Zach Roerig has an estimated net worth of $1 million. He built this wealth through a steady career in television and film. Best known for his long-running role as Matt Donovan on The CW’s supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries, Roerig has a diverse resume. His career spans daytime soap operas, primetime dramas, independent films, and action thrillers.
Who Is Zach Roerig?
Zachary George Roerig was born on February 22, 1985, in Montpelier, Ohio. His parents are Daniel and Andrea Roerig. He grew up with a younger sister named Emily. During his youth, he worked for his father and grandfather’s business, Fackler Monuments, which made gravestones. He was an active student who played football and wrestled at Montpelier High School. He also developed an early interest in acting and modeling through the Barbizon Modeling and Acting School in Cleveland and events with the International Modeling and Talent Association. After graduating, he moved to New York City to study at the Actors Movement Studio and pursue acting professionally.
Breakthrough Roles and Soap Operas
Roerig first gained traction in daytime television. In January 2005, he joined the CBS soap opera As the World Turns as Casey Hughes. He played the son of long-running characters Tom and Margo Hughes until May 2007. Shortly after, he appeared as Hunter Atwood on ABC’s One Life to Live. In 2008, he moved to primetime television. He took on a recurring role as rodeo cowboy Cash Waller on NBC’s critically acclaimed sports drama Friday Night Lights.
The Vampire Diaries and Career Success
Roerig achieved international recognition in 2009. He was cast as Matt Donovan in The CW’s hit supernatural series The Vampire Diaries. His character was one of the few ordinary humans to survive the supernatural chaos of Mystic Falls, Virginia. Over the course of the show, Matt evolved from a high school student into a dedicated law enforcement officer.
Roerig appeared as a series regular throughout the entire eight-season run of the show. The series spanned 171 episodes from 2009 to 2017. This long-running television contract is the primary foundation of his professional success and his estimated $1 million net worth. He later reprised his iconic role in the franchise spinoffs The Originals in 2016 and Legacies in 2018.
Post-Vampire Diaries Projects and Recent Work
Even while starring in The Vampire Diaries, Roerig expanded his portfolio into film and television. His notable credits include:
- Rings (2017): Appeared in the third installment of the supernatural horror franchise.
- The Gifted (2017): Played the mutant Augustus, also known as Pulse, on the Fox superhero series.
- Dare Me (2019-2020): Starred as troubled military recruiter Sergeant Will Mosley on the USA Network drama.
- Step Up (2022): Played Jimmy Irons across seven episodes of the Starz dance drama.
- Day of Reckoning (2025): Secured a leading role as Sheriff John Dorsey in the Western action thriller directed by Shaun Silva.
- The Waterfront & Boots (2025): Appeared in Netflix crime drama and military comedy-drama projects.
- Undertow (2026): Joined the cast of the independent crime thriller directed by Kate Bohan.
Personal Life and Legal Challenges
Roerig has a daughter named Fiona, who was born in January 2011 with his former girlfriend Alanna Turner. In 2013, he successfully petitioned for sole custody of his daughter after Turner was incarcerated in a federal prison. He continues to balance fatherhood with his acting career and maintains a home base in Georgia.
In May 2020, Roerig made headlines when police arrested him in his hometown of Montpelier, Ohio. He faced a misdemeanor DUI charge after an officer stopped his vehicle because it lacked a front license plate. He was released on his own recognizance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Zach Roerig
What is Zach Roerig’s net worth?
Zach Roerig has an estimated net worth of $1 million. He earned this primarily through his long-term television contracts, recurring roles, independent films, and production work.
What is Zach Roerig best known for?
He is best known for playing Matt Donovan on all eight seasons of The CW supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries from 2009 to 2017.
Did Zach Roerig play in any soap operas?
Yes. Before achieving primetime success, Roerig played Casey Hughes on As the World Turns and Hunter Atwood on One Life to Live.
Does Zach Roerig have children?
He has a daughter named Fiona, born in 2011. He has raised her as a single father since winning sole custody in 2013.
What are some of his recent acting roles?
Roerig starred as Sheriff John Dorsey in the 2025 Western thriller Day of Reckoning and appeared in Netflix’s projects The Waterfront and Boots.
