PAUL WESLEY

Name, Age & Origins

Paul Thomas Wesley (born Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski) entered the world on July 23, 1982, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. As of 2025, the Polish-American actor is 42 years old .

Early Life & Cultural Roots

Raised in Marlboro Township, New Jersey, Paul is the only son among four siblings—three sisters: Monika, Leah, and Julia . His parents, Tomasz and Agnieszka Wasilewski, immigrated from Poland; Paul spent summers there until he was sixteen, becoming fluent in Polish . He attended Christian Brothers Academy, Marlboro High, and Lakewood Prep to accommodate his acting pursuits .

Early Acting & Soap Breakthrough

Paul got his start as a teenager in Another World (1999), followed by a multi-year role on the soap opera Guiding Light . He then took on guest-starring roles in shows like Law & Order: SVU, Smallville, The O.C. and a recurring part in Everwood .

Breakout Role: The Vampire Diaries

In 2009, Paul landed his most iconic role—as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries (CW, 2009–2017). His portrayal of the brooding vampire won fans’ hearts, earned him seven Teen Choice Award nominations (including the first-ever Choice Sci‑Fi/Fantasy TV Actor award in 2010), and elevated him to international fame .

Director, Producer & Genre Variety

During TVD, Paul directed five episodes, sharpening his behind-the-scenes skills . Post‑TVD, he starred in Tell Me a Story (2018–2020), took on roles in History of Evil and Flowers in the Attic: The Origin, and in 2022 stepped into the legendary shoes of James T. Kirk on Star Trek: Strange New Worlds .

Significant Film Roles

Paul has appeared in films like The Last Run (2004), Roll Bounce (2005), Killer Movie (2008), and Amira & Sam (2014) . In Killer Movie, he starred opposite Kaley Cuoco and later praised director Jeff Fisher for a great production experience .

Awards & Industry Impact

Besides his Teen Choice nods, Paul’s work behind the camera on TVD earned critical acknowledgment . His evolution from soap actor to sci‑fi lead reflects his versatility and deep commitment to storytelling.

Personal Life & Ventures

Paul married actress Torrey DeVitto (2011–2013) and later Ines de Ramon (2019–2024) . He’s been linked with model Natalie Kuckenburg since 2022 and often speaks about the importance of shared laughter .

He’s also co‑founder (with Ian Somerhalder) of Brother’s Bond Bourbon, merging his creative presence with entrepreneurial spirit .

Beyond the Screen

Off-camera, Paul is a hands-on creator: he produces films (e.g., History of Evil), directs TV episodes, and actively champions meaningful roles and narratives . A proud vegan and animal lover, he balances fame with privacy and genuine passion