The Surprising Hit Supernatural Series Taylor Swift Refused to Join as Cast Member

When The Vampire Diaries first hit TV screens in 2009, it quickly became one of the CW’s biggest successes.

The supernatural teen drama, based on L. J. Smith’s book series, ran for eight seasons and built a massive fan base. Not only did it win multiple Teen Choice and People’s Choice Awards, but its first season also broke viewership records for the network.

More than a decade later, the series is still sparking new stories. During a recent panel at FanX Salt Lake Comic Convention, actor Ian Somerhalder, who played Damon Salvatore, shared some behind-the-scenes memories that surprised fans.

One of the most interesting reveals involved Taylor Swift. According to Somerhalder, the Grammy-winning pop star was actually offered a role on the show but decided not to take it. “I think Taylor Swift, we offered this role, and she was like, ‘No.’ [Laughs],” Somerhalder told the audience.

Swift never joined the cast, but another music superstar was connected to the show in a different way.

Somerhalder recalled that Lady Gaga, who was dating actor Taylor Kinney at the time, would sometimes visit the set in Georgia while Kinney was filming. “Stef [Germanotta] — Lady Gaga — would come to Georgia to spend time on our set. This is in like 2010/11. She was literally the biggest thing since sliced bread.”

“She would be on set, no bra, fishnets… hanging out, chewing gum, drinking coffee, watching her super handsome and awesome boyfriend on screen. And all of a sudden every producer was all of a sudden there. Every actor who wasn’t working was all of a sudden there. It was just the funniest thing. So that was really special.”

Music clearly played a huge role in shaping The Vampire Diaries. Somerhalder revealed that the soundtrack for the first season alone sold millions. “The Season 1 soundtrack sold like 15 million copies,” he said. “The music moments were amazing. We had incredible music supervisors — Julie [Plec] and Kevin [Williamson] […] they knew what was gonna hit.”

He also explained how important music was to the series. “We had incredible music. It really lifted and elevated these moments. We had some big artists and really awesome songs… Music is so important, and we are so fortunate — we had a teeny tiny music budget and sometimes when we needed it, they would spring for the songs that we needed. And it’s very special.”

Even without Taylor Swift joining the cast or Lady Gaga officially stepping in front of the camera, the show built a lasting mark with its use of music and its strong connection to pop culture.

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