Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski(Polish:['pavɛwvaɕi'lɛfskʲi];July 23, 1982),[1]known professionally asPaul Wesley,is an American actor, director and producer.[2]He is known for starring asStefan SalvatoreinThe Vampire Diaries(2009–2017) andJames T. KirkinStar Trek: Strange New Worlds(2022–present).[3]
Paul Wesley | |
|---|---|
 Wesley in 2024 | |
| Born | Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski July 23, 1982 |
| Other names | Paul Wasilewski |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1999–present |
| Works | Filmography |
| Spouses | |
Early life
editPaul Wesley was born inNew Brunswick, New JerseytoPolish parentsTomasz and Agnieszka Wasilewski. He grew up inMarlboro Township, New Jersey.He has one elder sister, Monika Emara, and two younger sisters, Leah and Julia.[4]
In addition to English, he also speaksPolish,having spent four months of every year in Poland until the age of 16.[5]Wesley attendedChristian Brothers AcademyinLincroft, New Jersey,andMarlboro High Schoolfor a period during his high school years. He started his theater studies inNew York Cityand transferred from Marlboro High School toLakewood Prep SchoolinHowell, New Jersey,because the school was able to better accommodate his acting schedule. During his junior year in high school, he was cast in the soap operaGuiding Lightas character Max Nickerson.[4][6]
He started college atRutgers Universityin New Jersey but left after one semester when more roles were offered to him, and he realized he could make a career out of acting.[4][7]
Career
edit2001–2008: Early acting roles andFallen
editIn 2001, Wesley, then credited as Paul Wasilewski, was one of the main cast members of the short-livedCBStelevision seriesWolf Lake,playing the role of Luke Cates.[8][9]He appeared in the 2008 CBS television filmThe Russell Girl,[10]and had the lead role in the 2007ABC FamilyminiseriesFallen.[11]Wesley has had a number of roles in television shows such as24,8 Simple Rules,American Dreams,Army Wives,Cane,Everwood,Guiding Light,Smallville,andThe O.C..
2009–2017:The Vampire Diariesand film roles
edit
Wesley starred asStefan Salvatorein theteen dramatelevision seriesThe Vampire Diariessince its premiere in September 2009 onThe CW.In the series, he played a younger brother toDamon Salvatoreas well as the love interest of a 17-year-old girl namedElena Gilbert.His work garnered him twoTeen Choice Awards,twoYoung Hollywood Awardsand nominations forPeople's Choice Awards.
Throughout the years, he has appeared in a variety of films. In 2014, he co-starred in, as well as produced,Before I Disappear,which went on to win theSXSWFilm Festival Audience Award and compete at theVenice Film Festival's "Venice Days" section.[12]That same year he co-starred withAmira and Samwhich was acquired byDrafthouse Films.[13]
In 2014, he was cast in the filmMother's Day,[14]and it was also announced he was set to star in and produce a science fiction film calledConvergence.[15]He also co-starred inThe Baytown Outlaws.[16]
In 2016, he co-starred in the comedyThe Late Bloomer.[17]His other feature credits includeHBO'sShot in the Heartdirected byAgnieszka HollandandLionsgate'sPeaceful Warrior.
