Chicago Fire Star You Totally Forgot Was on The Vampire Diaries
Do you remember this handsome werewolf?
In the eight years of its run, The Vampire Diaries launched the careers of a number of talented up-and-coming artists and also featured some popular guest stars. But with such a huge cast and, of course, the amount of time that passed between seasons and after the show's finale, it's no wonder fans have forgotten some of the big-name actors that graced the series with their appearances.
In particular, you may be surprised to learn that the first few seasons of TVD featured an actor whose name is sure to delight One Chicago fans. Who could have expected such a crossover?
A heartthrob and skilled firefighter, the unwavering and courageous commander of Rescue Squad 3, Matthew Casey's best friend… Yes, we are talking about Lt. Kelly Severide from Chicago Fire and, more specifically, the actor who played him — Taylor Kinney.
Though the actor had starring roles in House of Fashion and Trauma before joining the TVD cast, it was the vampire saga that was Kinney's career breakthrough. While many had forgotten about the role, his character was quite popular with fans — he played Mason Lockwood, Tyler's uncle and also a non-evolved werewolf.
Kinney's character was introduced in the second season as a member of the Lockwood family. Although Mason had long since left Mystic Falls and stayed out of his family's affairs, Katherine decided to use the man to wreak havoc in the town and retrieve the moonstone to break the Sun and Moon curse. She manipulated him into falling in love with her.
Mason was tortured and then killed by enraged Damon, who was trying to get information about Katherine. But despite the villain-worthy finale, Mason was not a negative character, but rather a victim of circumstance.
He was the first to tell Tyler about their family's curse, taught him how to control his powers, and saved his nephew from dangerous situations on several occasions. He also had no animosity or aggression toward vampires and eventually redeemed his past misdeeds in spirit form, leading Damon and Alaric to the Originals.
Although Taylor Kinney's role wasn't the biggest, TVD fans still remember the actor for his immense charisma, which made his character even more sympathetic. It's a shame Mason didn't stay on the show for long, but if he hadn't been killed, we might not have seen Kinney as an equally fascinating character — Kelly Severide.