What an exciting week it’s been in the fang community — Sara Canning just turned 25, Steven R. McQueen celebrated his 24th year of life, and the Vampire Diaries cast won big at the 2012 Teen Choice Awards. And contributing to the series of celebratory events is Paul Wesley — for turning a milestone 30th today on July 23!Unlike his 162-year-old TVD counterpart Stefan Salvatore, Paul is still a young’un — but he does possess a rare wise soul and charismatic personality (and crazy set of abs) which is why we adore him! So in honor of Paul’s special day, we’ve put together a list of kick-ass facts about him and even included our favorite photos of him looking, um well, smokin’ hot! Join the birthday festivities below:
Paul's full name is Paul Thomas Wasilewski.
Photo Credit: The Vampire Diaries / The CW
He was born on July 23, 1982! (He's a Leo!)
Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images North America
Paul has three awesome sisters named Monika, Julia and Leah.
Photo Credit: Mr Doug Inglish / Mr Porter
He hails from Poland but was born and raised in Malboro, New Jersey.
Photo Credit: Art Streiber / The CW
He currently rocks our worlds as the deliciously broody Stefan Salvatore on TVD!
Photo Credit: The Vampire Diaries / The CW
He's married to One Tree Hill and Pretty Little Liars actress, Torrey DeVitto!
Before heading off to Hollywood, Paul was enrolled as a student at Rutgers University (where his favorite campus delicacy was an infamous "fat" sandwich called the "fat bi*ch".)
He's 100% athletic: I love snowboarding. I love, love, love, it. It's one of my favorite things to do. I love to go a ski chalet with some friends and go snowboarding.
Photo Credit: Quantrell Colbert/The CW©2009 The CW Network
Is that Seth Brody? Why, yes it is! Paul guest-starred on the hit Fox series, The O.C. back in the day!
Photo Credit: The O.C.
He's super talented! In fact, he was nominated in the YoungStar Awards Best Young Actor/Performance in a Daytime TV Series category for his role in the soap opera Guiding Light.
Photo Credit: Teen Vogue, November 2009
Homeboy can hoola hoop -- just check him out in Cloud9!
He's won two Teen Choice Awards for his role as Stefan.
Just like his co-star Ian Somerhalder, Paul is a huge animal lover. Just check him out walking his adorable dog!
Photo Credit: WENN.com
Just like Stefan, Paul loves literature. His favorite book? Catcher in the Rye!
He's close with his fellow Savaltore brother, Ian Somerhalder. Look at the two of them modeling some dapper winter coats!
Paul confesses to being a troublemaking rebel in his youth. (A hot one, we bet!)
Back in the day, he played a popular jock in American Dreams alongside Brittany Snow!
He's always been a romantic! When he was 14, he even sent his girlfriend at the time a five-foot teddy bear. (So cute -- oh and he cried during Titanic.)
Photo Credit: Mr Doug Inglish / Mr Porter
Before he ever became a sexy vampire, Paul played a sexy werewolf in Wolf Lake!
Paul loves movie reruns such as the Godfather and Goonies but dislikes the movie going experience because of people crunching popcorn loudly. (LOL!)
Photo Credit: Rolling Stone
Paul enjoys all cuisines but confesses to be a bit of a sushi maniac.
Look at him -- always playing a hero. (Swoon.) This pic is from his stint on Army Wives!
He was selected as one of People's Sexiest Men of 2012! (We back that decision fully!)
Photo Credit: The Vampire Diaries / The CW
He had his first kiss at age 9 in a swimming pool! 'There was a girl there, and she dared me or I dared her into kissing me underwater. That wasn't a French kiss � that was like a "muah" kiss.'
Photo Credit: Yu Tsai/Contour by Getty Images
He's close friends with Hollywood star Ben McKenzie. The two hit up sports events together!
Just like Stefan with Katherine and Elena, he appreciates beauty...which is why he celebrity crush is Monica Bellucci!
Photo Credit: The Vampire Diaries / The CW
He's always up for a challenge: 'Every role presents a new opportunity for me to do something different and to explore something different.'
Paul revealed that he loves cold locations becasue there's nothing more romantic than cozying up to your significant other in front of a steamy fireplace. Oh la la!
He starred in Killer Movie.
Forget fanged creatures! In the miniseries series, Fallen, Paul took on the role of of a Nephilim (a guardian angel).
What’s your favorite thing about Paul Wesley? Post your happy birthday wishes below!
really? happy birthday Paul.really 30? u really look younger! I wish u a happy and good life.