2018–present: Directing, theatre roles,Tell Me a StoryandStar Trek: Strange New Worlds
editWesley began directingThe Vampire Diariesin its fifth season and produced the series at the start of season 8.[18]He directed episode 16 in season 2 ofShadowhuntersfor Freeform. In November 2016, it was announced that under the label of his newly formed production company, Citizen Media, Wesley signed a deal withWarner Bros. Televisionto produce four new television shows, includingConfessions of a Drug-Addicted High School Teacher,written by Jason Smith;Pecos,written byShawn Christensen;Finding Natalie,written byHilary BettisandShanghai Summer,written by Oanh Ly.[19]
His theater work includes the co-lead in the well-receivedoff-BroadwayproductionCal in Camoat the Rattlestick Theater in New York City.[20]He was also the co-lead inSensitive Skin,written by Shem Bitterman.[21]In March 2018, Wesley joined theNew York Theatre Workshop's production ofZurichin New York City.[22]
In June 2018, it was reported that Wesley had joined the main cast of theCBS All AccessTV seriesTell Me a Story,which was created byKevin Williamson.[23]In 2019, Wesley's production company, Citizen Media signed a development deal atKapital Entertainment.[24]Other network television directing credits includeShadowhunters[25]andRoswell, New Mexico.He also starred in the second episode of theNetflixminiseriesMedal of Honoras Staff SergeantClint Romesha.[26]
On March 15, 2022, it was announced Wesley was cast asJames T. Kirkfor the second season ofStar Trek: Strange New WorldsonParamount+.[3]He made his first appearance on the show as a guest star in the season one finale.[27]On February 4, 2024, at the51st Saturn Awards,Wesley won theSaturn AwardforBest Guest Star in a Television Seriesfor his role as Kirk inStrange New Worlds.[28]
Other ventures
editIn 2014, Wesley was given the Humane Generation Award for his work with theHumane Society,specifically farmanimal welfare.[29]
Additionally, Wesley has hosted two fundraising campaigns onRepresentto raise funds for charity. For his first campaign, Wesley released a cat shirt design to raise funds forThe Humane Society of the United States.[30][31]The campaign sold almost 3,000 units. For his second campaign, Wesley teamed up withThe Vampire Diariesco-starIan Somerhalderto release a limited-edition shirt designed by a fan, with the words "Blood Brothers Since 1864."[32]This campaign sold almost 10,000 shirts.[33]
In 2020, Wesley and his formerThe Vampire Diariesco-starIan Somerhalderannounced the launch of a straightbourbon whiskey,Brother's Bond Bourbon.[34]
Personal life
edit
Wesley met and began datingTorrey DeVittoin 2007 when they acted together inKiller Movie.They married in a private ceremony inNew York Cityin April 2011.[35]In July 2013, it was reported that they had filed for divorce.[36]The divorce was finalized in December 2013.[37]
Wesley lived inAtlanta, Georgia,while filmingThe Vampire Diariesand the rest of the time with DeVitto inLos Angeles, California.[38]He sold his Los Angeles residence after his divorce from DeVitto.[39]
In February 2019, Wesley married Ines de Ramon.[40]They separated in 2022 and their divorce was finalized in February 2024.[41][42]
Wesley has remained close friends with his formerThe Vampire Diariesco-starIan Somerhalder,and in 2020, they announced the launch of a straightbourbon whiskeynamed Brother's Bond Bourbon.[43]
Wesley is an ethicalveganwho advocates for animal rights.[44][45]
Filmography
editAwards and nominations
edit| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Young Hollywood Awards | Cast To Watch (withIan SomerhalderandNina Dobrev) | The Vampire Diaries | Won | |
| 2010 | Teen Choice Awards | Breakout Star Male | Won | ||
| Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Won | ||||
| 2011 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| Choice Vampire | Nominated | ||||
| 2012 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| 2013 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite Dramatic TV Actor | Nominated | ||
| 2014 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| TV Villain | Nominated | ||||
| 2014 | Young Hollywood Awards | Best Threesome(withIan SomerhalderandNina Dobrev) | Won | ||
| 2014 | Northeast Film Festival | Best Supporting Actor in a Feature | Before I Disappear | Nominated | |
| 2015 | People's Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | The Vampire Diaries | Nominated | |
| 2015 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| Choice TV: Liplock (withCandice Accola) | Nominated | ||||
| 2016 | Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | Nominated | ||
| Choice TV: Liplock (withCandice King) | Nominated | ||||
| 2024 | Saturn Awards | Best Guest Star in a Television Series | Star Trek: Strange New Worlds | Won | [46] |
References
edit- ^"Paul Wesley pronounces Full name in Polish".YouTube.Archived fromthe originalon August 3, 2011.
- ^"Paul Wesley's 31st Birthday — 'Vampire Diaries' Tribute To Stefan".Hollywood Life.October 23, 2013. Archived fromthe originalon July 11, 2015.RetrievedJuly 16,2014.
- ^abWhite, Peter (March 15, 2022)."'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Finds Its James T. Kirk With Paul Wesley ".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on March 15, 2022.RetrievedMarch 15,2022.
