If you spent any part of the 2010s obsessed with Mystic Falls, you know Jeremy Gilbert. He was the kid who couldn't catch a break. He died about five times, saw ghosts, became a supernaturally jacked vampire hunter, and then just... left. One day he’s getting on a bus to "art school" (which we all knew was a cover for hunting vamps), and the next, the actor playing him, Steven R. McQueen, was basically gone from the spotlight.
People still Google "Jeremy from Vampire Diaries actor" like they're looking for a missing person. Honestly, it makes sense. He was a central pillar of a show that defined a generation of supernatural TV, and then he pulled a disappearing act that would make a ghost jealous.
But he didn't actually vanish into thin air. He just chose a path that looks a lot different than the typical Hollywood "climb."
Who is Steven R. McQueen?
Before we get into where he is now in 2026, we have to talk about the name. Steven Chadwick McQueen. If that sounds familiar, it should. He is the grandson of Steve McQueen, the "King of Cool" and the biggest movie star of the 1960s.
Growing up as Hollywood royalty is heavy. Steven has admitted in past interviews that the name was both a door-opener and a massive weight on his shoulders. He didn't even use the full McQueen name at first, often going by Steven R. McQueen—the "R" being a nod to his stepfather, NHL legend Luc Robitaille.
He didn't want to just be "the grandson." He wanted to work.
His breakout wasn't actually The Vampire Diaries. He had a solid run on Everwood as Kyle Hunter, playing a closeted piano prodigy. It was a nuanced, quiet performance that showed he had more range than just "broody teenager." But then came 2009, and the world met Jeremy Gilbert.
The Chaos of Being Jeremy Gilbert
Jeremy was a polarizing character. Let's be real. In the early seasons, he was the moping younger brother with a drug problem and a penchant for falling in love with girls who ended up dead (RIP Vicki, RIP Anna).
Then something shifted. Around Season 4, Steven R. McQueen clearly spent some serious time in the gym. Jeremy became a member of "The Brotherhood of the Five," a group of elite vampire hunters. He went from the kid who needed saving to the guy with the crossbow and the magical tattoos.
But behind the scenes, the "Jeremy from Vampire Diaries actor" was ready for something else. He left the show as a series regular in Season 6. At the time, executive producer Julie Plec said it was because Jeremy had "grown up" and there wasn't much story left to tell without it feeling repetitive.
Life After Mystic Falls: The Chicago Fire Era
After hanging up the crossbow, McQueen traded supernatural stakes for fire hoses. He joined the cast of Chicago Fire as Jimmy Borrelli.
It felt like a smart move. Procedurals are steady work. They keep you relevant. But his time in the "One Chicago" universe was short-lived. His character was written out after a traumatic injury in Season 5, following a clash with the fire chief.
Since then? The roles have been few and far between. A Hallmark movie here (Home by Spring), a cameo in the TVD spinoff Legacies there. He even did a pilot for a Western called The Warrant back in 2020.
But if you look at his credits since 2022, they're pretty sparse.
Where is He Now in 2026?
Here is the thing most people don't realize about Steven R. McQueen: he sort of fell out of love with the "industry" side of acting.
While his former co-stars like Ian Somerhalder are busy selling bourbon and Nina Dobrev is producing films, Steven has leaned heavily into humanitarian work. He’s spent a significant amount of time traveling to places like Rwanda and parts of South America, working with NGOs.
He’s also become notoriously private. His Instagram, which used to be a mix of gym selfies and promotional shots, went dark for long stretches. Rumors circulated in late 2024 and 2025 that he had moved away from Los Angeles entirely to focus on his family and his father’s legacy.
Tragically, his father, Chad McQueen, passed away in September 2024. Sources close to the family suggest this was a turning point for Steven. Dealing with the loss of a parent who was also his link to the McQueen racing and acting legacy pushed him further away from the Hollywood "scene."
Why He’s Not at Fan Conventions
If you go to a Vampire Diaries convention today, you’ll see Paul Wesley, Kat Graham, and maybe even a stray Original brother. You rarely see Steven.
There’s been some chatter in fan circles that he’s distanced himself from the "Li'l Gilbert" persona. Honestly, after playing a teenager for six years and then a firefighter, maybe he just wants to be Steven. No cameras, no scripts, no "Team Jeremy" shirts.
He’s currently living a relatively quiet life, reportedly focusing on his passion for cars—another McQueen family staple—and low-profile charity projects. He hasn't "retired" officially, but he isn't chasing the Marvel Cinematic Universe either.
The Jeremy Gilbert Legacy
Looking back, the "Jeremy from Vampire Diaries actor" gave the show its human heart. Amidst all the ancient vampires and hybrid wars, Jeremy was the one who actually felt the weight of the death surrounding them.
He wasn't always the most liked character, but he was the most resilient.
If you're looking to keep up with him, your best bet isn't the tabloids. It's keeping an eye on humanitarian documentaries or specialized racing events. He’s choosing to live his life off-screen, which is a rarity for someone who grew up in the shadow of two Hollywood icons.
What You Can Do Next
- Rewatch the Evolution: If you haven't seen the "Brotherhood of the Five" arc in Season 4 lately, it’s worth a revisit just to see the physical and acting transformation McQueen went through.
- Support the Causes: Look into the humanitarian projects he’s supported in the past, such as TECHO, which focuses on poverty in Latin America.
- Check Out The Warrant: If you want to see his most recent "leading man" energy, this 2020 Western is a departure from his CW days and shows a more mature side of his acting.
Steven R. McQueen might not be on your TV screen every Tuesday night anymore, but he’s arguably doing his most important work away from the flashbulbs. He’s proving that you can be part of a Hollywood dynasty and still choose a life that is entirely your own.