The role of Elijah Mikaelson brought Daniel Gillies to international prominence through his work on The Vampire Diaries and its subsequent spin-off, The Originals. Born in 1976 in Winnipeg, Canada, he navigated a career spanning stage, television, and film, moving between New Zealand, Australia, and Los Angeles to secure opportunities as an actor, director, and screenwriter.
Early Development and Theatre
Gillies spent his childhood in New Zealand after his family returned from Canada when he was five years old. He attended Southwell School and Hamilton Boys' High School. His early professional training and experience involved performances with the Auckland Theatre Company. In 1999, his efforts were recognized with the Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year award. He eventually moved to Sydney and later to Canada, working in hospitality before settling in Los Angeles to pursue further screen roles.
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After establishing his career in North America in 2002, Gillies appeared in films such as Bride and Prejudice and Spider-Man 2. His television credits include guest appearances on Masters of Horror, NCIS, and True Blood. He secured a lead role as Dr. Joel Goran in the medical drama Saving Hope while simultaneously portraying Elijah Mikaelson on The Vampire Diaries. This overlapping schedule continued when he transitioned to a lead role in the spin-off series, The Originals. His later television work includes four seasons on the Netflix drama Virgin River as Mark Monroe and a role in the second season of The Newsreader in 2022.
Directorial Work and Film Projects
Beyond acting, Gillies engaged in screenwriting and direction. In 2012, he wrote, directed, and starred in the independent film Broken Kingdom, which also featured Rachael Leigh Cook. In January 2021, he took a lead role in the psychological thriller Coming Home in the Dark, a feature film adaptation of a 1995 short story written by Owen Marshall.
Fast facts
- Born: 1976, Winnipeg
- Citizenship: Canada, New Zealand
- Education: Southwell School, Hamilton Boys' High School
- Award: Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year (1999)
- Directorial debut: Broken Kingdom (2012)
- Significant television role: Elijah Mikaelson
- Relationship status: Partner of Julia Misaki
Questions readers ask
What is Daniel Gillies's citizenship status?
He holds citizenship in both Canada and New Zealand.
Did he continue his education in New Zealand?
Yes, he attended Southwell School and Hamilton Boys' High School.
When did his marriage to Rachael Leigh Cook end?
The couple separated in June 2019, and their divorce was finalized on 10 March 2021.
Achievements
- Worked as actor, film actor and television actor
