True Blood: Where Are Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer And The Cast Today?

The following article includes references to alcohol addiction and suicide.

Beginning in 2008, it seemed that all anybody could talk about was "True Blood." The series was everywhere, with people commenting on the likely outcomes of various on-screen romances, conflicts, and much more. As the seasons came and went, the lore surrounding vampires, werewolves, and all manner of nightmare creatures unfolded for the enjoyment of the masses, and "True Blood" enjoyed exceptional popularity.

When the final season concluded in 2014, the show did what many popular series sadly do — it faded into the background. Over time, it hasn't endured with the same fanfare as other HBO series like "The Sopranos" or "Game of Thrones," but there are plenty of fans who don't mind binging the series whenever the mood strikes. One interesting thing about a series like "True Blood" is that it featured a lot of top-tier talent who brought the show's characters to life.

While some of the actors who worked on the series have gone on to superstardom, others have had less stellar careers. Rumors of a reboot have been in circulation for a while, and fans who watched the series when it first aired are giving it and their favorite actors a second look. "True Blood" featured a large and ever-growing supporting cast, including the likes of Stephen Root, Anna Camp, Lizzy Caplan, and many more. But beyond the minor characters, there are some core protagonists who stand out. This is what the primary players from "True Blood" have been up to since the series came to an end.

Stephen Moyer's career began in 1993 when he played Philip Masefield in the British TV show, "Conjugal Rites." His first film role then arrived in 1997 when he played the title role in "Prince Valiant." But despite working continuously for more than a decade, most people didn't meet Moyer until he strolled into Bellefleur's Bar and Grill to catch Sookie Stackhouse's eye in "True Blood."  

Moyer played Bill Compton, a Confederate soldier of the 28th Louisiana Regiment-turned vampire born in 1835, who managed to master the art of brooding because, well, it's a sexy look. It certainly worked on Sookie, who is smitten the moment she sees him. Bill is the second protagonist and occasional antagonist of "True Blood," and Moyer absolutely nailed the part. He played Bill throughout the series, always closely associating with Sookie as a friend, a lover, and a foil.

When his time on "True Blood" ended, Moyer jumped from one series to the next, playing leading roles in "The Bastard Executioner," "Shots Fired," "Safe House," and "The Gifted." He's kept himself busy on the small screen, but like his wife, he's graced the silver screen a time or two. He had an uncredited role in "Godzilla: King of the Monsters" and has appeared in nearly a dozen films since "True Blood" ended including "The Hatton Garden Job" and "Concussion."

Ryan Kwanten got his start in the entertainment industry in 1991 via an uncredited appearance in "The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes." From there, he hit the ground running and landed numerous television gigs in his native Australia, including the soap, "Home and Away," and "Spellbinder: Land of the Dragon Lord." As he entered the '00s, Kwanten enjoyed significant roles in the U.S. in shows like "Summerland" and in movies like James Wan's cult horror, "Dead Silence." Of course, it wasn't until he took on the role of Jason Stackhouse in "True Blood" that he became an international star.

Kwanten absolutely nailed his Louisiana accent in playing Jason, such that most viewers who didn't know better probably thought he was an American. Jason isn't the brightest character in the series, while the actor is the exact opposite. Regardless, he plays a convincing buffoon, and Jason is one of the more beloved characters in the series. Kwanten appeared in every episode of "True Blood" and kept himself in front of the camera when the series concluded in 2014.

The actor filmed several walk-on roles in various TV series before landing another leading role in 2018's "The Oath." Since then he's appeared in a variety of projects including "The Hurricane Heist," "Glorious," and "Section Eight." Kwanten actively avoided being typecast, taking roles very different from his "True Blood" character. "Without a doubt, it could have been easy to fall into the Jason Stackhouse mold," he told MovieWeb.

Nelsan Ellis' career kicked off in 2002 via the short film "Lost," and he began regularly working in Hollywood a few years later. He had some success on the silver screen, and in 2005, he played Carter Howard on "The Inside." He soon scored appearances on "Veronica Mars" and "Without a Chase," which was followed by his casting as Lafayette Reynolds in "True Blood." The sassy cook who had no problem telling Sookie and anyone around him exactly what he thought of them instantly became a beloved character.

When "True Blood" ended, Ellis landed a recurring role on "Elementary," but spent most of his time on the silver screen. Throughout his relatively short career, he appeared in "Secretariat," "The Help," and "The Butler," where he played Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He appeared in at least one movie a year between 2013 to 2017. Sadly, his final film, "True to the Game," was released posthumously, as he died on July 8, 2017.

Ellis' father explained the details of his son's death in a statement published by The Hollywood Reporter. Describing how the actor had experienced issues with alcohol and substance misuse for many years, he shared that Ellis had tried to quit drinking without any outside support. After experiencing four days of chronic symptoms relating to alcohol withdrawal syndrome, Ellis died of heart failure at the age of 39. The family added that they shared his story to urge others in a similar position to receive help. 

