The role of Stefan Salvatore in the long-running series The Vampire Diaries established a career trajectory for Paul Wesley that spanned both television acting and high-profile production work. Beyond his performance in that supernatural drama, his professional output includes directing various episodic programs and navigating the intersection of independent film, theatre, and major science fiction franchises.
Formative Years and Education
Born Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1982, he was raised in Marlboro Township. His upbringing included regular annual trips to Poland until the age of 16, facilitating his fluency in Polish. His formal education included attendance at Christian Brothers Academy and Marlboro High School, before he transitioned to Lakewood Prep School to better manage his acting engagements. He briefly attended Rutgers University but departed after one semester to pursue acting full-time.
Television and Film Progression
His professional acting career began under the name Paul Wasilewski, with early roles in projects such as Wolf Lake. He appeared in the miniseries Fallen and the series Smallville as Lucas Luthor. His profile expanded significantly with his tenure on The Vampire Diaries between 2009 and 2017. Later projects included the series Tell Me a Story and an entry into the Star Trek franchise as James T. Kirk in Strange New Worlds, for which he received the Saturn Award for Best Guest Star in 2024.
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Transitioning behind the camera, he directed episodes of The Vampire Diaries, Shadowhunters, and Roswell, New Mexico. In 2016, he established a production company, Citizen Media, securing deals with Warner Bros. Television and Kapital Entertainment to develop multiple scripted series. His producing portfolio also includes the film Before I Disappear, which achieved recognition at the SXSW Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.
Advocacy and Business
Outside of entertainment, he maintains a public profile as an ethical vegan and animal rights advocate. He received the Humane Generation Award in 2014 for his contributions to farm animal welfare and conducted charity fundraising campaigns via Represent.com. In 2020, he collaborated with Ian Somerhalder to launch Brother’s Bond Bourbon.
Fast facts
- Born: 1982, New Brunswick
- Citizenship: Poland
- Notable role: Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries
- Notable role: James T. Kirk in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
- Education: Rutgers University, Christian Brothers Academy
- Production company: Citizen Media
- Awards: Saturn Award for Best Guest Star (2024)
- Dietary choice: Ethical vegan
Questions readers ask
What is Paul Wesley's birth name?
He was born Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski.
Did Paul Wesley attend university?
He enrolled at Rutgers University but left after one semester to focus on his acting career.
What charitable work is he known for?
He has worked with the Humane Society on farm animal welfare and launched fundraising campaigns for charity.
Achievements
- Notable work: The Vampire Diaries
- Notable work: Tell Me a Story
- Notable work: Fallen
- Notable work: Smallville
- Worked as television actor, film actor and actor
