7 Shocking Facts About Kayla Ewell’s Life After The Vampire Diaries: Career, Family, And Her Hit Podcast

Kayla Ewell, the actress best known for her unforgettable role as Vicki Donovan on the hit supernatural series The Vampire Diaries, has masterfully transitioned her career in recent years, balancing iconic television roles with a thriving personal life and a successful new venture in podcasting. As of December 2025, Ewell’s life is a fascinating blend of Hollywood nostalgia, active motherhood, and entrepreneurial spirit, proving that the sun-drenched beaches of Long Beach, California, prepared her for more than just the drama of Mystic Falls.

While fans still flock to see her at major fan conventions throughout 2024 and into 2025, her focus has subtly shifted, prioritizing her growing family and a surprising new platform alongside a former co-star. This article dives deep into the seven most compelling and up-to-date facts about Kayla Ewell’s current projects, family milestones, and enduring legacy in television.

The Complete Kayla Ewell: Biography and Profile

Kayla Noelle Ewell has built a robust career spanning decades, from soap operas to cult-favorite teen dramas. Her current life reflects a mature and deliberate approach to her career, prioritizing passion projects and her family with husband, actor Tanner Novlan.

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• Full Name: Kayla Noelle Ewell
• Date of Birth: August 27, 1985
• Age: 40 (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Long Beach, California, U.S.
• Occupation: Actress, Producer, Podcaster
• Spouse: Tanner Novlan (m. 2015)
• Children: Two (Daughter, Poppy Marie Novlan; Son, Jones Novlan)
• Notable Roles: Vicki Donovan (The Vampire Diaries), Caitlin Ramirez (The Bold and the Beautiful), Maureen Sampson (Freaks and Geeks)
• Current Project: Co-host of the Directionally Challenged podcast.

1. Her Family Life Took Center Stage with Two Young Children

One of the most significant updates in Kayla Ewell's life is her role as a mother of two. She and her husband, actor Tanner Novlan (known for his role on The Bold and the Beautiful), welcomed their first child, a daughter named Poppy Marie Novlan, in 2019.

The family grew again in late 2022 with the arrival of their son, Jones Novlan, who came into the world a few weeks early. Ewell has been open about the beautiful chaos of balancing her career with motherhood, a journey she often shares with her large following on social media. Her commitment to family is a key reason she has taken on fewer new acting roles since 2022, a deliberate shift that shows her current priorities.

2. She Co-Hosts a Hugely Popular Podcast with a Former Co-Star

Kayla Ewell's most consistent and successful current project is her podcast, Directionally Challenged, which she co-hosts with her best friend and former The Vampire Diaries co-star, Candice King (who played Caroline Forbes). The podcast, which has garnered a massive following, focuses on navigating the complexities of adulthood, covering everything from career changes and mental health to motherhood and relationships.

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The show provides a fresh, unscripted look at the lives of two successful actresses, offering topical authority on modern life challenges and allowing fans of the Mystic Falls universe to connect with them on a more personal level. The chemistry between Ewell and King is a major draw, turning a simple audio project into a significant part of their respective careers.

3. Her Relationship with Tanner Novlan is a Hollywood Success Story

Kayla Ewell and Tanner Novlan’s marriage, which began in 2015, is one of Hollywood’s enduring love stories. The couple met on the set of the Australian band Sick Puppies’ music video for "Maybe." Their relationship is a strong entity in the entertainment world, often making joint appearances at industry events.

In a recent and notable public appearance, the couple attended the "Hit Man" Premiere during the 2024 Sundance Film Festival in January, and later appeared together on a panel at Epic Cons in Chicago in March 2024, showing their continued support for each other and the industry. They even shared a professional connection when they both appeared on The CW series Roswell, New Mexico.

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4. Vicki Donovan’s Legacy is Still Driving Her Career in 2025

Despite her current focus on family and podcasting, Ewell's iconic role as Vicki Donovan—the troubled, first-season character who became the first vampire killed in The Vampire Diaries—continues to be a cornerstone of her public life.

Her enduring popularity is evident in her busy schedule of fan conventions. She is confirmed for multiple major reunion events, including appearances in 2024 and an upcoming event in April 2025. These appearances allow her to directly engage with the dedicated fanbase, proving that the supernatural drama’s legacy is far from over and remains a lucrative part of her career.

5. She Was a Key Part of a Cult Classic Before Vampire Diaries

Long before she was a vampire in Mystic Falls, Ewell played a memorable, early role in the critically acclaimed but short-lived series Freaks and Geeks. She played Maureen Sampson, a character that showcased her early talent in a different genre. This credit, alongside her long-running role as Caitlin Ramirez on the soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful, highlights her versatility as an actress.

6. Her Latest Acting Projects Are Focused on Quality Appearances

While she has reduced her acting commitments to prioritize her young children, Ewell continues to make strategic, high-profile appearances. Her most recent confirmed activity in the acting world includes attending the premiere of the film "Zurawski V Texas" at the 2024 AFI Fest in October, and the "Hit Man" premiere at Sundance 2024. This suggests a shift toward supporting the film community and attending prestigious events rather than committing to long-term filming schedules, a common choice for actors balancing major family responsibilities.

7. She Maintained a Strong Friendship with Co-Stars

Beyond her professional relationship with Candice King on the Directionally Challenged podcast, Kayla Ewell has maintained close ties with many of her The Vampire Diaries co-stars. Her bond with King, in particular, is a testament to the strong relationships forged on the set of the show. She has often spoken about the "Vampire Diaries family" and the support network they provide, which extends into their personal lives and current professional ventures, giving her a built-in topical authority when discussing the show’s enduring impact.

Kayla Ewell’s Enduring Appeal

Kayla Ewell’s journey from a teenage soap star to an iconic supernatural character, and now to a successful podcaster and mother of two, is a compelling narrative of career evolution. She has successfully leveraged the nostalgia of her most famous roles, such as Vicki Donovan, while carving out a fresh, authentic space for herself in the digital media landscape with Directionally Challenged. Her current focus on family, supported by her husband Tanner Novlan and her long-time friends like Candice King, makes her one of the most relatable and enduring figures from the Mystic Falls universe.