Paul Wesley Explained
Paul Wesley |
Birth Name: | Paweł Tomasz Wasilewski |
Birth Date: | 1982 7, mf=yes |
Birth Place: | New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S. |
Other Names: | Paul Wasilewski |
Years Active: | 1999–present |
Spouse: | |
Paul Thomas Wasilewski (pronounced as /pl/; born July 23, 1982),[1] known professionally as Paul Wesley, is an American actor, director and producer.[2] He is known for starring as Stefan Salvatore in The Vampire Diaries (2009–2017) and James T. Kirk in (2022–present).[3]
Early life
Paul Wesley was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey to Polish parents Tomasz and Agnieszka Wasilewski. He grew up in Marlboro Township, New Jersey. He has one elder sister, Monika Emara (née Wasilewski), and two younger sisters, Leah and Julia.[4]
In addition to English, he also speaks Polish, having spent four months of every year in Poland until the age of 16.[5] Wesley attended Christian Brothers Academy in Lincroft, New Jersey, and Marlboro High School for a period during his high school years. He started his theater studies in New York City and transferred from Marlboro High School to Lakewood Prep School in Howell, 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 opera Guiding Light as character Max Nickerson.[6]
He started college at Rutgers University in 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.[7]
Career
2001–2008: Early acting roles and Fallen
In 2001, Wesley, then credited as Paul Wasilewski, was one of the main cast members of the short-lived CBS television series Wolf Lake, playing the role of Luke Cates.[8] [9] He appeared in the 2008 CBS television film The Russell Girl,[10] and had the lead role in the 2007 ABC Family miniseries Fallen.[11] Wesley has had a number of roles in television shows such as 24, 8 Simple Rules, American Dreams, Army Wives, Cane, Everwood, Guiding Light, Smallville, and The O.C..
2009–2017: The Vampire Diaries and film roles
Wesley starred as Stefan Salvatore in the teen drama television series The Vampire Diaries since its premiere in September 2009 on The CW. In the series, he played a younger brother to Damon Salvatore as well as the love interest of a 17-year-old girl named Elena Gilbert. His work garnered him two People's Choice Award nominations.
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 the SXSW Film Festival Audience Award and compete at the Venice Film Festival's "Venice Days" section.[12] That same year he co-starred in Amira and Sam which was acquired by Drafthouse Films.[13]
In 2014, he was cast in the film Mother's Day,[14] and it was also announced he was set to star in and produce a science fiction film called Convergence.[15] He also co-starred in The Baytown Outlaws.[16]
In 2016, he co-starred in the comedy The Late Bloomer.[17] His other feature credits include HBO's Shot in the Heart directed by Agnieszka Holland and Lionsgate's Peaceful Warrior.
2018–present: Directing, theatre roles, Tell Me a Story and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds
Wesley began directing The Vampire Diaries in its fifth season and produced the series at the start of season 8.[18] He directed episode 16 in season 2 of Shadowhunters for Freeform. In November 2016, it was announced that under the label of his newly formed production company, Citizen Media, Wesley signed a deal with Warner Bros. Television to produce four new television shows, including Confessions of a Drug-Addicted High School Teacher, written by Jason Smith; Pecos, written by Shawn Christensen; Finding Natalie, written by Hilary Bettis and Shanghai Summer, written by Oanh Ly.[19]
His theater work includes the co-lead in the well-received off-Broadway production Cal in Camo at the Rattlestick Theater in New York City.[20] He was also the co-lead in Sensitive Skin, written by Shem Bitterman.[21] In March 2018, Wesley joined the New York Theatre Workshop's production of Zurich in New York City.[22]
In June 2018, it was reported that Wesley had joined the main cast of the CBS All Access TV series Tell Me a Story, which was created by Kevin Williamson.[23] In 2019, Wesley's production company, Citizen Media signed a development deal at Kapital Entertainment.[24] Other network television directing credits include Shadowhunters[25] and Roswell, New Mexico. He also starred in the second episode of the Netflix miniseries Medal of Honor as Staff Sergeant Clint Romesha.[26]
On March 15, 2022, it was announced Wesley was cast as James T. Kirk for the second season of on Paramount+. He made his first appearance on the show as a guest star in the season one finale.[27] On February 4, 2024, at the 51st Saturn Awards, Wesley won the Saturn Award for Best Guest Star in a Television Series for his role as Kirk in Strange New Worlds.[28]
Other ventures
In 2014, Wesley was given the Humane Generation Award for his work with the Humane Society, specifically farm animal welfare.[29]
Additionally, Wesley has hosted two fundraising campaigns on Represent.com to raise funds for charity. For his first campaign, Wesley released a cat shirt design to raise funds for The Humane Society of the United States.[30] [31] The campaign sold almost 3,000 units. For his second campaign, Wesley teamed up with The Vampire Diaries co-star Ian Somerhalder to 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 former The Vampire Diaries co-star Ian Somerhalder announced the launch of a straight bourbon whiskey, Brother's Bond Bourbon.[34]
Personal life
Wesley met and began dating Torrey DeVitto in 2007 when they acted together in Killer Movie. They married in a private ceremony in New York City in 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 in Atlanta, Georgia, while filming The Vampire Diaries and the rest of the time with DeVitto in Los 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.[41]
Wesley has remained close friends with his former The Vampire Diaries co-star Ian Somerhalder, and in 2020, they announced the launch of a straight bourbon whiskey named Brother's Bond Bourbon.[42]
Wesley is an ethical vegan who advocates for animal rights.[43] [44]
Filmography
See main article: Paul Wesley filmography.
