Supplements, bourbon and wine: All the surprising side hustles of The Vampire Diaries cast

Ian and Paul even went into business together

4 months ago

Remember when we first met the Salvatore brothers? Based on L. J. Smith’s novels, The Vampire Diaries compelled fans worldwide from 2009 to 2017, but despite hopes for a reboot, Ian Somerhalder hinted in a 2021 interview that season nine isn’t happening.

Whether they come back for another season or not, since the final episode was released more than six years ago, the cast has pursued various other activities. So, here’s everything you need to know about the The Vampire Diaries stars’ side hustles.

Ian Somerhalder

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Ian’s not just a brooding vampire with a killer smirk. When he’s not playing Damon, he’s saving the planet. Ian is an advocate for LGBT youth, supporting the It Gets Better Project with co-stars Candice Accola and Michael Trevino. He also co-founded The Absorption Company, a powdered supplement company.

In 2024, Ian announced his retirement from acting, focusing on producing and environmental activism through his Ian Somerhalder Foundation. Plus, he’s into bourbon. He and Paul Wesley created Brother’s Bond Bourbon, because saving the world can be thirsty work!

Out of all of The Vampire Diaries cast side hustles, Ian is taking the bacon.

Nina Dobrev

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You might hate Elena Gilbert but off-screen, you can’t help but love Nina Dobrev. She actively supports Puma’s Project Pink, aiding breast cancer charities, and Hunger Bites, focused on alleviating hunger in Pennsylvania. Nina is deeply involved with the WE movement, empowering youth as agents of change.

Her volunteer trip to Kenya to build a school exemplifies her commitment to making a difference. Nina has also ventured into business, investing in various beverage companies. Notably, she co-owns Fresh Vine Wine with dancer Julianne Hough, offering premium low-carb, low-calorie wines.

Paul Wesley

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Paul, our beloved Stefan, is not just an actor but a director and producer as well. He directed episodes of The Vampire Diaries and Shadowhunters, and founded Citizen Media, securing a deal with Warner Bros. Television to produce new shows. Beyond entertainment, Paul is an advocate for animal welfare, earning the Humane Generation Award from the Humane Society.

He’s also actively supported charities through successful fundraising campaigns, including collaborations with Ian Somerhalder on shirt sales. In 2020, alongside Ian, he co-created Brother’s Bond Bourbon. Their bromance is as strong off-screen as it was on, and their bourbon is getting rave reviews.

Kat Graham

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Kat’s a triple threat: an Actor, musician, and humanitarian. Under the stage name Toro Gato, she’s released several albums. She’s also a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, championing refugee rights and women’s empowerment.

Candice King

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Candice, who played the ever-optimistic Caroline, has a diverse career other than acting. She launched her debut album It’s Always the Innocent Ones in 2006, and toured as a backing singer for Miley Cyrus during the Best of Both Worlds Tour. She also starred in Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert.

In 2018, she co-launched the Directionally Challenged podcast with Kayla Ewell. However, following a falling out, Kayla continued the podcast solo and Candice launched her new podcast, A Superbloom Podcast. She is also a vocal advocate for the It Gets Better Project, supporting LGBT youth.

Joseph Morgan

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Joseph, the Original vampire Klaus, is also a director and writer. He’s directed three episodes of The Originals. In 2015, Joseph and his wife Persia White co-founded Night Owl Productions, marking the beginning of their creative journey as writers and producers. Under this banner, they made two short films, with Joseph directing both.

Michael Trevino

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Michael, the werewolf/vampire hybrid, is a passionate advocate for LGBT youth. Alongside his Vampire Diaries co-stars Candice Accola and Ian Somerhalder, Michael supports the It Gets Better Project, which aims to prevent suicide among LGBT youth.

Zach Roerig

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Zach isn’t just the loyal Matt Donovan; he’s also an adventure-loving biker and a designer with a cause. In 2018, he shared his epic motorcycle journey through the mountains on Abigail, his bike/therapist, writing about at the time: “700 miles on Abigail through the mountains this weekend. Tired, sore, in need of a shower, but feeling grand.” In 2019, Zach designed a limited edition T-shirt for his fellow humans with proceeds going to Defenders of Wildlife to help protect endangered animals. The shirt, printed with “human-ing is hard,” was a hit.

Steven R. McQueen

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Steven isn’t just a vampire hunter on TV; he’s also a dedicated supporter of the Thirst Project since 2014. This nonprofit aims to bring safe drinking water to communities in need. Steven attends their Annual Thirst Gala and has travelled to the Kingdom of Eswatini to help build water installations.

Steven also backs TECHO, a nonprofit mobilising youth volunteers to fight extreme poverty in Latin America by constructing transitional housing and implementing social inclusion programs. Additionally, he supports Echoes of Hope, founded by his parents, Stacia and Luc Robitaille, which helps at-risk and emancipated foster youth succeed and reach their full potential.

Claire Holt

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Claire, who played the elegant Rebekah Mikaelson, is a woman of many talents. In January 2023, she launched a website where she shares weekly content on makeup, fashion, maternity issues, and more. It’s like having a stylish bestie giving you all the tips.

In November 2022, Claire ran the New York City Marathon and donated her fee to Boston Children’s Hospital, raising a whopping $162,000. She crushed the 26.2-mile run, proving she’s as fierce in real life as she is on-screen. Claire also starred in the podcast, Evergreen, in 2023, playing Dagny Isaacs. Plus, she teamed up with Andie Swim to design a fabulous swimsuit collection.

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