Bio
Zach Roerig is an American actor best known for his role as Casey Hughes on the television soap opera As the World Turns, from 2005-2007.
He currently stars as Matt Donovan, the quintessential all-American athlete and big man on campus, in the supernatural television series The Vampire Diaries, since 2009.
Roerig also had a high-profile arc as Tyra's (Adrianne Palicki) bad boy beau, rodeo star Cash, on the critically acclaimed drama series Friday Night Lights.
While 2009 marked Roerig's true introduction into primetime television with his role in The Vampire Diaries, 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 & 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.
In 2009, 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.