The Mikaelson family returned to New Orleans to reclaim their kingdom, bringing with them a compelling mix of allies, enemies, and complicated lovers. Premiering on October 3, 2013, as a spin-off from The Vampire Diaries, The Originals ran for five intense seasons, concluding on August 1, 2018. The show’s lasting appeal comes from its complex characters, brought to life by a talented ensemble cast. These actors portrayed a family bound by the vow of “always and forever,” navigating a thousand years of history, betrayal, and redemption in the supernatural heart of New Orleans.
The Core Mikaelson Family
At the center of the drama were the original vampires themselves, the siblings whose turbulent relationships drove the series’ epic narrative.
Joseph Morgan led the series as the fearsome yet vulnerable Klaus Mikaelson. As the Original Hybrid—part vampire, part werewolf—Klaus was the self-proclaimed king whose violent impulses were constantly at war with his deep desire for family and love. Morgan portrayed Klaus’s journey from a tyrannical monster to a sacrificial father, a performance that earned him a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Actor in a New Series. Klaus’s magnetic and dangerous presence made every scene tense, as he struggled between his worst nature and the better man he hoped to be for his daughter.
His steadfast older brother was Elijah Mikaelson, played with polished elegance by Daniel Gillies. Elijah was the noble heart of the family, often acting as Klaus’s moral compass and enforcer of their “always and forever” vow. Dressed impeccably in suits, Elijah offered a word as his bond, providing a stark contrast to Klaus’s chaos. His complicated and restrained love for Hayley Marshall became one of the series’ most poignant storylines, adding layers of tragedy to his character.
The beloved sister of the family, Rebekah Mikaelson, was portrayed by Claire Holt. As the youngest Original sibling, Rebekah spent centuries yearning for a normal human life—a chance to grow old, have a family, and find true love. Holt appeared as a series regular in the first season and returned in a special guest star capacity for the remaining seasons, her character’s fate intertwining with Marcel Gerard and the quest to raise Hope. Rebekah’s fierce loyalty and sometimes naive hope provided the family with its emotional core.
The family expanded with the introduction of their long-lost sister, Freya Mikaelson. Played by Riley Voelkel, Freya was a powerful witch who was thought to be dead for centuries. She joined the series as a recurring character before becoming a mainstay, using her immense magical power to protect her newfound family from ancient threats like their aunt Dahlia. As the firstborn Mikaelson child, Freya’s wisdom and strength became indispensable to the family’s survival.
Key Allies and Complicated Adversaries
Beyond the Mikaelson bloodline, New Orleans was filled with powerful figures whose loyalties shifted between family and faction.
Phoebe Tonkin starred as Hayley Marshall, a werewolf who entered the Mikaelsons’ world after a one-night stand with Klaus left her pregnant with his child. Hayley evolved from a lone wolf searching for her past into a fierce hybrid mother and the heart of the extended family. Her relationship with Elijah and her unwavering love for her daughter, Hope, defined much of the series’ emotional landscape. Tonkin’s portrayal showed Hayley’s growth into a leader of the Crescent Wolf Pack.
Charles Michael Davis played Marcel Gerard, Klaus’s charismatic vampire protégé and adoptive son. Marcel ruled the French Quarter with a charming yet iron fist in the Mikaelsons’ absence. His deep history with the family—particularly his past romance with Rebekah—created a dynamic mix of rivalry, respect, and deep-seated love. Marcel’s journey from a saved slave boy to the formidable “King of New Orleans” was a central pillar of the show’s conflict.
The supernatural politics of the city were heavily influenced by its witches. Danielle Campbell played Davina Claire, a supremely powerful teenage witch who began as an antagonist before forming deep bonds with Marcel and later, Kol Mikaelson. Another key witch was Vincent Griffith, portrayed by Yusuf Gatewood. Vincent started as a guest character and evolved into a series regular, serving as a reluctant ally to the Mikaelsons and a moral anchor for the witch community. He often challenged the Mikaelsons’ methods while recognizing the necessity of their protection.
Adding a human perspective was Leah Pipes as Camille “Cami” O’Connell, a bartender and psychology student. Cami became an unlikely confidante and love interest for Klaus, seeing the good man buried beneath his monstrous exterior. Her rational mind and compassion offered Klaus his first real chance at redemption and understanding.
The Next Generation and the Legacy
The birth of Hope Mikaelson changed everything for the Mikaelson family. This child was no ordinary being; she was the world’s first tribrid—part witch, part werewolf, and part vampire. Hope’s very existence triggered prophecies and made her a target for every powerful enemy. As an infant and young child, Hope was portrayed by several actors, including Summer Fontana in season four.
The character’s journey continued into adolescence, played by Danielle Rose Russell in the fifth and final season of The Originals. Russell’s portrayal showed a teenage Hope grappling with her immense power and tragic legacy, a role she would reprise as the lead character in the sequel series, Legacies. Hope’s birth and growth gave the volatile Klaus a purpose beyond power, anchoring the entire series in a story about family and legacy.
Another fan-favorite character who represented a brighter future was Josh Rosza, a kind-hearted vampire turned by Marcel. Played by Steven Krueger, Josh provided much of the series’ humor and heart as he navigated the dangerous world of New Orleans, eventually finding love and becoming a trusted member of the inner circle.
Notable Recurring Characters and Villains
The Mikaelsons faced threats from their own millennium-long history. Their mother and father, the original witch Esther and the relentless vampire hunter Mikael, returned to haunt them. Esther’s sister, the ancient and powerful witch Dahlia (played by Claudia Black), sought to claim first-born Mikaelson children, leading to a monumental battle for Hope’s fate.
Other siblings also made dramatic returns. Nathaniel Buzolic played the mischievous and volatile Kol Mikaelson, while Caspar Zafer portrayed the righteous Finn Mikaelson. Their returns, often in new witch bodies, stirred old family tensions.
The show also introduced the ancient vampire trio known as The Trinity. This included Lucien Castle (Andrew Lees), the first vampire sired by Klaus, and the de Martel siblings, Aurora (Rebecca Breeds) and Tristan (Oliver Ackland), sired by Rebekah and Elijah respectively. Their vendetta against the Mikaelsons fueled a major storyline, highlighting the destructive fallout of the Originals’ long lives.
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The Cast’s Lasting Impact and Where to Find Them
The final season of The Originals ended with a bittersweet but fitting conclusion for the Mikaelson family, paving the way for the next chapter. Danielle Rose Russell continued Hope Mikaelson’s story as the lead in Legacies, which ran for four seasons and followed Hope at the Salvatore School for the Young and Gifted. The show also featured other characters from The Originals universe, including Freya Mikaelson and Marcel Gerard in guest appearances.
The legacy of the actors continues beyond the show. Joseph Morgan has directed episodes of The Originals and continues to act in various film and television projects. Daniel Gillies has been involved in writing and directing, while Phoebe Tonkin and Claire Holt have starred in other television series and films. The ensemble’s powerful performances created a rich, character-driven saga that fans continue to revisit for its themes of family, redemption, and power.
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