It's been six years since Mystic Falls bid farewell to its supernatural inhabitants, leaving fans wondering what became of the beloved characters who captivated audiences for eight seasons. Let's take a trip down memory lane and see what the cast has been doing since the series finale.

The Leading Ladies: From Elena's Sleep to Bonnie's Reign

Nina Dobrev, the embodiment of both Elena Gilbert and her doppelganger Katerina Petrova, became a household name through her portrayal of the innocent girl navigating a world of supernatural beings. While her departure in season six left fans heartbroken, Dobrev left on her own terms, stating, "I always knew I wanted Elena's story to be a six-season adventure.

" After saying goodbye to Mystic Falls, Dobrev continued her career in Hollywood, landing roles in blockbusters like "XXX: The Return of Xander Cage" and "Flatliners". She also delved into romantic comedies, starring in "Love Hard" and "Crash Pad", showcasing her comedic talents. Dobrev's recent work includes the crime caper "The Out-Laws" and the spy thriller "The Bricklayer", demonstrating her versatility and expanding her filmography.

While Elena's story ended with her eternal slumber, Kat Graham, who played Bonnie Bennett, the fiercely loyal witch, continued to shine in her own right.

Graham, a seasoned performer with early credits in films like "The Parent Trap" and "Lizzie McGuire", continued her acting career after The Vampire Diaries, appearing in the Tupac biopic "All Eyez on Me", the action film "How It Ends", and the Netflix holiday comedies "The Holiday Calendar" and "Operation Christmas Drop". Graham also continued her music career, releasing an NFT visual album under the pseudonym Toro Gato. She even ventured into the world of voice acting, lending her voice to characters in animated series like "Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Trolls: TrollsTopia".

From Vampire Brothers to Bourbon Brothers

Paul Wesley, who brought Stefan Salvatore, the kind-hearted yet tormented vampire, to life, was no stranger to the world of teen dramas before landing his role on The Vampire Diaries. His previous credits included appearances in "The O.C." and "Smallville", demonstrating his ability to navigate complex character dynamics. While playing Stefan, Wesley directed five episodes of the series, showcasing his talent behind the camera. After bidding farewell to Mystic Falls, Wesley continued his acting career, starring in Kevin Williamson's thriller series "Tell Me a Story", further solidifying his affinity for the genre.

He's currently starring as a young James T. Kirk on the Paramount+ series "Star Trek: Strange New Worlds", proving his ability to embody iconic characters from different eras. Wesley's career path has also included producing the horror film "History of Evil", showcasing his creative vision.

Ian Somerhalder, the enigmatic Damon Salvatore, transitioned from villain to romantic rival, ultimately capturing Elena's heart. His career began on the hit show "Lost", playing the noble Boone Carlyle, where he showcased his dramatic range.

He then went on to star in the short-lived "Dawson's Creek" spinoff, "Young Americans". Somerhalder's performance as Damon earned him widespread recognition, leading to him directing episodes of The Vampire Diaries in its final seasons. He then ventured into the sci-fi genre, starring in the Netflix series "V Wars", as a scientist battling a vampire outbreak. Off-screen, Somerhalder married Nikki Reed, another vampire enthusiast best known for her role as Rosalie in the "Twilight" franchise. He and Wesley have also embarked on a new venture together, launching their alcohol brand "Brother's Bond Bourbon", proving their enduring bond even after the series ended.

From Caroline's Transformation to Candice's Evolution

Candice King, who portrayed Caroline Forbes, a character whose transformation from a timid girl to a confident vampire was a highlight of the series, transitioned seamlessly from music to acting. King, who was part of Miley Cyrus's "Best of Both Worlds Tour" as a backup singer, landed her big break in The Vampire Diaries, further demonstrating her talent. She continued to appear in the Vampire Diaries universe, reprising her role in the spinoffs "The Originals" and "Legacies".

Beyond the supernatural realm, King has appeared in the popular "After" film series, showcasing her versatility. King's journey has also led her to star in "Christmas in Tune" as Reba McEntire's daughter and in the title role in "Suitcase Killer: The Melanie McGuire Story", showcasing her range and versatility.

The Vampire Diaries was a turning point in the careers of these actors, providing them with a platform to showcase their talents and launch into successful careers. While the show may have come to an end, the legacy of The Vampire Diaries lives on through the diverse and compelling projects its actors continue to pursue, demonstrating their enduring appeal to audiences across the globe.

Where will these talented stars go next? Only time will tell.