Kayla Ewell
An actress who navigated from cult-classic high school halls to the supernatural drama of Mystic Falls.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actress·Birthday: August 27·Millennials
Biography
Kayla Ewell's career trajectory is a map of beloved television genres. She first caught attention as the popular, bubblegum-chewing Maureen Sampson on the short-lived but deeply influential 'Freaks and Geeks,' a role that placed her in a cast of future stars. She then settled into the daytime drama world, playing Caitlin Ramirez on 'The Bold and the Beautiful' for several years. However, it was her entry into the world of the undead that brought her to a new generation of fans. As the original Vicki Donovan on 'The Vampire Diaries,' she embodied the troubled teen who became the show's first major vampire casualty, setting a high-stakes tone for the series. Her path reflects a versatility in moving between comedy, soap, and genre television with ease.
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.
Kayla was born in 1985, 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 Kayla Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Kayla's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
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
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Maureen Sampson on the critically adored television series 'Freaks and Geeks'.
- Played a recurring role as Caitlin Ramirez on the long-running CBS soap opera 'The Bold and the Beautiful'.
- Originated the role of Vicki Donovan in the first season of the hit CW series 'The Vampire Diaries'.
Did You Know?
She is a trained dancer and studied at the prestigious Orange County School of the Arts.
She is married to actor Tanner Novlan, who plays Dr. John 'Finn' Finnegan on 'The Bold and the Beautiful'.
She appeared in a 2005 music video for the band My Chemical Romance.
“Every role, from a geek to a vampire, starts with finding the person inside the lines.”
