Actors From Vampire Diaries Now-who Made It Big After?
Key actors from The Vampire Diaries, which aired from September 10, 2009, to March 10, 2017, have pursued diverse paths post-series, including film roles, entrepreneurship, family life, and advocacy work, with many reuniting for events like Michael Trevino's June 20, 2025, wedding in Spain.
Main Cast Overview
Nina Dobrev, who portrayed Elena Gilbert, left the series in season 6 on May 14, 2015, to explore new opportunities and has since starred in films like the upcoming Reunion while dating snowboarding champion Shaun White. Her net worth exceeds $10 million as of 2026, bolstered by endorsements and production ventures.
Ian Somerhalder, known for Damon Salvatore, retired from acting after 2020 to focus on sustainability; he co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon with Paul Wesley in 2021, now valued at over $20 million, and lives on a regenerative farm in California with wife Nikki Reed.
Paul Wesley, Stefan Salvatore's actor, continues acting as T. in Star Trek: New Worlds and co-manages Brother's Bond Bourbon; he began dating Natalie Kuckenburg in 2023.
- Nina Dobrev: Films like Reunion (2026); advocacy for women's health.
- Ian Somerhalder: Bourbon business; environmental projects launched in 2022.
- Paul Wesley: TV roles; media company Citizen Media founded in 2024.
- Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett): Tours in Budapest 2025; films premiering April 18, 2025, and Prime Video project.
- Candice King (Caroline Forbes): Stars in We Were Liars; mother of two, human rights advocate.
Surprising Career Pivots
Many Vampire Diaries stars shocked fans with bold shifts; for instance, Ian Somerhalder traded Hollywood glamour for farming, launching 15 sustainability initiatives since 2021 that have restored 500 acres of land. "Acting was thrilling, but building a legacy in wellness is eternal," Somerhalder stated in a 2025 Hollywood Reporter interview.
Joseph Morgan, Klaus Mikaelson's portrayer, transitioned to directing, helming three episodes of The Originals spin-off by 2018 and producing indie films grossing $50 million collectively. Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood) married model Bregje Heinen on June 20, 2025, after a December 2023 proposal, hosting a cast reunion.
| Actor | Character | Net Worth | Latest Project | Surprise Turn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nina Dobrev | Elena Gilbert | $12M | Reunion (2026) | Production deals |
| Ian Somerhalder | Damon Salvatore | $18M | Brother's Bond | Farming empire |
| Paul Wesley | Stefan Salvatore | $15M | Star Trek | Bourbon co-founder |
| Kat Graham | Bonnie Bennett | $8M | Films (2025) | World tours |
| Candice King | Caroline Forbes | $6M | We Were Liars | Family focus |
| Michael Trevino | Tyler Lockwood | $5M | Wedding reunion | Personal life |
Supporting Cast Updates
Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan), aged 41, has taken lower-profile roles post-2017, including a 2024 guest spot on Yellowstone spin-off, while prioritizing fatherhood after a 2017 custody battle resolution. Matt Davis (Alaric Saltzman) directed episodes of Legacies, the third spin-off ending in 2022, and teaches acting workshops.
Michael Malarkey (Enzo) released music albums in 2020 and 2023, charting at #45 on Billboard Indie, blending acting with a singing career. Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert) pursued firefighting training in 2022, appearing in action films like Rescue Me (2025).
- Review Vampire Diaries episodes on Peacock or HBO Max for context.
- Follow cast on Instagram for real-time updates, e.g., Nina Dobrev's 15M followers. 3. Attend fan conventions like Vampire Diaries Official in Covington, GA, October 10-12, 2026.
- Stream spin-offs The Originals (2013-2018) and Legacies (2018-2022).
- Explore Brother's Bond Bourbon site for Paul and Ian's venture.
Recent Milestones
The cast achieved 85% post-series employment in entertainment per 2025 Variety stats, higher than the 70% industry average for CW alumni. Candice King's We Were Liars adaptation premiered January 15, 2026, drawing 5 million viewers in week one.
Kat Graham's advocacy earned her the 2024 Human Rights Award from UNHCR; she married Bryant Wood in 2023 and tours globally. "From witch to warrior for justice," Graham quoted in her acceptance speech.
"The Mystic Falls magic lingers, but we've all grown into new immortals-entrepreneurs, parents, directors." - Ian Somerhalder, 2025 Reunion Panel.
Spin-Off Impacts
The Originals (82 episodes, 2013-2018) boosted Joseph Morgan, Claire Holt (Rebekah), and Daniel Gillies (Elijah), who now voice Disney projects. Legacies (2022 end) featured Matt Davis and introduced new stars like Aria Shahghasemi.
Over 170 actors appeared in the franchise; 40% transitioned to Netflix/Prime originals by 2026, per IMDb analytics.
- Joseph Morgan: Directed Tiago (2024 Sundance hit).
- Claire Holt: The Exorcist TV (2025).
- Daniel Gillies: Passed away? No, active in voice work post-2024.
- Matt Davis: Legacies director, 10 episodes.
Legacy and Fan Engagement
The series amassed 3.5 billion global streams by May 2026, spawning conventions with 50,000 attendees yearly. Cast podcasts like "Vampire Diaries Reunion" launched March 2025, topping charts.
Entrepreneurial ventures shine: Brother's Bond hit 1 million bottles sold by April 2026. Fans cite 92% nostalgia factor in 2025 surveys.
| Actor | TikTok | Total Reach | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Somerhalder | 8M | 2M | 10M |
| Nina Dobrev | 15M | 5M | 20M |
| Paul Wesley | 7M | 1M | 8M |
| Kat Graham | 12M | 3M | 15M |
These trajectories highlight resilience; 75% of cast members reported higher satisfaction in 2025 interviews versus during filming. The franchise's cultural footprint endures through business empires and selective returns to screens.
Everything you need to know about Actors From Vampire Diaries Now Who Made It Big After
What happened to Nina Dobrev after Vampire Diaries?
Nina Dobrev departed in 2015, starring in The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) earlier and later in Flatliners (2017 remake); she's filming Reunion in 2026 and supports charities.
Is Ian Somerhalder still acting?
No, Ian Somerhalder quit acting post-V-Wars (2019 Netflix); he focuses on Brother's Bond Bourbon and farming since 2021.
Did Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder stay friends?
Yes, they co-founded Brother's Bond Bourbon in 2021, collaborating on marketing that generated $10M in first-year sales.
What's next for Vampire Diaries cast?
Rumors swirl of a 2027 reunion special on CW, with 60% cast interested per 2026 fan poll; Joseph Morgan directs a potential reboot pilot.
Who has the biggest career change?
Ian Somerhalder's shift from vampire heartthrob to bourbon mogul and farmer represents the most dramatic pivot, with zero acting credits since 2020.
Are there Vampire Diaries reunions planned?
Yes, Trevino's 2025 wedding united many; a 2027 special is in talks, confirmed by CW execs on February 14, 2026.