- ^abcMorton, Rebecca (September 10, 2009)."'Vampire Diaries' to give area native star turn ".New Brunswick Sentinel.Archived fromthe originalon December 24, 2009.RetrievedApril 22,2010.
- ^Lee, Luaine (January 27, 2010)."The 'good' vampire was a teenage bad boy".Chicago Tribune.McClatchy/Tribune News.Archivedfrom the original on September 22, 2020.RetrievedOctober 2,2010.
- ^Talbot, Lindsay (October 12, 2009)."New Blood".Teen Vogue.Archived fromthe originalon October 4, 2015.RetrievedOctober 28,2009.
- ^"Getting to Know: Paul Wesley".Teen Magazine.Archived fromthe originalon March 26, 2010.RetrievedDecember 20,2009.
- ^Schneider, Michael (July 31, 2001)."Thesp jumps into CBS' 'Wolf Lake'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2016.RetrievedJune 12,2016.
- ^Speier, Michael (September 9, 2001)."Review: 'Wolf Lake'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on September 26, 2020.RetrievedJune 12,2016.
- ^Fries, Laura (January 24, 2008)."Review: 'The Russell Girl'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on August 6, 2016.RetrievedJune 12,2016.
- ^Fries, Laura (July 20, 2006)."Review: 'Fallen'".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on August 28, 2018.RetrievedJune 12,2019.
- ^"'Before I Disappear' picked up for North American distribution ".Variety.August 5, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2017.RetrievedDecember 9,2017.
- ^"Paul Wesley makes 'Amira and Sam'".Deadline Hollywood.August 28, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon September 30, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 19,2020.
- ^"Wesley, Sarandon to star in 'Mother's Day'".Deadline Hollywood.September 25, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon December 12, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 19,2020.
- ^Yamato, Jen (November 17, 2014)."'Vampire Diaries' Star Paul Wesley Set For Sci-Fier 'Convergence'".Deadline Hollywood.Archived fromthe originalon November 18, 2014.RetrievedNovember 17,2014.
- ^Weinstein, Joshua L. (May 13, 2011)."Paul Wesley Joins Eva Longoria in 'The Baytown Disco'".TheWrap.Archivedfrom the original on May 17, 2011.RetrievedMay 15,2011.
- ^"Paul Wesley, Brittany Snow, Blake Cooper Join Comedy 'The Late Bloomer'".wrap.August 25, 2015.Archivedfrom the original on November 17, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 23,2015.
- ^"Paul Wesley Will Make His Directorial Debut On" The Vampire Diaries "".Buzzfeed.February 7, 2014.Archivedfrom the original on September 8, 2017.RetrievedSeptember 8,2017.
- ^Kroll, Justin (November 11, 2016)."Paul Wesley Inks Overall Deal With Warner Bros. TV, Sets 4 Projects As Producer".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on November 19, 2016.RetrievedNovember 18,2016.
- ^"Review: In 'Cal in Camo,' a Raw Welcome to Motherhood".The New York Times.May 21, 2016.Archivedfrom the original on May 29, 2016.RetrievedMarch 3,2017.
- ^"Sensative Skin".Backstage.Archivedfrom the original on June 24, 2016.RetrievedJune 2,2016.
- ^Clement, Olivia (March 15, 2018)."Hamilton's Austin Smith and Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley to Star in Zürich".Playbill.Archivedfrom the original on February 17, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 18,2020.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (June 11, 2018)."Paul Wesley To Co-Star In CBS All Access Series 'Tell Me A Story', Reuniting With 'The Vampire Diaries' EP Kevin Williamson".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on June 12, 2018.RetrievedJune 11,2018.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (February 13, 2019)."Paul Wesley Inks Producing Deal With Kapital Entertainment, Sets 2 Drama Series Projects, Including Starring Vehicle".Deadline.Archivedfrom the original on June 5, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 18,2020.
- ^Patten, Dominic (October 8, 2016)."'Shadowhunters' Reveals Season 2 Debut Date & 'Vampire Diaries' Star Directing – NY Comic-Con ".Archivedfrom the original on April 26, 2022.RetrievedDecember 26,2023.
