Learning about the Performers behind The Vampire Diaries Part 1

This is the first part of a two-part article that discusses the characters in the series, The Vampire Diaries. Check out the second part of this article, coming soon, to learn more about them.

When fans grow a love for a TV show, they often grow a love for the performers behind the characters. Even though it has ended, one TV show with a great fanbase is The Vampire Diaries. But who are the performers who made The Vampire Diaries the legendary show? Keep reading below to find out more.

What Is the Vampire Diaries About?

The series is set in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, Virginia, a town charged with supernatural history since its settlement of migrants from New England in the late 1600s. It follows the life of Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), a teenage girl who has just lost both parents in a car accident, as she falls in love with a 162-year-old vampire named Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley). Their relationship becomes increasingly complicated as Stefan's vicious and malevolent older brother Damon (Ian Somerhalder) returns with a plan to wreak havoc on Mystic Falls and bring back their past lover Katherine Pierce (also Dobrev), a vampire who looks exactly like Elena.

The Actors and Actresses behind the Characters

While many characters have appeared on the show with its 8-year run, we focus on the main characters and the people behind them.

Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert

Nina Dobrev played Elena Gilbert, the lead character in The Vampire Diaries. Elena was a teenage girl who fell in love with a vampire, Stefan Salvatore, and was drawn into the supernatural world.

Who Is Nina Dobrev?

Dobrev was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and immigrated to Canada at age two. She grew up in Toronto and began her acting career in 2006, at 15, when she was cast as Mia Jones in the Canadian teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation. She appeared on the show for three seasons before leaving to pursue other projects.

In 2009, Dobrev was cast as Elena Gilbert on The CW's supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries. She played the role for six seasons before leaving the show in 2015.

Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore

Paul Wesley played Stefan Salvatore, a vampire in love with Elena Gilbert. Stefan was a good brother and always tried to do the right thing.

Who Is Paul Wesley?

Wesley was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Polish parents Tomasz and Agnieszka Wasilewski. Wesley attended Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey, and Marlboro High School for a period during his sophomore year. During his junior year, he transferred to Lakewood Preparatory School.

In 2009, Wesley began starring as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries. The series aired eight seasons on the CW, and Wesley became a fan favorite for his portrayal of the conflicted vampire.

In addition to his work on The Vampire Diaries, Wesley directed two episodes of the series ("500 Years of Solitude" and "Sunrise") and served as a producer on the show.

Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore

Ian Somerhalder played Damon Salvatore, a vampire who was the bad brother. Damon was always trying to get Stefan to be bad to him and do things that he knew were wrong.

Who Is Ian Somerhalder?

Ian Somerhalder was born and raised in Covington, Louisiana, the son of Edna, a massage therapist, and Robert Somerhalder, an independent building contractor. He embarked on a modeling career from the age of 10 to 13. In the summer of 2000, Somerhalder starred in the short-lived WB series Young Americans, a spin-off of Dawson's Creek.

Somerhalder was cast as Damon Salvatore in The CW's supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries in 2009. In 2010, Somerhalder won the Teen Choice Award for Best TV Actor. He also received a People's Choice Award for Favorite Actor. In 2015, he directed an episode entitled "The Downward Spiral." 

Conclusion

In this, part one, we learned about The Vampire Diaries' three main characters and the actors behind the characters; Nina Debrov as Elena Gilbert, Paul Wesley as Stefan Salvatore, and Ian Somerhalder as Damon Salvatore. To learn more about the actors behind the other characters, be sure to check out the second part.

Are you looking for Vampire Diaries merch? You can get it from The Alley. Hidden downstairs under The Mystic Grill in Covington, GA, you can easily get lost in a plethora of items made for fans of the Vampire Diaries. Drop by The Alley to get your memorabilia!