Jeremy Gilbert was 15 years old during the first season of The Vampire Diaries.
As Elena Gilbert's younger brother, Jeremy was introduced as a sophomore in high school, navigating typical teenage struggles compounded by the supernatural events unfolding in Mystic Falls. His character arc in the inaugural season primarily revolved around dealing with the recent death of his parents, dabbling in drugs, and experiencing his first significant romantic relationships.
Character Age vs. Actor's Age in The Vampire Diaries
It's a common practice in television and film to cast actors who are older than the characters they portray, especially for teenage roles. The Vampire Diaries was no exception.
Steven R. McQueen, the actor who brought Jeremy Gilbert to life, was significantly older than his on-screen counterpart when the show began. This age difference is a notable aspect of casting in youth-oriented dramas.
Here's a comparison of Jeremy Gilbert's character age and Steven R. McQueen's actual age at the start of the series:
| Role | Character Age (Season 1) | Actor's Age (Season 1) |
|---|---|---|
| Jeremy Gilbert | 15 years old | 21 years old |
This casting choice highlights how studios often prioritize an actor's maturity, professionalism, and ability to handle demanding schedules over strict adherence to the character's exact age, particularly when depicting high school students. The seven-year difference between Jeremy's character age and Steven R. McQueen's actual age at the time allowed for a portrayal that was both believable for a teenager and perhaps offered a certain depth that a younger actor might not have achieved.
Key Considerations for Character Portrayal:
- Maturity of Performance: Older actors often bring more life experience and acting technique, allowing them to convincingly portray complex emotional storylines, which were abundant for Jeremy from the outset.
- Long-Term Commitment: Casting slightly older ensures actors can maintain a "high school" appearance for several seasons without appearing too old for their roles prematurely.
- Legal & Practicalities: Employing adult actors simplifies labor laws, working hours, and the portrayal of mature themes compared to child actors.