If you or anyone you know needs help with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Rutina Wesley studied the dramatic arts, earning a degree from Juilliard, before she went on to work in theater, television, and feature films. She debuted on Broadway in "The Vertical Hour" and continued working in theater. She landed a role in the 2007 film "How She Move" and showed up in an episode of "Numb3rs" before being cast as Tara Thornton in "True Blood." The series was only her second time on the small screen, and she astounded audiences with her portrayal of a half-fae telepathic best friend to Sookie Stackhouse.

The character's "True Blood" storylines were dramatic and unreal, thanks to her innate telepathic abilities, unusual lineage, and conflicts with her bestie. Further complicating her identity within the series' narrative, Tara was turned into a vampire in Season 5. While she died at the beginning of "True Blood's" final season, Wesley continued playing her via flashbacks across multiple episodes.

Since leaving "True Blood," the actor has worked on several television series and films. In 2021, she played Ramila in "Outsiders," and her small screen work includes minor roles in "Hannibal," "Arrow," and "The Walking Dead," as well as a role as Maria's interpreter in the TV adaptation of "The Last of Us." Beyond "True Blood," she's best known for playing Nova Bordelon on "Queen Sugar" from 2016 to 2022 — her performance earned her three Black Reel Award wins across three consecutive years.

While 2007 was the first year Deborah Ann Woll worked in television, the following year was the one that established her career. In 2008, she landed walk-on roles in "ER," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," "My Name is Earl," and "The Mentalist," so she was busy. Of course, it was the last show she appeared in that year that truly set her up for fame and success when she landed the role of Jessica Hamby on "True Blood."

Jessica was introduced as a pious young woman who had few life experiences before a group of vampires captured her. Bill Compton was forced by his fellow fangers to turn her into a vampire, making Jessica his vampiric progeny. Her personality completely changed upon her transformation, ensuring she was no longer under her parents' rule as she embraced the wild life of a vampire. Jessica plays a significant role throughout the series and is one of the central protagonists.

"True Blood" truly set Woll up for success. The year after it ended, she was cast as Karen Page in Marvel's "Daredevil" series on Netflix, a role she reprised in other Netflix Marvel joints like "The Defenders" and "The Punisher." Despite being a fan-favorite character, Woll revealed during a 2022 episode of the "Inside of You" podcast that Marvel Studios hadn't yet approached her to reprise her role in the rebooted "Daredevil: Born Again" series. However, she added, "I would be thrilled to get to be a part of it."

Todd Lowe's acting career began in 1997 when he appeared in an episode of "Walker, Texas Ranger." Before landing the role of Terry Bellefleur in "True Blood," he stepped onto the stage and has since appeared in a dozen theater productions, including "Ragtime," "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," Jesus Christ Superstar," and others. He's also worked as a director, set design director, and production designer for several productions. Quite notably, on the small screen, he also depicted Hep Alien's guitarist, Zach, in "Gilmore Girls." 

In "True Blood," Lowe played Terry Bellefleur, a Marine with severe PTSD following his experiences in the military and is dismissed as crazy by the people of Bon Temps. However, Sam gave him a job as a short-order cook at Merlotte's Bar and Grill, and he eventually married Arlene. Tragically, he was so haunted by his past that he asked a fellow Marine to end his pain. Terry returned as a ghost in "Death is Not the End," bringing his time on the series to an end.

While working on "True Blood," Lowe concurrently played Randy on "Ave 43," and he appeared sporadically on TV and in films until 2017. In addition to acting, he returned to the musical roots he showcased in "Gilmore Girls." He was the lead singer and guitarist for Pilbilly Knights under the stage name "Randy Bluth." He later joined The LA Hootenanny, continuing his love of country rock via performances in and around Los Angeles, California.

If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline​ by dialing 988 or by calling 1-800-273-TALK (8255)​.

Lauren Bowles has spent her career appearing in a plethora of television series, beginning with a waitress role in nine episodes of "Seinfeld." From there, she landed one main role as Susan on "Watching Ellie." She popped up throughout the early-mid 2000s on everything from "NCIS" and "Arrested Development" to "Grey's Anatomy" and "The New Adventures of Christine." Bowles also spent some time on the silver screen, though not in any leading roles.

As Holly Clearly on "True Blood," the actor first appeared in the show's third season and remained a primary character until the show came to an end. Holly worked at Merlotte's Bar and Grill, but she moonlighted as a Wiccan capable of casting various spells. She became romantically involved with Sherrif Bellefleur, and by the series' conclusion, the two were engaged to be married.

"True Blood" was Bowles' most significant role on television, having appeared in 48 episodes. But when the show came to an end, she nonetheless continued appearing in all manner of TV shows, including "Mom," "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and "Modern Family." In 2022, she even nabbed herself a small role in an episode of "9-1-1: Lone Star" opposite fellow "True Blood" alum, Jim Parrack.