“From Mystic Falls to Mainstream Stardom: The Enduring Allure of Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Joseph Morgan & Daniel Gillies Beyond The Vampire Diaries”
For eight dramatic, supernatural seasons, The Vampire Diaries cast an irresistible spell on its fans, blending heart-pounding romance, dark family histories, and centuries-old feuds into a cult-favorite CW series. While the show may have concluded in 2017, the legacy of its leading men—Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Joseph Morgan, and Daniel Gillies—continues to thrive in a myriad of fascinating roles across film and television. If you thought their talent ended with the final episode in Mystic Falls, think again.
These four actors have since proven their versatility, depth, and star power in a wide range of projects that showcase just how much more they bring to the screen outside of their vampiric alter-egos. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Salvatore brothers or fell for the charisma of the Mikaelson clan, now is the perfect time to revisit these stars through a new lens. Here’s why it’s totally worth it to check out what they’ve been up to—and why their post-TVD careers are just as captivating.
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Paul Wesley: The Brooding Salvatore Finds His Directorial Voice
Paul Wesley, known worldwide for his brooding and morally conflicted portrayal of Stefan Salvatore, has not only continued acting but also carved a formidable path as a director and producer. After The Vampire Diaries, Wesley transitioned into directing episodes of shows like Roswell, New Mexico and Legacies, the TVD spinoff series, proving he’s just as talented behind the camera.
But perhaps his most buzzworthy post-TVD role is in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where Wesley boldly steps into the shoes of the iconic Captain James T. Kirk. It’s a daunting challenge for any actor—after all, Kirk has been played by legends like William Shatner and Chris Pine—but Wesley’s performance has been met with praise for his balance of bravado and nuance. In this role, he demonstrates that his talent extends far beyond the tragic romantic of Mystic Falls.
Wesley’s evolution from teen drama heartthrob to sci-fi commander is a testament to his range. Fans who haven’t yet explored this chapter of his career are missing out on a stellar transformation.
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Ian Somerhalder: The Charmer-Turned-Eco-Warrior and Vampire Renaissance Man
No one can forget the smirk, swagger, and surprising emotional depth Ian Somerhalder brought to Damon Salvatore. Since The Vampire Diaries, Somerhalder has focused on roles that align with both his acting prowess and personal passions.
Most notably, he starred in and executive produced Netflix’s V Wars, a series that gave him the opportunity to explore the genre that made him a fan-favorite while also examining deeper societal themes like epidemics, division, and survival. Though V Wars lasted only one season, it solidified Somerhalder’s place as more than just a vampire star—he’s also a creative force behind the scenes.
Off-screen, Somerhalder has devoted significant energy to his environmental activism. He co-founded the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, which promotes ecological awareness and conservation. In interviews, Somerhalder has shared how he wants his legacy to be about more than television—he’s striving for global impact. This dual identity—as both screen idol and eco-hero—makes his journey even more compelling.
Still, nothing beats seeing him back in his element. Watching V Wars will give you a rush of Damon nostalgia but with a darker, more mature edge.
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Joseph Morgan: The Hybrid King Ascends
As Klaus Mikaelson, Joseph Morgan delivered one of the most intense and unforgettable performances in The Vampire Diaries universe. His raw power, unpredictability, and underlying vulnerability made Klaus a fan favorite, which naturally led to his starring role in the spinoff The Originals. Morgan commanded the screen across five seasons, bringing humanity to a character otherwise feared by all.
But he didn’t stop there. Morgan’s talent has since landed him major roles in high-profile projects, including his pivotal appearance in Netflix’s hit fantasy series Titans where he portrayed Brother Blood—a complex, villainous character with a tragic past and sinister ambitions. His performance again demonstrates his ability to humanize dark characters, making them magnetic even when they’re monstrous.
Morgan also appeared in Legacies in a surprise cameo, giving closure to longtime fans and proving that his connection to Klaus still runs deep. For those who admired the commanding presence he brought to Mystic Falls and New Orleans, his recent roles are essential viewing.
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Daniel Gillies: The Gentleman Vampire Evolves
Daniel Gillies’ portrayal of Elijah Mikaelson—Klaus’s noble older brother—brought a touch of sophistication and gravitas to the TVD universe. Clad in suits and guided by honor, Elijah became a rare vampire who fought for peace and family above all.
After The Originals ended, Gillies diversified his portfolio with roles that defied his earlier image. In the medical drama Virgin River, Gillies plays a completely different kind of man: charming, yes, but grounded and emotionally wounded. It’s a role that explores grief, redemption, and second chances—an apt follow-up to Elijah’s tragic narrative arc.
He also ventured into horror-thrillers like Coming Home in the Dark, where his chilling performance stunned fans and critics alike. It was a daring departure from his TV roots and demonstrated that Gillies could command the big screen with equal finesse.
For fans who admired the moral compass he brought to the chaotic world of vampires, his new roles showcase an even deeper emotional range that shouldn’t be missed.
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Why It’s Worth Revisiting These Stars
The beauty of these four actors’ careers is how they’ve managed to evolve while still honoring the roles that made them household names. There’s a certain joy in seeing familiar faces in fresh stories—knowing where they’ve come from adds emotional depth to where they’re going.
Paul Wesley’s transformation into a space-faring legend is a geeky thrill.
Ian Somerhalder’s mix of vampire lore and real-world activism brings purpose to entertainment.
Joseph Morgan’s turn as a new breed of villain only cements his throne in the genre.
Daniel Gillies’ emotional storytelling continues to ground even the most fantastical narratives.
These aren’t just former teen drama stars—they’re seasoned performers, thoughtful creatives, and cultural contributors whose careers continue to evolve and inspire.
So if you loved The Vampire Diaries, don’t stop there. Watching Paul, Ian, Joseph, and Daniel in their new endeavors feels like catching up with old friends who’ve gone on to do great things—and they’re inviting you along for the ride.
In short: It’s totally worth it. Check it out—you won’t regret it.