Awards and nominations
Year | Award | Category | Work | Result | |
---|
| | Cast To Watch (with Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev) | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Breakout Star Male | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
Choice Vampire | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| | Favorite Dramatic TV Actor | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
TV Villain | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| | Best Threesome (with Ian Somerhalder and Nina Dobrev) | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| | Best Supporting Actor in a Feature | Before I Disappear | | |
| People's Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
Choice TV: Liplock (with Candice Accola) | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
| Teen Choice Awards | Actor Fantasy/Sci-Fi | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
Choice TV: Liplock (with Candice King) | data-sort-value="Vampire Diaries, The" | The Vampire Diaries | | |
2024 | Saturn Awards | Best Guest Star in a Television Series | | | [45] | |
Notes and References
- Web site: Paul Wesley pronounces Full name in Polish. https://web.archive.org/web/20110803205902/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFsmZYa9ffA&gl=US&hl=en&has_verified=1. 2011-08-03 . dead. YouTube.
- Web site: Paul Wesley's 31st Birthday — 'Vampire Diaries' Tribute To Stefan. Hollywood Life. October 23, 2013. July 16, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20150711020100/http://hollywoodlife.com/2013/07/23/paul-wesley-birthday-vampire-diaries-stefan-tribute/. July 11, 2015. dead.
- Web site: White . Peter . 'Star Trek: Strange New Worlds' Finds Its James T. Kirk With Paul Wesley . Deadline . March 15, 2022 . March 15, 2022 . March 15, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220315220143/https://deadline.com/2022/03/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-james-t-kirk-paul-wesley-1234979489/ . live .
- News: Rebecca. Morton. 'Vampire Diaries' to give area native star turn. September 10, 2009. New Brunswick Sentinel. April 22, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20091224042151/http://nbs.gmnews.com/news/2009/0910/front_page/025.html. December 24, 2009. dead.
- News: Luaine. Lee. January 27, 2010. The 'good' vampire was a teenage bad boy. McClatchy/Tribune News. . https://web.archive.org/web/20200922180032/https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2010-01-27-1001260750-story.html. September 22, 2020. October 2, 2010.
- Web site: Talbot. Lindsay. New Blood. Teen Vogue. October 12, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20151004010808/https://www.teenvogue.com/story/paul-wesley. October 4, 2015. October 28, 2009.
- News: Getting to Know: Paul Wesley. Teen Magazine. December 20, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20100326173240/http://www.teenmag.com/celeb-stuff/getting-to-know/paul-wesley#. March 26, 2010. dead.
- Web site: Michael . Schneider . Thesp jumps into CBS' 'Wolf Lake' . . July 31, 2001 . June 12, 2016 . August 6, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160806125428/http://variety.com/2001/tv/news/thesp-jumps-into-cbs-wolf-lake-1117850582/ . live .
- Web site: Michael . Speier . Review: 'Wolf Lake' . . September 9, 2001 . June 12, 2016 . September 26, 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200926220527/https://variety.com/2001/tv/reviews/wolf-lake-1200470000/ . live .
- Web site: Laura . Fries . Review: 'The Russell Girl' . . January 24, 2008 . June 12, 2016 . August 6, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160806133554/http://variety.com/2008/scene/markets-festivals/the-russell-girl-1200548750/ . live .
- Web site: Laura . Fries . Review: 'Fallen' . . July 20, 2006 . June 12, 2019 . August 28, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180828204832/https://variety.com/2006/scene/markets-festivals/fallen-3-1200514651/ . live .
- Web site: 'Before I Disappear' picked up for North American distribution. Variety. August 5, 2014. December 9, 2017. November 17, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20171117064847/http://variety.com/2014/film/news/sxsw-audience-winner-before-i-disappear-picked-up-for-north-american-distribution-1201276106/. live.
- Web site: Paul Wesley makes 'Amira and Sam'. Deadline Hollywood. August 28, 2014. February 19, 2020. September 30, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200930223929/https://deadline.com/2014/08/martin-starr-romance-amira-sam-drafthouse-release-826305/. live.
