Zach Roerig is Matt Donovan in The Vampire Diaries

In The CW’s “The Vampire Diaries,” Zach Roerig makes his primetime series regular debut as Matt Donovan, the quintessential all-American athlete and big man on campus.

Many viewers will remember Roerig from his recent high profile arc as Tyra’s (Adrianne Palicki) bad boy beau, rodeo star Cash, on the critically acclaimed drama “Friday Night Lights.”

While 2009 marks Roerig’s true introduction into primetime television, he is no stranger to hard, steady work. Born and raised Northwestern Ohio, Zach assisted in his family business and played competitive sports, including football and wrestling.

Growing up in a small, rural town, Roerig has always been avid outdoorsman. In his later years of high school, he caught the acting bug and began commuting to Cleveland (the closest big city) to begin formal training. Upon graduation Zach moved to New York to pursue his dream of a career as an actor.

Within a matter of months, he landed the role of Casey Hughes on the daytime serial “As the World Turns,” where he made such an impression on the producers and fans that he was soon offered a long-term contract. His two-year stint on the soap allowed him to continue to hone his craft while enjoying steady work as an actor. During this time he also shot two pilots: “The Prince” and “Split Decision,” and made a guest appearance on “Law and Order.”

Shortly after leaving “As The World Turns,” Roerig made his feature film debut in the ensemble comedy “The Assassination of a High School President.” The film, which stars Bruce Willis, was an official selection at The 2008 Sundance Film Festival.

This summer, Roerig completed a lead role the independent feature film “Strawberry Wine,” and also served as one of the film’s executive producers.

Roerig currently resides in Atlanta, Georgia, where “The Vampire Diaries” is filming.

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