Hollywood is notorious for casting adults in teen roles. But no show does this better than The CW's hit teen drama The Vampire Diaries.
Here's a comprehensive comparison of TVD's cast and character ages.
10. Joseph Morgan (29) as Klaus Mikaelson (over 1000/unknown)
The Vampire Diaries' main antagonist was shrouded in mystery. His real age was never explicitly stated, but he is said to be over 1000 years old. Meanwhile, the actor was only twenty-nine in season 1.
9. Matt Davis (31) as Alaric Saltzman (33)
At the beginning of the show, the heartthrob teacher and vampire slayer was older than Matt Davis who played him. This is quite unusual for the industry, but the difference isn't that big in the first place.
8. Ian Somerhalder (30) as Damon Salvatore (170/25)
Although the eldest Salvatore brother appeared to be twenty-five, he was 170 y.o. in season 1 of TVD. In turn, Somerhalder was some five years older than his character which isn't critical for that age.
7. Nina Dobrev (20) as Elena Gilbert (17)
The main protagonist was in her late teens while the actress who portrayed her, had just turned twenty at the time of premiere.
6. Kat Graham (20) as Bonnie Bennett (16)
Elena's best friend, the witch was one of the youngest characters on the show in season 1. In turn, the actress was the same age as Dobrev.
5. Candice Accola (22) as Caroline Forbes (17)
The other bestie in the trio, Caroline was one of the few vampires who didn't take the aging cure, meaning she stayed seventeen throughout the show. The actress, however, was significantly older in season 1. And their age difference kept on growing as TVD progressed.
4. Steven R. McQueen (21) as Jeremy Gilbert (15)
Elena's younger brother was the youngest character in season 1. In reality, however, the actor was older than the actress who played his on-screen sister. This difference between character and actor is a shame.
3. Michael Trevino (24) as Tyler Lockwood (16)
One of the TVD werewolves, Tyler was on the younger spectrum of the show's characters. However, the actor was shockingly eight years older.
2. Zach Roerig (24) as Matt Donovan (16)
One of the nastiest characters on TVD, Matt was a sixteen-year-old at the time of its premiere, meaning that Zach Roerig and his characters had an eight year difference, which is a disgrace.
1. Paul Wesley (27) as Stefan Salvatore (163/17)
The other Salvatore brother appeared to be Elena's peer in season 1 of the show. However, the actor was a whopping ten years older than the character.