The character of Alaric Saltzman, the history teacher turned vampire hunter, served as the moral compass and often the tragic figure across the entire Vampire Diaries universe, spanning The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, and Legacies. As of late 2025, Alaric remains one of the most complex and debated figures in the TVDU, with fans still dissecting his evolution from a dedicated friend and father figure to the sometimes-maligned Headmaster of the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted.
The actor who brought Alaric to life, Matthew Davis, has continued to reflect on his decade-long journey with the franchise, even as the character's controversial relationships and the actor's own public life have kept the "Dalaric" era firmly in the spotlight. This deep dive explores the man behind the character, his complete biography, the shocking transformations of Alaric Saltzman, and the latest updates on Matt Davis's career and public appearances.
Matt Davis: Full Biography and Career Profile
Matthew Wadsworth Davis, known professionally as Matt Davis, has had a versatile career, but his long tenure as Alaric Saltzman remains his most defining role. Below is a snapshot of the actor's profile, including his current personal life details:
- Full Name: Matthew Wadsworth Davis
- Born: May 8, 1978 (Age 47 as of late 2025)
- Birthplace: Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.
- Alma Mater: University of Utah
- Breakout Role: Warner Huntington III in Legally Blonde (2001)
- Key Roles Before TVD: Adam Hillman in What About Brian and roles in films like Blue Crush and Tigerland.
- TVD Universe Roles: Alaric Saltzman in The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017), The Originals (2017), and Legacies (2018–2022).
- Marital Status: Married to Kiley Casciano.
- Marriage Detail: Davis proposed to actress Kiley Casciano and married her just three hours later on December 23, 2018, a detail that surprised fans at the time.
The Unforgettable and Controversial Character Arc of Alaric Saltzman
Alaric Saltzman's journey is arguably one of the most turbulent and tragic in the entire TVDU. He arrived in Mystic Falls as a history teacher and a secret vampire hunter, seeking revenge on the vampire who killed his wife, Isobel Flemming. This initial premise quickly spiraled into a decade of supernatural chaos and personal loss.
From Vampire Hunter to Enhanced Original
Alaric's early character was defined by his use of the Gilbert Ring, which resurrected him multiple times, often with dark consequences. His most shocking transformation occurred in Season 3 when Esther Mikaelson, the Original Witch, turned him into an Enhanced Original Vampire—a creature designed to be the ultimate vampire killer, capable of overpowering even Klaus Mikaelson. This powerful, dark arc, where he was compelled to hunt his friends, is one that Matt Davis himself has cited as a highlight of his performance.
The Tragic Relationships and Fatherhood
A recurring tragic theme for Alaric was his inability to find lasting love without tragedy. His relationships often ended in death or controversy, fueling his nickname as the "cursed" one:
- Jenna Sommers: His romance with Elena's aunt ended when Jenna was sacrificed by Klaus.
- Jo Laughlin: His fiancée, a Gemini Coven witch, was brutally murdered on their wedding day by her twin brother, Kai Parker, while pregnant with their twins.
- Caroline Forbes: The most controversial pairing, Alaric became engaged to Caroline after she carried his twin daughters, Lizzie and Josie Saltzman, via magical surrogacy. The age gap and the shift from a platonic mentor/student relationship to a romantic one was heavily criticized by the fanbase, though they ultimately remained co-parents and Headmasters of the Salvatore School.
His role as the adoptive father to Lizzie and Josie, who were powerful Siphoner witches, became the core of his character in Legacies, where he was the human Headmaster struggling to protect a school full of young supernatural entities.
Life After Mystic Falls: Matt Davis's Current Status and Future Legacy
With Legacies concluding in 2022, Matt Davis has had time to reflect on his 13-year commitment to the TVDU. His current activities and public reflections continue to shape the legacy of Alaric Saltzman in the eyes of the fanbase.
The Desire for a TVD Film and Convention Appearances
In his post-Legacies interviews, Matt Davis has publicly expressed a strong desire to see the TVD universe return, specifically in the format of a feature film. This idea of a cinematic reunion has excited fans who hope to see the original cast, including the beloved friendship between Damon Salvatore and Alaric (a pairing affectionately known as "Dalaric"), reunite on screen. This sentiment keeps the possibility of a return alive, even in late 2025.
Further cementing his connection to the franchise, Davis is scheduled to appear at fan conventions, such as the Salvatore Con 2026 in Europe, ensuring his presence and interaction with the dedicated fanbase continue well into the future.
Addressing the Controversies Surrounding the Actor
The discussion around Alaric Saltzman's character cannot be separated from the public controversies that have surrounded the actor, Matt Davis. The actor has been at the center of public scrutiny due to his political views and social media interactions, including a well-known public argument with former co-star Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) on Twitter. Additionally, there have been unverified allegations and discussions among fans and former co-workers regarding his on-set behavior and comments.
While the character of Alaric Saltzman is often viewed as a heroic, if flawed, mentor, the discussion of the actor's public persona remains a sensitive but necessary part of his legacy in the TVDU. The complex nature of separating the art from the artist adds another layer to the enduring enigma of Alaric Saltzman.
Alaric's Enduring Legacy as the Human Anchor
Ultimately, Alaric Saltzman’s legacy is that of the human anchor in a world of monsters. Despite his transformations, the loss of his wives (Isobel, Jenna, Jo), and the burden of running the Salvatore School, he represented the enduring struggle of a normal man trying to protect his found family. His relationships with Elena Gilbert and Jeremy Gilbert, and his deep, often comedic, bond with Damon Salvatore, provided the necessary emotional weight and comic relief that grounded the entire series. Even years after the final episode of Legacies, the debate over his best and worst character moments continues, proving that Alaric Saltzman is far more than just "the history teacher from TVD."
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