Vampire Diaries Author L.J. Smith Dies at 66 After Illness

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — L.J. Smith, the acclaimed author of the “Vampire Diaries” book series, passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 66 after a prolonged battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Smith’s partner, Julie Divola, and her sister, Judy Clifford, confirmed the news on Wednesday, noting that she died peacefully in a hospital.

Born Lisa Jane Smith in Florida in September 1958, Smith spent much of her childhood in Southern California. She began her writing journey at a young age, with her first fantasy novel, “The Night of the Solstice,” published in 1987. This opened doors for her in the literary world, leading to a contract with Alloy Entertainment that initiated the “Vampire Diaries” series.

The first four books, published between 1991 and 1992, laid the foundation for the successful CW television adaptation that aired from 2009 to 2017. The series, which starred Nina Dobrev as Elena Gilbert and featured a love triangle with vampire brothers Damon (Ian Somerhalder) and Stefan Salvatore (Paul Wesley), became a cultural phenomenon amid the resurgence of vampire-themed media.

A statement posted on Smith’s website highlighted her impact: “Lisa was a kind and gentle soul, whose brilliance, creativity, resilience and empathy illuminated the lives of her family, friends, and fans alike.” It continued, “She will be remembered for her imaginative spirit and her pioneering role in supernatural fiction.”

Despite achieving commercial success, Smith’s journey was marked by challenges. After taking a hiatus from writing to address family matters, including her mother’s death, she returned to the “Vampire Diaries” in 2007, driven by the franchise’s renewed popularity, thanks in part to Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series.

However, Smith’s relationship with Alloy turned sour, and in 2011, she was replaced by a ghostwriter for the series’ continuation. Smith expressed heartbreak over losing control of her characters and concept, stating in a 2014 interview, “I didn’t realize that they could take the series away from me.”

In response, Smith turned to fan fiction, creating new narratives for her characters within the “Vampire Diaries” universe. She also published other works, including the “Night World” series, and completed her last manuscripts shortly before her passing. John Silbersack, her agent, recalled her unwavering dedication to storytelling, noting that she completed three unpublished works even while facing severe health challenges.

Smith’s contributions to young adult literature extend beyond vampires. She authored over 29 books, including the “Secret Circle” and “Dark Visions” series, both of which similarly captured the imaginations of young readers.

In addition to Divola and Clifford, Smith is survived by a nephew, Brian Clifford; a niece, Lauren Clifford; and a grandnephew, Wyatt. Her legacy lives on through her characters and the profound connections she fostered with her readers.

Smith’s passing has prompted heartfelt tributes from fans mourning the loss of a beloved storyteller. Messages praising her creativity and the comfort her stories provided flooded social media, reflecting the deep impact her work had on generations of readers.