie film regular. You might have seen her in Love Hard on Netflix or the cult-favorite The Final Girls. She’s also a co-founder of Fresh Vine Wine with Julianne Hough. It’s a far cry from drinking vervain-laced blood, isn't it?
Then you have Paul Wesley. Paul was always the most "actor's actor" of the bunch. He’s transitioned heavily into directing and producing, though he couldn't stay away from the camera for long. His turn as Captain James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is a massive departure from the "Ripper" Stefan Salvatore. It’s funny because Paul famously hated the "brooding hero" trope. He preferred playing Stefan when he was off the rails.
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The Bourbon Brotherhood
You can't talk about the actors of Vampire Diaries without mentioning Brother’s Bond Bourbon. Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley basically took their on-screen brotherhood and turned it into a legitimate business empire.
- They launched the brand during the pandemic.
- It became one of the fastest-selling ultra-premium bourbon brands in the US.
- They actually do the work—touring, tasting, and marketing.
Ian has mostly stepped away from acting to focus on environmental activism and his farm life. He’s deeply involved in the Ian Somerhalder Foundation (ISF). If you follow him on social media, you’re more likely to see him talking about regenerative agriculture or soil health than his days as a vampire. It’s a pivot that feels authentic to who he always was, even during the peak of the show’s success.
The Supporting Cast That Stole the Show
Kat Graham is a force. Period. As Bonnie Bennett, she was the backbone of the show, yet many fans (and even Graham herself) have pointed out how the writers often sidelined her character. Since the show ended, she’s leaned heavily into her music career and high-fashion modeling. She’s also a UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Goodwill Ambassador. Her impact off-screen is arguably much larger than what she was allowed to do on-screen.
Candice King (Caroline Forbes) and Kayla Ewell (Vicky Donovan) started a podcast called Directionally Challenged. Later, Candice launched A Sip of Wine and a Bit of TVD. They’ve leaned into the nostalgia because they know that’s where the fans are. It’s smart. It’s also a testament to the genuine friendships that formed in that Atlanta filming bubble.
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What about the villains?
Joseph Morgan (Klaus Mikaelson) is basically the gold standard for how to play a villain people love to hate—and then just love. After The Originals ended, he jumped into Brave New World and more recently, Titans as Brother Blood. He’s another one who loves the craft. He’s often sharing his writing or his short film projects on Instagram. He doesn't just show up for a paycheck; he cares about the lore.
The Reality of Being an "Iconic" TV Actor
There is a downside to this kind of success. For many of the actors of Vampire Diaries, the "vampire" label is hard to shake. Fans still show up to conventions by the thousands. While the checks are great, the typecasting is real.
Matt Davis (Alaric Saltzman) stayed in the universe the longest, appearing in Legacies until its cancellation. Some actors, like Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood), moved on to other CW staples like Roswell, New Mexico. Others, like Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert), have popped up in procedurals like Chicago Fire.
The show was a grind. 22 episodes a year. 14-hour days in the Georgia heat. When people look at the glossy photos of the cast, they don't see the exhaustion. I remember reading an interview where someone mentioned the "blue-screen fatigue" of the later seasons. It wasn't all glamorous.
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The Enduring Legacy of the TVD Universe
Why are we still talking about them in 2026? Because the chemistry was lightning in a bottle. You can't manufacture the tension that existed between the actors of Vampire Diaries.
If you’re looking to follow their current journeys, here is the best way to keep up without getting lost in the tabloid noise:
- Watch the Directorial Work: Follow Paul Wesley’s directing credits. He’s worked on Shadowhunters, Roswell, New Mexico, and Legacies.
- Support the Documentaries: Ian Somerhalder produced Kiss the Ground and Common Ground. These are genuinely moving films about the environment.
- The Podcast Route: If you want the "behind the scenes" tea, Candice King’s podcasting ventures are your best bet.
- Check the Film Festivals: Nina Dobrev often has projects at festivals like SXSW. She’s moving into the producer chair more frequently now.
The Mystic Falls era might be over, but the careers of these actors are in their second or even third acts. They aren't just "vampires" anymore. They are entrepreneurs, directors, parents, and activists. They grew up. And honestly, so did we.
To truly appreciate where they are now, go back and watch the pilot. Then go watch Paul Wesley in Star Trek or Ian’s documentary. The contrast is where the real story lies. It’s the story of a young cast surviving the "teen heartthrob" machine and coming out the other side with their careers intact. That’s the real magic, no spells required.
Actionable Insight: For fans looking to engage with the cast today, avoid the unofficial "reunion" rumors that plague TikTok. Instead, follow their verified production companies or social impact projects. Supporting their new ventures is the most effective way to see them move beyond the Salvatore shadow. If you're a collector, look for Brother's Bond Bourbon signings, which are currently the most frequent way to see Paul and Ian together in a professional setting.