Paul Wesley
A actor who channeled brooding immortality into a pop-culture phenomenon, then deftly stepped behind the camera to shape stories as a director.
Born 1982 (age 44)·American actor and director·Birthday: July 23·Millennials
Biography
Born Paweł Wasilewski in New Jersey to Polish parents, Paul Wesley navigated a childhood between two cultures, an experience that perhaps fueled his chameleonic abilities. His early career was a grind of guest spots on network television, but his breakthrough came with the supernatural teen drama 'The Vampire Diaries.' As Stefan Salvatore, the morally conflicted vampire, Wesley brought a grounded sincerity and ancient weariness to a role that could have been mere gothic fantasy. For eight seasons, he anchored one of The CW's most successful series, which spawned a passionate global fandom. Rather than remain typecast, Wesley used his platform to pivot. He launched a production company and aggressively pursued directing, helming multiple episodes of his own show and others like 'Legacies' and 'Roswell, New Mexico.' This transition from in-front star to behind-the-scenes architect culminated in a bold new chapter: taking on the iconic role of Captain James T. Kirk in 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds,' offering a younger, more cerebral interpretation of the legendary character.
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.
Paul was born in 1982, 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 Paul Was Born
The biggest hits of 1982
#1 Movie
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
Best Picture
Gandhi
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Paul's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1982Born
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1987Started school
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
1995Became a teenager
Oklahoma City bombing; Windows 95 released
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $96,500Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Gangsta's Paradise" — CoolioBest Picture: Braveheart
1998Could drive
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2000Could vote
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
2003Turned 21
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
2012Turned 30
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2022Turned 40
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 44 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Stefan Salvatore for eight seasons as a central figure in the globally successful series 'The Vampire Diaries'.
- Directed numerous episodes of television, including for 'The Vampire Diaries,' 'Legacies,' and 'Tell Me a Story'.
- Revived the role of Captain James T. Kirk for the Paramount+ series 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'.
- Co-founded the production company Citizen Media with his 'Vampire Diaries' co-star.
Did You Know?
He is fluent in Polish and spent summers in Poland during his youth.
To avoid confusion with another actor named Paul Wesley, he briefly used the stage name Paul Wasilewski early in his career.
He is a passionate fan of ice hockey and supports the New York Rangers.
He and his sister co-own a successful Polish vodka brand called 'Brother's Bond'.
“I think the minute you start taking yourself too seriously, you lose the plot.”