- Web site: Wesley, Sarandon to star in 'Mother's Day'. Deadline Hollywood. September 25, 2014. February 19, 2020. December 12, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191212144702/https://deadline.com/2014/09/mothers-day-casts-paul-wesley-keiynan-lonsdale-john-ortiz-to-star-in-disney-the-finest-hours-841424/. live.
- News: Jen. Yamato. 'Vampire Diaries' Star Paul Wesley Set For Sci-Fier 'Convergence'. November 17, 2014. Deadline Hollywood. November 17, 2014. November 18, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141118012605/http://deadline.com/2014/11/vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-cast-convergence-film-china-1201286983/. live.
- Web site: Weinstein. Joshua L.. Paul Wesley Joins Eva Longoria in 'The Baytown Disco'. TheWrap.com. May 13, 2011. May 15, 2011. May 17, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110517071652/http://www.thewrap.com/movies/column-post/vampire-diaries-star-paul-wesley-joins-eva-longoria-baytown-disco-27381. live.
- Web site: August 25, 2015 . Paul Wesley, Brittany Snow, Blake Cooper Join Comedy 'The Late Bloomer' . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20171117002539/https://www.thewrap.com/paul-wesley-brittany-snow-blake-cooper-join-comedy-the-late-bloomer/ . November 17, 2017 . September 23, 2015 . wrap.com.
- Web site: Paul Wesley Will Make His Directorial Debut On "The Vampire Diaries". Buzzfeed.com. February 7, 2014. September 8, 2017. September 8, 2017. https://web.archive.org/web/20170908201124/https://www.buzzfeed.com/jarettwieselman/paul-wesley-directorial-debut-tvd#.jyGomqZwD. live.
- Web site: Kroll . Justin . Paul Wesley Inks Overall Deal With Warner Bros. TV, Sets 4 Projects As Producer . November 11, 2016 . . November 18, 2016 . November 19, 2016 . https://web.archive.org/web/20161119062640/http://deadline.com/2016/11/paul-wesley-overall-deal-warner-bros-tv-sets-4-projects-pecos-abc-1201850718/ . live .
- Web site: Review: In 'Cal in Camo,' a Raw Welcome to Motherhood. The New York Times. May 21, 2016. March 3, 2017. May 29, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160529151002/http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/21/theater/review-in-cal-in-camo-a-raw-welcome-to-motherhood.html. live.
- Web site: Sensative Skin. Backstage. June 2, 2016. June 24, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160624052541/http://www.backstage.com/review/sensitive-skin/. live.
- Web site: Hamilton's Austin Smith and Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley to Star in Zürich. Clement. Olivia. Playbill. March 15, 2018. February 18, 2020. February 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200217062820/http://www.playbill.com/article/hamiltons-austin-smith-and-vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-to-star-in-zurich. live.
- Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . Paul Wesley To Co-Star In CBS All Access Series 'Tell Me A Story', Reuniting With 'The Vampire Diaries' EP Kevin Williamson . Deadline Hollywood . June 11, 2018 . June 11, 2018 . June 12, 2018 . https://web.archive.org/web/20180612143725/https://deadline.com/2018/06/paul-wesley-cast-tell-me-a-story-cbs-all-access-series-kevin-williamson-reuniting-1202407970/ . live .
- Web site: Paul Wesley Inks Producing Deal With Kapital Entertainment, Sets 2 Drama Series Projects, Including Starring Vehicle. Andreeva. Nellie. Deadline. February 13, 2019. February 18, 2020. June 5, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200605001417/https://deadline.com/2019/02/paul-wesley-producing-deal-kapital-entertainment-2-series-projects-including-starring-vehicle-confessions-of-a-drug-addicted-high-school-teacher-possessed-1202552681/. live.
- Web site: Patten . Dominic . ‘Shadowhunters’ Reveals Season 2 Debut Date & ‘Vampire Diaries’ Star Directing – NY Comic-Con . October 8, 2016 . December 26, 2023 . April 26, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220426071236/https://deadline.com/2016/10/shadowhunters-season-2-debut-date-revealed-paul-wesley-direciting-ny-comic-con-1201833288/ . live .
- Web site: Andreeva . Nellie . ‘Tell Me A Story’: Paul Wesley To Return To CBS All Access Series, Season 2 Princess Theme Revealed . June 12, 2019 . December 26, 2023 . December 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226091750/https://deadline.com/2019/06/tell-me-a-story-paul-wesley-to-return-cbs-all-access-series-season-2-princess-theme-revealed-beauty-and-the-beast-cinderella-sleeping-beauty-1202631243/ . live .
- Web site: Parker . Ryan . 2022-07-07 . ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Actor Paul Wesley on Taking Up Captain Kirk Mantle in Surprise Finale Appearance and What’s Next . 2023-05-04 . The Hollywood Reporter . en-US . July 9, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20220709203430/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/star-trek-strange-new-worlds-paul-wesley-capt-kirk-william-shatner-1235173107/ . live .
