Renowned author L.J. Smith, celebrated for her iconic series, The Vampire Diaries, passed away at 66 on March 8, 2025. Her partner, Julie Davola, reported that Smith succumbed to a rare autoimmune disease at a hospital in Walnut Creek, California. This affliction had plagued her for nearly a decade, a detail revealed in a statement provided to The New York Times.
The announcement of her passing was also confirmed through a memorial message on her official website on March 27.
As noted by PEOPLE, L.J. Smith’s illustrious career comprised 24 published works, with three additional manuscripts remaining unpublished. Her prolific writing career gained significant traction, largely due to the success of The Vampire Diaries, which was subsequently adapted into a massively popular CW television series.
Fan Tributes and Memories
In the wake of Smith’s death, tributes poured in from fans across X, with many expressing their heartfelt condolences and sharing personal memories of how her work influenced their lives. One user poignantly reflected on her legacy, stating:
“The OG vampire queen has left the chat. Rest easy, L.J. Smith.😭
“Rip to the author of one of the greatest vampire shows of all time,”wrote another fan, highlighting the show’s impact on popular culture.
“No way… she created such an iconic world. Rest in peace,”echoed another, indicating the profound influence of her storytelling.
“She served us with a masterpiece. We will miss her,”one more user expressed, underscoring Smith’s distinctive contributions to the genre.
Continuing the outpour of affection, fans shared reflections on how Smith’s narratives shaped their passions:
“Such sad news; her stories shaped an entire generation of vampire fans. Her impact will never be forgotten, rest in peace,”one user remarked.
“Her stories inspired countless supernatural fans. May she rest in peace,”another commented, emphasizing her reach within the fandom.
“Smith created a world that will live on in the hearts of millions. Thank you for the magic, the romance, and the darkness,”noted another user, encapsulating the essence of her literary legacy.
A Glimpse into L.J. Smith’s Literary Journey
Born Lisa Jane Smith in September 1958 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, she relocated to Southern California during her childhood. The author chose her pen name in homage to two of her favorite fantasy writers, J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, both of whom profoundly influenced her literary aspirations.
Smith earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in experimental psychology from the University of California. Prior to dedicating herself to writing, she spent many years working as a kindergarten teacher and special education trainer.
Her journey into writing began at a young age when she crafted her first fantasy novel, The Night of the Solstice, during her high school years. This early work caught the attention of Alloy Entertainment, a book packaging company at the time, which later became part of Warner Bros.
Alloy Entertainment signed Smith to develop The Vampire Diaries series, inspired by the success of the 1994 film adaptation of Anne Rice’s classic, Interview with the Vampire. The first of her novels in this series debuted in 1991, establishing a new narrative trend in the supernatural romance genre.
The series comprises several segments, with the initial four novels penned exclusively by Smith and published between 1991 and 1992. After a hiatus, she returned to the series with The Return trilogy, which commenced in 2009 and concluded in 2011, bridging the gap between the original novels and continuing the saga.
After Smith’s involvement with the series ended, ghostwriters took over, publishing further installments between 2011 and 2012. Though Alloy Entertainment severed ties with her, Smith expressed her intent to continue her own adaptations of her work through fan fiction. Her agent, John Silbersack, confirmed she remained actively engaged in writing up until her death.
“She had been quite ill, but despite the difficulties and the pain, she was fiercely dedicated to continuing to write,”he stated, shedding light on her unwavering commitment.
The Vampire Diaries series unfolds in the fictional town of Mystic Falls, centering around Elena Gilbert, a teenager caught in a love triangle with two vampire brothers, Damon and Stefan Salvatore.
The series was successfully adapted into a CW television show that aired from 2009 to 2017, featuring a talented cast including Nina Dobrev as Elena and Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder as the Salvatore brothers. Spanning eight seasons and 171 episodes, the show cemented Smith’s work in the realm of modern supernatural storytelling.
In addition to The Vampire Diaries, L.J. Smith is also known for her contributions to the Secret Circle and Night World series, which highlight her diverse storytelling capabilities.