Paul Wesley

Paul Wesley, born Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski on July 23, 1982, is well-known for his portrayal of a perpetually brooding yet sweet vampire in the hit television show “The Vampire Diaries.” Over the years, the actor only kept getting better and gained acclaim for his work. Today, he acts, directs, and produces — and we must say, we are impressed! So, let’s find out more about this talented actor on his birthday.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski

Nickname:

P-Dub

Birth date:

July 23, 1982

Age:

41

Zodiac Sign:

Leo

Height:

6' 0"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$10 million

Paweł's Social Media:

Background

Paul Wesley was born to Polish parents Agnieszka and Tomasz Wasilewski in New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. However, he was raised in New Jersey’s Marlboro Township. Wesley has three siblings — an older sister named Monika Emara and two younger sisters named Julia and Leah.

Until he turned 16, the actor spent four months each year in his native country Poland. As a result, he is fluent in English as well as Polish. He attended Marlboro High School and the Christian Brothers Academy in New Jersey. Wesley began studying theater in New York City but decided to take a transfer to the Lakewood Prep School in New Jersey instead. When he was a junior in high school, he was cast in a soap opera named “Guiding Light.” Later, Wesley attended Rutgers University but dropped out after one semester when he was offered more roles and he figured that he could make a career out of acting.

The actor made his debut in 2001 as Luke Cates in “Wolf Lake.” In 2008, he appeared in the CBS T.V. film titled “The Russell Girl.” Thereafter, he continued to garner popularity and played several roles in numerous television shows, such as “24,” “American Dreams,” “Cane,” “Guiding Light,” and “The O.C.” The actor’s fame skyrocketed when he played Stefan Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries,” which first aired in 2009. He has also appeared in a number of films, such as “Before I Disappear,” “Amira and Sam,” “The Late Bloomer,” “Shot in the Heart,” “Peaceful Warrior,” and “The Baytown Outlaws,” among others.

Career timeline

2007
His First Lead Role

The actor lands himself the lead role in “Fallen.”

2009
Welsey Becomes Stefan Salvatore

He plays the role of Stefan Salvatore in the hit T.V. series “The Vampire Diaries.”

2014
His Work Gains Recognition

Wesley co-stars and produces “Before I Disappear,” which goes on to receive the S.X.S.W. Film Festival ‘Audience Award’ as well as an inclusion in Venice Film Festival.

2013
His Directorial Debut

He begins directing season five of “The Vampire Diaries.”

2022
He Announces an Upcoming Project

The actor reveals he’ll play James T. Kirk in season two of “Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.”

Why We Love Paul Wesley

  1. His amazing personality

    Wesley rose to fame as the brooding Stefan Salvatore — a character he perfected! However, the actor could not be farther away from his on-screen persona. In real life, he is a fun person who clowns around and acts goofy without any hesitation. His friends describe him as someone who can easily diffuse tension and make you laugh.

  2. His talent

    Wesley is an extraordinary actor, of course. Over the course of his acting career, he has been a part of numerous films ranging from comedy dramas to psychological thrillers. The actor has played a myriad of diverse characters and even has director and producer credits to his name.

  3. He supports social causes

    For his contribution to farm animals’ welfare, he received the ‘Humane Generation Award’ in 2014. The actor uses his platform and influence to create awareness about various social welfare programs and organizations. In this manner, Wesley not only extends a helping hand, he also encourages his fans to do so.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. Paul Wesley is not his real name

    The actor’s real name is Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski, which he changed in 2005.

  2. He believes in ghosts

    Wesley believes in the existence of ghosts and claims that he had once seen a woman fade away.

  3. He wanted to play Damon

    The actor was initially more inclined to play the role of Damon Salvatore in “The Vampire Diaries.”

  4. He is a bookworm

    Wesley loves to read and “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger is his favorite book.

  5. He wanted to be a journalist

    In an interview, Wesley revealed that he would’ve pursued a career in journalism if he was not an actor.

Paul Wesley FAQs

Is Paul Wesley vegan?

Yes, he is vegan.

Does Paul Wesley have kids?

No, he does not have any kids.

Why did Paul Wesley change his name?

The actor changed his name as his real name was too difficult to pronounce. Changing it to Paul Wesley, he believes, helped his career.

Paul Wesley’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024July 23Tuesday
2025July 23Wednesday
2026July 23Thursday
2027July 23Friday
2028July 23Sunday

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