‘Vampire Diaries’ star understands fans’ passion

NEW YORK — “The Vampire Diaries” is known for its twists and turns, and one of its stars, Ian Somerhalder, says Thursday night’s season finale won’t be any different.

“Elena’s gonna make a big decision,” teased the 34-year-old actor at CW’s presentation of its programming for next season. He couldn’t elaborate on what decision or decisions would be made.

The series is set in a fictional Virginia town where vampires, werewolves and witches live among humans (though not exactly peacefully). At the heart of the series is a love triangle among vampire brothers Damon (Somerhalder) and Stefan (Paul Wesley), who both love Elena (Nina Dobrev).

The show, which has been on the air since 2009, has a passionate fan following, and Somerhalder said Thursday that he feels that investment almost everywhere he goes.

“I was in Toronto yesterday and people were coming up to me, men, women, children, literally some of them in tears, bludgeoning me with what’s gonna happen (on the show). ... People are very, very affected. I’m very curious to see what the reaction is (to the season finale).”

Somerhalder’s character struck a particular chord with viewers. Introduced as an antagonistic vampire, he’s softened some over the years, largely due to his love for Elena.

Initially, he wasn’t sure about Damon losing some of his edge.

“Damon has to care about something sometimes, and I always wanted to stay the bad guy, and (series co-creator) Kevin Williamson had to pound it into my head that we didn’t want Damon to be a one-trick pony. I disagreed, but over time I realized (the writers) were right and you need a layered, dynamic character,” Somerhalder said.

“The Vampire Diaries” has a spinoff series, “The Originals,” that will air on Tuesdays beginning this fall.