- ^Andreeva, Nellie (June 12, 2019)."'Tell Me A Story': Paul Wesley To Return To CBS All Access Series, Season 2 Princess Theme Revealed ".Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2023.RetrievedDecember 26,2023.
- ^Parker, Ryan (July 7, 2022)."'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Actor Paul Wesley on Taking Up Captain Kirk Mantle in Surprise Finale Appearance and What's Next ".The Hollywood Reporter.Archivedfrom the original on July 9, 2022.RetrievedMay 4,2023.
- ^"Star Trek Takes Home 5 Saturn Awards".startrek.February 9, 2024.Archivedfrom the original on March 9, 2024.RetrievedMarch 9,2024.
- ^Burt, Kayti (April 1, 2014)."Paul Wesley Credits The Vampire Diaries at Humane Society Gala".Wet Paint.Archivedfrom the original on March 17, 2020.RetrievedFebruary 18,2020.
- ^"Paul Wesley Selling Cat Shirt for Humane Society".Bookfandoms.Archivedfrom the original on September 1, 2015.RetrievedOctober 9,2015.
- ^"Paul Wesley Limited Edition Cat T-shirt".Represent.Archivedfrom the original on October 28, 2015.RetrievedOctober 9,2015.
- ^"Vampire Diaries: Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley Launch Charity T-Shirt Campaign".People.July 17, 2015.Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2015.RetrievedOctober 9,2015.
- ^Represent."Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley's Official Tee".Archivedfrom the original on October 7, 2015.RetrievedOctober 9,2015.
- ^Bain, Ellissa (May 28, 2020)."Fans go crazy for Brothers Bond Bourbon – how to buy Damon and Stefan's Vampire Diaries inspired whiskey!".HITC.Archivedfrom the original on February 25, 2022.RetrievedOctober 9,2021.
- ^"Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley and actress Torrey DeVitto married!".Life & Style.April 29, 2011. Archived fromthe originalon February 25, 2012.RetrievedFebruary 6,2012.
- ^"Paul Wesley and Torrey DeVitto to Divorce".People.July 30, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on May 31, 2016.RetrievedNovember 17,2013.
- ^"'Vampire Diaries' star Paul Wesley finalizes divorce ".Toronto Sun.December 24, 2013.Archivedfrom the original on August 12, 2014.RetrievedAugust 11,2014.
- ^Suzuki, Chako (November 29, 2012)."Where Does Paul Wesley Live? You Ask, We Answer!".wetpaint.Archivedfrom the original on October 29, 2014.RetrievedOctober 29,2014.
- ^Beale, Lauren (September 12, 2013)."Paul Wesley, Torrey DeVitto sell home in Hollywood Hills".Archivedfrom the original on December 26, 2023.RetrievedDecember 26,2023.
- ^Vulpo, Mike (February 8, 2019)."Surprise! The Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley is Married".E!.Archivedfrom the original on February 15, 2019.RetrievedFebruary 21,2019.
- ^"Paul Wesley and Wife Ines de Ramon Quietly Separate After 3 Years of Marriage".People.September 19, 2022.Archivedfrom the original on September 20, 2022.RetrievedSeptember 20,2022.
- ^"Paul Wesley and Ines de Ramon Finalize".People.March 7, 2023.RetrievedAugust 31,2024.
- ^Bain, Ellissa (May 28, 2020)."Fans go crazy for Brothers Bond Bourbon – how to buy Damon and Stefan's Vampire Diaries inspired whiskey!".HITC.Archivedfrom the original on February 25, 2022.RetrievedFebruary 25,2022.
- ^"The Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley Is Vegan. Here’s What He Eats in a Day".thebeet. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
- ^"Paul Wesley – A Vegan Vampire Speaks Out".thesavemovement.org. Retrieved January 22, 2023.
- ^Hipes, Patrick (December 6, 2023)."'Avatar: The Way Of Water', 'Oppenheimer', 'Star Trek' Series Lead Nominations For Genre-Focused Saturn Awards ".Deadline Hollywood.Archivedfrom the original on December 7, 2023.RetrievedDecember 7,2023.
External links
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