11 Shocking Updates On The Actors In The Vampire Diaries Season 6: Where Are They Now In 2024?

The Vampire Diaries Season 6, which aired back in 2014-2015, marked a monumental turning point for the beloved CW series. It was the season that saw the tragic death of Sheriff Liz Forbes, the terrifying introduction of the sociopathic villain Kai Parker, and the emotional, non-fatal exit of its main star, Nina Dobrev, as Elena Gilbert. This season was a high-stakes, emotional rollercoaster that cemented the cast's legacy in pop culture history.

As of late 2024, the actors who brought Mystic Falls to life are busier than ever, moving from vampire drama to major Hollywood blockbusters, new TV franchises, and even successful business ventures. From new movie releases for Elena to a global bourbon empire for the Salvatore brothers, here is the comprehensive, most current breakdown of what the main and key recurring actors from The Vampire Diaries Season 6 are doing now.

The Vampire Diaries Season 6 Main Cast: Full Biography & Current Status

• Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert / Katherine Pierce):
  • Born: January 9, 1989 (Sofia, Bulgaria)
  • Role in Season 6: The main protagonist, who struggles with the loss of Damon and Bonnie, and eventually takes the Cure for vampirism before being magically put to sleep by Kai Parker.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Active in film with multiple recent releases and an upcoming project.
• Ian Somerhalder (Damon Salvatore):
  • Born: December 8, 1978 (Covington, Louisiana, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: Trapped in the 1994 Prison World with Bonnie, he eventually returns and struggles to find his place in a world without his humanity-less brother and a human Elena.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Focused on business and environmental activism.
• Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore):
  • Born: July 23, 1982 (New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: Initially copes with Damon’s 'death' by abandoning his friends, but returns to help Caroline through her mother's illness, leading to the development of "Steroline."
  • Current Status (2024/2025): High-profile role in a major sci-fi franchise and a successful business owner.
• Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett):
  • Born: September 5, 1989 (Geneva, Switzerland)
  • Role in Season 6: Trapped with Damon in the Prison World, she endures immense suffering but gains new magical power, becoming a fan-favorite heroine.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Active in music, film, and humanitarian work.
• Candice Accola King (Caroline Forbes):
  • Born: May 13, 1987 (Houston, Texas, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: Deals with the devastating loss of her mother, Sheriff Liz Forbes, leading her to turn off her humanity and cause chaos.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Focused on podcasting and family life.
• Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert):
  • Born: July 13, 1988 (Los Angeles, California, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: Elena’s younger brother and a hunter who leaves Mystic Falls mid-season to attend art school, marking the first major main cast exit.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Continues acting in television and appearing at fan conventions.
• Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood):
  • Born: January 25, 1985 (Montebello, California, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: Struggles to control his anger and avoid triggering his werewolf curse, eventually leaving to find a new life outside of Mystic Falls.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Recently engaged and active in fan events.
• Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan):
  • Born: February 22, 1985 (Montpelier, Ohio, USA)
  • Role in Season 6: The sole human among his friends, he attempts to join the police force and struggles with the moral compromises of living in a supernatural town.
  • Current Status (2024/2025): Continues his acting career in various film and television projects.

The Salvatore Brothers' Billion-Dollar Bourbon Empire in 2024

The biggest and most surprising update for the stars of The Vampire Diaries is the phenomenal success of Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley’s joint business venture. The on-screen brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore, translated their shared love for a good drink into a legitimate, global enterprise: Brother's Bond Bourbon.

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Launched in 2021, the brand has exploded, and in 2024, it continues to make headlines with major expansions. The company has broadened its global reach, and in October 2024, they released a significant new product: the Brother's Bond Bottled in Bond Bourbon, a premium 7-Year-Old expression.

More than just selling whiskey, the duo is focused on sustainability. In 2024, Brother's Bond introduced its first Regenerative Grain Bourbon, emphasizing their commitment to environmental causes—a cause Ian Somerhalder has championed for years through his foundation. The success of this venture has essentially put both actors into a new category of celebrity entrepreneur, cementing their friendship and business partnership far beyond the confines of Mystic Falls.

