Steven R. McQueen
An actor who grew up on screen, transitioning from a teenage heartthrob in supernatural drama to a first responder in gritty network television.
Born 1988 (age 38)·American actor·Birthday: July 13·Millennials
Biography
Steven R. McQueen entered the public eye with a famous last name, but he carved out his own path in television. His breakout role came as Jeremy Gilbert, the troubled younger brother on The CW's hit series 'The Vampire Diaries'. For nearly a decade, he navigated the show's supernatural chaos, maturing from a peripheral character into a central hunter in the lore. This role established him as a familiar face to a generation of genre fans. Seeking a more grounded challenge, he pivoted to network drama, joining the 'One Chicago' franchise as firefighter candidate Jimmy Borrelli on 'Chicago Fire'. Though his time there was shorter, it demonstrated a deliberate shift towards more dramatic, physical roles. McQueen's career reflects a deliberate navigation of Hollywood, using a high-profile teen role as a launchpad rather than a limit.
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.
Steven was born in 1988, 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 Steven Was Born
The biggest hits of 1988
#1 Movie
Rain Man
Best Picture
Rain Man
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Steven's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1988Born
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1993Started school
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
2001Became a teenager
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
2004Could drive
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2006Could vote
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
2009Turned 21
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2018Turned 30
Royal wedding of Harry and Meghan; Parkland shooting
Gas: $2.72/galHome: $211,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"God's Plan" — DrakeBest Picture: Green Book
2026Age 38 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Portrayed Jeremy Gilbert, a central character, across eight seasons of the popular series 'The Vampire Diaries'.
- Starred as a series regular on the first responder drama 'Chicago Fire' during its fourth season.
- Reprised his role as Jeremy Gilbert in the spin-off series 'Legacies', connecting the franchise's universe.
- Appeared in the film 'Piranha 3D', a major studio horror feature early in his career.
Did You Know?
He is the grandson of the actor Steve McQueen and the son of actor Chad McQueen.
He is a licensed pilot and has a strong passion for flying small aircraft.
He initially pursued a career in professional motocross before turning to acting.
He uses the middle initial 'R.' professionally to distinguish himself from his grandfather.
“I'm focused on the work, not the name.”
