In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Paul Wesley opens up about the controversial ending of The Vampire Diaries (TVD), revisiting the fate of his iconic character Stefan Salvatore eight years after the CW supernatural drama concluded.
Paul Wesley, best known for his role as Stefan, candidly explains why he fully supports Stefan’s heroic death in the 2017 TVD series finale—an ending that still sparks heated debate among fans.
Stefan Salvatore’s Death in The Vampire Diaries Series Finale
When The Vampire Diaries wrapped up after eight thrilling seasons, viewers were heartbroken watching Stefan sacrifice himself to save Mystic Falls from total destruction. The 171-year-old vampire, forever trapped in a teenage body, died to stop hellfire from annihilating the fictional town.
Despite lingering fan grief over Stefan Salvatore’s death, Wesley reveals in the PEOPLE interview that he’s genuinely happy with how the story concluded.
“Truthfully—whenever I say this, people get so angry at me—I am so glad that he died,” Wesley admits. “It’s something I was really pushing for.”
Why Paul Wesley Believes Stefan’s Story Had to End
Wesley explains his reasoning behind supporting Stefan’s fate in the TVD finale. First, he felt Stefan’s long and complicated journey—spanning over 160 years—deserved closure. Second, Wesley points out that despite Stefan’s heroic qualities, the character had a dark side, referencing his “ripper” past where Stefan struggled with violent bloodlust.
“Even though he was a good guy, he did a lot of bad things,” Wesley says, highlighting Stefan’s complex nature.
The Famous Love Triangle and TVD Ending Controversy
Another significant factor influencing Wesley’s perspective is the famous love triangle between Stefan, his brother Damon (played by Ian Somerhalder), and Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev).
Wesley jokes that if Damon had died and Stefan ended up with Elena, he would have faced backlash from “Delena” fans forever.
“I was so happy I was not in that position,” Wesley jokes.
Despite this, he acknowledges that the Salvatore brothers deserved a more united farewell.
“I do think that the two brothers should have probably went out together,” Wesley adds.
Damon and Elena’s Happy Ending vs. Stefan’s Sacrifice
In the final moments of the series, Damon and Elena find happiness together, while Stefan’s sacrifice ensures not only the town’s safety but also the defeat of a major villain, Katherine Pierce (also played by Nina Dobrev).
The series offers some consolation as Stefan and Damon reunite in the afterlife, giving fans a heartwarming closure to the brothers’ story.
Paul Wesley’s Connection to Stefan’s Doppelganger Silas
Reflecting on his role in The Vampire Diaries, Wesley shares that he relates more to Stefan’s darker doppelganger, Silas, whom he also portrayed.
“I am dry and I have dark humor. It’s not that I’m the villain, but I definitely am someone who looks at things from a different perspective,” Wesley tells PEOPLE.
He notes that while Stefan was often somber, his portrayal of Silas allowed for a more sarcastic and humorous side, which fans notice during Q&As and interviews.
Why Fans Are Still Talking About Stefan Salvatore’s Death on The Vampire Diaries
Eight years after the TVD finale, Stefan Salvatore’s death remains one of the most talked-about moments in supernatural TV history. Paul Wesley’s honest take continues to spark passionate debates among fans who are divided over the fate of their favorite vampire.