From Mystic Falls to the Final Frontier: Current Acting Projects

While the bourbon business thrives, the main cast members have not abandoned their acting roots. Several actors are currently involved in major, high-profile projects that are either newly released or upcoming in 2024/2025, offering a fresh slate of work for fans to enjoy.

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Nina Dobrev and Paul Wesley: New Franchises and Film Roles

Nina Dobrev (Elena Gilbert) has been particularly busy on the big screen. In 2024, she had two major film releases: the action-thriller The Bricklayer, where she starred opposite Aaron Eckhart, and the comedy-mystery Reunion. She also has an upcoming film titled Bear Country.

Meanwhile, Paul Wesley (Stefan Salvatore) has transitioned into a legendary sci-fi role, playing the iconic James T. Kirk in the Paramount+ series Star Trek: Strange New Worlds. His performance has been widely praised, and he is confirmed to return for the show’s third season. This high-profile role ensures he remains a major presence on television.

Kat Graham, Candice King, and The Supporting Cast

Kat Graham (Bonnie Bennett) has been focusing on her music career and activism. In 2024, she announced the release of a new track titled "World Song" as she prepares for an upcoming album and is continuing to pursue new film projects.

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Candice Accola King (Caroline Forbes) has dedicated much of her recent time to podcasting. She co-hosts the popular podcast Directionally Challenged and often appears on other fan-favorite shows, including a recent appearance on the Bye Bitches podcast. In a heartwarming moment that went viral in December 2024, she was seen catching a falling stage backdrop to prevent it from hitting Nina Dobrev at a fan event, proving the cast's bond is still strong.

Michael Trevino (Tyler Lockwood) made personal headlines at the end of 2023 by announcing his engagement to model Bregje Heinen, a major life update that carried into 2024. He remains connected to the fandom, regularly appearing at Vampire Diaries fan conventions, including one in Orlando in 2024.

Zach Roerig (Matt Donovan) and Steven R. McQueen (Jeremy Gilbert) continue their careers in television and film, maintaining a presence in the acting world and at fan events, ensuring that the entire original Mystic Falls gang is still active and accessible to their loyal fanbase.

The Impact of Season 6's Key Recurring Villains and Heroes

Season 6 was defined by its introduction of the Gemini Coven and its sociopathic villain, Malachai "Kai" Parker, alongside the emotional arc of Sheriff Liz Forbes. The actors behind these pivotal roles are also seeing new career heights.

Chris Wood (Kai Parker): The Fan-Favorite Villain

Chris Wood, who played the charismatic and terrifying Kai Parker, became an instant fan favorite. His performance was central to the Season 6 plot, culminating in the destruction of the Gemini Coven and the magical curse placed on Elena.

In a major 2024 update, Wood was cast in the upcoming NBC series Duo, which was announced in December 2024. This new role follows his lead appearances in other CW shows like Supergirl and Containment, solidifying his status as a major television star.

Marguerite MacIntyre (Sheriff Liz Forbes) and Jodi Lyn O'Keefe (Jo Laughlin)

The death of Sheriff Liz Forbes, played by Marguerite MacIntyre, was one of the most heartbreaking moments of Season 6, driving Caroline's emotional arc. MacIntyre has since moved behind the camera as a successful writer and producer. She co-showran and wrote for the Peacock series Vampire Academy (with TVD creator Julie Plec), proving her continued influence in the supernatural genre.

Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, who played the witch Jo Laughlin—Kai Parker’s twin sister and Alaric's love interest—was another key figure in Season 6. Her tragic wedding day death at the hands of Kai remains one of the season’s most shocking moments. O'Keefe continues her acting career, known for her prior roles in *Prison Break* and *Nash Bridges*, and is an active presence in the convention circuit.

The actors of The Vampire Diaries Season 6 have successfully leveraged their time in Mystic Falls into diverse and thriving careers. Whether they are running international companies, leading major sci-fi franchises, or creating new music, the cast continues to captivate audiences worldwide, proving that their bond—and their success—is far from over.