- Web site: 2024-02-09 . Star Trek Takes Home 5 Saturn Awards . 2024-03-09 . www.startrek.com . en . March 9, 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240309113606/https://www.startrek.com/news/saturn-awards-2024-wins . live .
- Web site: Paul Wesley Credits The Vampire Diaries at Humane Society Gala. Burt. Kayti. Wet Paint. April 1, 2014. February 18, 2020. March 17, 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200317021711/http://wetpaint.com/credits-vampire-diaries-humane-society-824621/. live.
- Web site: Paul Wesley Selling Cat Shirt for Humane Society. Bookfandoms.com. October 9, 2015. September 1, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150901202921/http://bookfandoms.com/paul-wesley-humane-society. live.
- Web site: Paul Wesley Limited Edition Cat T-shirt. Represent.com. October 9, 2015. October 28, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151028195709/https://represent.com/paul. live.
- Web site: Vampire Diaries: Ian Somerhalder, Paul Wesley Launch Charity T-Shirt Campaign. People. July 17, 2015. October 9, 2015. October 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151007025524/http://www.people.com/article/vampire-diaries-ian-somerhalder-paul-wesley-launch-campaign-charity. live.
- Web site: Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley's Official Tee. Represent.com. October 9, 2015. October 7, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20151007201044/https://represent.com/ianpaul. live.
- Web site: Bain. Ellissa. May 28, 2020. Fans go crazy for Brothers Bond Bourbon – how to buy Damon and Stefan's Vampire Diaries inspired whiskey!. live. October 9, 2021. HITC. February 25, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220225233010/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/05/28/fans-go-crazy-for-brothers-bond-bourbon-how-to-buy-damon-and-stefans-vampire-diaries-inspired-whiskey/.
- Web site: Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley and actress Torrey DeVitto married!. Life & Style. April 29, 2011. February 6, 2012. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20120225032834/http://www.lifeandstylemag.com/2011/04/paul-wesley-devito.html. February 25, 2012.
- Web site: Paul Wesley and Torrey DeVitto to Divorce. People.com. July 30, 2013. November 17, 2013. May 31, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20160531130657/http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20721633,00.html. live.
- News: 'Vampire Diaries' star Paul Wesley finalizes divorce. Toronto Sun. December 24, 2013. August 11, 2014. August 12, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140812212108/http://www.torontosun.com/2013/12/24/vampire-diaries-star-paul-wesley-finalizes-divorce. live.
- Web site: Where Does Paul Wesley Live? You Ask, We Answer!. wetpaint.com. Chako. Suzuki. November 29, 2012. October 29, 2014. October 29, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141029181632/http://www.wetpaint.com/vampire-diaries/gallery/where-does-paul-wesley-live#2. live.
- Web site: Beale . Lauren . Paul Wesley, Torrey DeVitto sell home in Hollywood Hills . September 12, 2013 . December 26, 2023 . December 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231226085903/https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-paul-wesley-20130912-story.html . live .
- Web site: Surprise! The Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley is Married. Vulpo. Mike. E!. February 8, 2019. February 21, 2019. February 15, 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190215150101/https://www.eonline.com/news/1012974/surprise-the-vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-is-married. live.
- Web site: Paul Wesley and Wife Ines de Ramon Quietly Separate After 3 Years of Marriage. people.com. September 19, 2022. September 20, 2022. September 20, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220920105508/https://people.com/tv/paul-wesley-and-ines-de-ramon-separate-after-3-years-of-marriage-exclusive/. live.
- News: Bain. Ellissa. May 28, 2020. Fans go crazy for Brothers Bond Bourbon – how to buy Damon and Stefan's Vampire Diaries inspired whiskey!. February 25, 2022. HITC. February 25, 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220225233010/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2020/05/28/fans-go-crazy-for-brothers-bond-bourbon-how-to-buy-damon-and-stefans-vampire-diaries-inspired-whiskey/. live.
- https://archive.today/20230123020814/https://thebeet.com/the-vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-is-vegan-heres-what-he-eats-in-a-day/ "The Vampire Diaries’ Paul Wesley Is Vegan. Here’s What He Eats in a Day"
- https://archive.today/20230123020814/https://thebeet.com/the-vampire-diaries-paul-wesley-is-vegan-heres-what-he-eats-in-a-day/ "Paul Wesley – A Vegan Vampire Speaks Out"
- Web site: ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’, ‘Oppenheimer’, ‘Star Trek’ Series Lead Nominations For Genre-Focused Saturn Awards. Deadline Hollywood. Patrick. Hipes. December 6, 2023. December 7, 2023. December 7, 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20231207141641/https://deadline.com/2023/12/saturn-awards-nominations-list-movies-tv-1235654052/. live.