The Vampire Diaries star Steven R McQueen stunned fans this weekend as he made his first public appearance in seven years.

McQueen, now 38, is best known for his role as heartthrob Jeremy Gilbert on the supernatural show from 2009 to 2017, but in recent years has stepped away from acting, with his social media accounts lying dormant.

The grandson of legendary actor Steve McQueen looked nearly unrecognizable with a shaved head and pared back style as he reunited with his former co-stars at the Forever Mystic Falls Fan Meet 7 in Paris over the weekend.

McQueen was seen happily posing with fans and chatting with his former co-stars, including Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.

Fans praised the star for returning to the spotlight, saying: ‘I also don’t think people realize how much courage it took for him to bite the bullet and do this meet and greet, after not being in the public-eye for a good few years.

Fans welcome McQueen’s return to the spotlight

Others wrote: ‘I always wondered where he went and what he was doing, nice to see that he’s active again.

‘He is still handsome and I hope he’s doing well.

‘proud of him for coming out and welcome the love the fans have for him.

‘He looks fine though. Still such a cutie.’

His last credited role was in 2020 film, The Warrant, alongside Neal McDonough and Casper Van Dien.

As well as his role on The Vampire Diaries, McQueen has also starred on NBC’s Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire.

McQueen has not commented publicly on his decision to step away from acting. His last Instagram post in 2021 was to raise awareness for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. In 2024, the actor suffered the loss of his father Chad McQueen at age 63.

Steven was named after his legendary film star grandfather Steve McQueen who died in 1980.

McQueen’s Hollywood roots

The actor previously said that he was inspired to get into the movie business by the Great Escape star.

‘I started watching movies my grandpa did, and I saw what an impact they made on the world,’ he said in a 2014 interview.

‘That’s when I said, “Hey, I want to do that too.”‘

He was engaged to Alexandra Silva in 2018, but the romance broke down shortly afterwards.

The convention also comes two years after the death of his father, Chad McQueen, at age 63.

Chad, the son of Steve McQueen, died in September 2024 from organ failure at his home in Palm Desert, California, his longtime attorney Arthur Barens told TMZ at the time.

According to his attorney, McQueen had been suffering from progressively worsening organ failure caused by a serious injury he suffered years earlier, which eventually led to his death.

He was reportedly surrounded by his children and his wife Jeanie in his final moments.

Family honors Chad McQueen’s legacy

In a statement to Variety, McQueen’s wife Jeanie and his children Chase and Madison wrote: ‘It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our father, Chad McQueen. His remarkable journey as a loving father to us, along with his unwavering commitment to our mother, truly exemplified a life filled with love and dedication.

‘His passion for racing not only highlighted his exceptional talent but also served as a way to honor his father’s legacy, a testament to the values instilled in him,’ they continued.

‘He passed his passion, knowledge and dedication down to us, and we will continue not only his legacy but our grandfather’s as well,’ McQueen’s family concluded. ‘As a family, we need to navigate this difficult time, and we kindly ask for privacy as we remember and celebrate his extraordinary life.’

Chad shared Steven with his ex-wife Stacey Rae Toten.