Zach Roerig
He brought a grounded, everyman heart to supernatural dramas, anchoring fantastical stories with relatable human emotion.
Born 1985 (age 41)·American actor·Birthday: February 22·Millennials
Biography
Zach Roerig carved a distinct path in television by specializing in the solid, dependable guy often caught in extraordinary circumstances. Hailing from Ohio, he moved to New York and landed early roles on daytime staples like 'As the World Turns' and 'One Life to Live,' learning the ropes of serialized storytelling. His breakout came with the role of Matt Donovan on 'The Vampire Diaries,' a character who began as a small-town sheriff's deputy and evolved over eight seasons, providing a crucial human anchor in a world of vampires and witches. Roerig's portrayal made Matt the show's moral compass and emotional bedrock, a fan favorite who survived countless supernatural threats through sheer resilience. After the series ended, he demonstrated range with a grittier turn as a military recruiter in the tense drama 'Dare Me.' His career is a testament to the power of consistent, heartfelt performance in building a lasting connection with audiences.
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.
Zach 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 Zach Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Zach'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 Matt Donovan across all eight seasons of the hit supernatural series 'The Vampire Diaries'.
- Starred as Sergeant Will Mosley in the USA Network drama series 'Dare Me'.
- Appeared in a recurring role as Cash on the critically praised drama 'Friday Night Lights'.
- Played Hunter Atwood on the long-running ABC soap opera 'One Life to Live'.
Did You Know?
He was a champion wrestler in high school in Ohio.
He worked as a model before pursuing acting full-time.
He is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys hunting and fishing.
“Playing the good guy in a town of vampires keeps you on your toes.”
