Candice King
An actress who transformed a supporting vampire role into the heart of a franchise, embodying a journey from superficiality to formidable strength.
Born 1987 (age 39)·American actress·Birthday: May 13·Millennials
Biography
When Candice King first appeared on 'The Vampire Diaries' as Caroline Forbes, she was playing a very specific type: the high school queen bee, all sharp edges and superficial concerns. What happened over the next decade was a masterclass in character evolution, driven by King's nuanced performance. As the supernatural world engulfed her character, King revealed layers of vulnerability, resilience, and a fierce, loyal heart. She made Caroline's transformation from human to vampire not just a plot point, but a profound metaphor for self-discovery and empowerment. This connection with fans was so powerful that the character became a cornerstone of the entire franchise, leading to major roles in the spin-offs 'The Originals' and 'Legacies.' Off-screen, King, a trained musician, often contributed to the show's soundtracks. Her career is a testament to the idea that sometimes the most memorable heroes aren't the ones who start out that way, but the ones who earn it scene by scene.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Candice was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Candice Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Candice's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Played Caroline Forbes across three interconnected television series: 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'The Originals,' and 'Legacies.'
- Leveraged her musical background to perform songs on 'The Vampire Diaries' soundtrack, including 'All I Need'.
- Transitioned from a recurring guest role to a series regular and central figure in the franchise's narrative.
- Directed an episode of 'Legacies,' stepping behind the camera to shape the series.
Did You Know?
She is a classically trained pianist and vocalist.
She was a member of the pop-rock band The Cab during its early years.
She married former Vampire Diaries co-star and musician Joe King in 2019.
She originally auditioned for the role of Elena Gilbert on 'The Vampire Diaries.'
“I fought to make a vampire's humanity the most compelling part of her story.”
