Steven R. McQueen

Steven Chadwick McQueen is an American actor best known for his role as Jeremy Gilbert in the CW supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries. He portrayed the character from 2009 to 2015 and returned for guest appearances in 2017 and 2018 on the spin-off Legacies. His performance as the vampire-hunting brother evolved into a complex arc involving transformation into a hybrid, becoming a central figure in the show's mythology.

Beyond the supernatural genre, McQueen joined the NBC One Chicago franchise as firefighter Jimmy Borrelli in Chicago Fire during the 2015–2016 season. He later crossed over to Chicago P.D. in 2016. As of 2026, he has significantly reduced his acting output and maintains a low public profile while focusing on personal interests. [edit]

Born into a prominent Hollywood lineage, Steven Chadwick McQueen entered the world with a famous name attached. His mother is Barbara Bach, the Bond girl who starred in The Spy Who Loved Me, and his grandfather was the legendary Steve McQueen. Although often associated with the elder icon, his biological father is Terrence McQueen, a former model and actor. Growing up in Los Angeles, he navigated life in the shadow of his grandfather's legacy while forging his own path in the entertainment industry.

He attended the University of Southern California, where he studied film and theater before deciding to drop out to pursue acting full-time. Before achieving mainstream recognition, McQueen took on minor roles in independent films like The Last Time I Saw You (2005) and appeared alongside Ice Cube in The Longshots (2008). These early projects were not commercially significant but provided him with essential experience on set.

His breakthrough moment arrived when casting directors for The CW selected him to play Jeremy Gilbert. This role marked a turning point, allowing him to step away from his birth name and professional moniker to establish himself as a leading man in a young adult supernatural series that would soon become a cultural phenomenon. [edit]

McQueen's career trajectory shifted dramatically in 2009 when he was cast as Jeremy Gilbert in The Vampire Diaries. The show premiered in September of that year and quickly gained a massive following. Over five seasons, his character evolved from a grieving human teenager into a vampire and eventually a hybrid, playing a pivotal role in the show's doppelgänger mythos. His portrayal earned him several Teen Choice Award nominations between 2011 and 2013.

In January 2015, McQueen announced his departure from The Vampire Diaries as a series regular to explore new opportunities. He made a final appearance in the Season 6 finale and returned for a cameo in a 2017 special episode. That same year, he joined the One Chicago universe as Firefighter Jimmy Borrelli in Chicago Fire, appearing through the 2015–2016 season. He also made guest appearances in Chicago P.D. during this period.

His connection to the supernatural franchise concluded in 2018 when he reprised his role as Jeremy Gilbert in the premiere of the spin-off Legacies, providing narrative closure to the character. Since then, he has stepped back from high-profile acting roles. By 2026, reports confirm he is no longer attached to major ongoing series, though he remains a recognizable figure in television history. [edit]

McQueen is generally perceived as humble, grounded, and somewhat introverted compared to his more extroverted peers. On set, he was often described as the "quiet one" of the Vampire Diaries cast, preferring to let his work speak for itself. His athletic build and fitness routine were frequently highlighted, aiding his physical performances as both a vampire and a firefighter.

In recent years, his public image has shifted toward that of a dedicated environmental advocate. His sparse social media activity focuses heavily on marine mammal rescue efforts rather than celebrity lifestyle content. Fans view this quiet retirement and commitment to ocean stewardship as a respectful and mature approach to life after a decade in the spotlight. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While not currently ranked in global fame metrics, his presence in the cult classic The Vampire Diaries ensures he remains a recognizable name among fantasy and supernatural genre enthusiasts. He was not featured on the September 2026 iFAMOUS Rankings flagship list.

Within the fandom community, there is no singular official name dedicated solely to Steven R. McQueen. Fans of the broader series identify as "Damonians" or simply "TVD Fans," while specifically referring to him as "Jeremy" or "Jem." The fanbase is highly organized around character dynamics, particularly the love triangle involving Elena, Stefan, and Jeremy. Campaigns occasionally push for Jeremy's return, which led to his brief reappearance in Legacies. His Instagram account, @steven_r_mcqueen, boasts approximately one million followers, though his posting frequency is very low, sparking speculation about his current whereabouts. [edit]

Fans often refer to McQueen affectionately as "Jem" or simply "Jeremy," reflecting the deep connection audiences felt with his character. One of the most iconic moments in the show's history involves his transition into a vampire in Season 2, Episode 20, titled "Klaus." This storyline was pivotal for establishing the rules of the Original Vampire lineage and cemented his status as a fan favorite.

Another defining aspect of his post-acting identity is his dedication to marine conservation. His Instagram bio explicitly states a mission focused on rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing marine mammals. This shift toward environmental activism has been noted by fans as a noble evolution of his public persona.

Despite rumors of relationships with co-stars Nina Dobrev and Kat Graham during the show's run, McQueen has maintained a notably private personal life. He has never confirmed any long-term romantic partnerships or marriages, choosing to keep his dating life out of the spotlight. [edit]

Steven R. McQueen hails from one of Hollywood's most famous dynasties. His mother is actress Barbara Bach, renowned for her role as Anya Amasova in the James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me. His grandfather was the legendary action star Steve McQueen, who passed away in 1980 before Steven was born. His biological father is Terrence McQueen, a former model and actor.

Raised in Los Angeles, McQueen grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry but worked hard to establish his own identity separate from his family's fame. He attended the University of Southern California, immersing himself in film and theater studies before leaving to focus entirely on his acting career. He currently lives privately and keeps his personal life away from the media. [edit]

Paul Wesley, Kat Graham, Ian Somerhalder, Nina Dobrev, Stephen Moyer, Kristin Kreuk[edit]

Steven R. McQueen has maintained a notably private personal life throughout his career, especially compared to other stars from The Vampire Diaries. There are no confirmed marriages, engagements, or long-term public relationships documented in credible sources. During the early seasons of the show, intense fan speculation linked him to co-star Nina Dobrev. While they were close friends and colleagues, both parties have denied being in a romantic relationship, attributing their closeness to their on-screen chemistry and friendship.

Rumors also surfaced regarding a romance with Kat Graham, who played Bonnie Bennett, around 2011 and 2012. Similar to the Dobrev rumors, these were fueled by public appearances and fan desire for pairing, but neither party ever confirmed a date. As of 2026, McQueen is reported to be single. He has largely withdrawn from the spotlight, focusing on personal interests and environmental causes rather than public dating or relationships. He has no publicly acknowledged children. [edit]

iFANN currently estimates Steven R. McQueen's net worth at approximately $4 million. This figure reflects earnings primarily from his eight-year tenure on The Vampire Diaries, where his salary reportedly increased to over $50,000 per episode in the later seasons. Additional income stems from his two-year stint on Chicago Fire and residuals generated from syndication and streaming rights.

Unlike some of his contemporaries who launched major production companies or extensive real estate empires, McQueen's financial portfolio appears more modest. It likely consists of standard investments and property holdings typical for actors of his generation and tenure. Recent rankings from Just Jared in early 2026 placed him among the wealthier stars of the franchise, estimating his value between $3.5 million and $4.5 million. His financial trajectory suggests steady accumulation without the explosive growth seen by those who pivoted to business ventures or continued high-volume acting. [edit]

While The Vampire Diaries received numerous accolades, Steven R. McQueen did not win any major industry awards such as Emmys, Golden Globes, or SAG Awards. He received three Teen Choice Award nominations for Choice TV Actor: Fantasy/Sci-Fi in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Additionally, he was nominated for a People's Choice Award for Favorite Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actor in 2014. Despite the show's massive success, he did not secure wins from these ceremonies. [edit]