What Happened to L.J. Smith? The Vampire Diaries Author Passes Away

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The author behind the beloved “Vampire Diaries” book series, L.J. Smith, has tragically passed away. This sad news was made official not long ago. Renowned for her significant contributions to young adult literature, Smith penned the books that served as the foundation for the popular CW television show.

Here’s what we know so far about L.J. Smith’s death.

L.J. Smith passes away at 66, claims report

On March 8, 2025, L.J. Smith, renowned for her popular Vampire Diaries book series, passed away at the age of 66, in Walnut Creek, California.

It was affirmed that her partner, Julie Divola, and sister, Judy Clifford, stated she passed away in a hospital following difficulties arising from a ten-year battle with an uncommon autoimmune condition.

Lisa Jane Smith, born on September 4, 1958, in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, spent her childhood in Villa Park, California. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in experimental psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1982 and later worked as both a kindergarten and special education teacher. Subsequently, she transitioned to being a full-time writer.

Back in her high school days, Smith penned down her debut fantasy novel titled “The Night of the Solstice.” She released this book in 1987, managing to sell approximately 5,000 copies. Despite its modest sales, it garnered the notice of Alloy Entertainment, a literary firm that eventually became part of Warner Bros, after being acquired by them.

L.J. Smith was employed by Alloy to create The Vampire Diaries, a young adult spin-off inspired by the popularity of Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire. She debuted the series in 1991 with the first book. In 2009, the CW network transformed her novels into a hit TV series, featuring Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder, and Paul Wesley.

Eventually, Alloy parted ways with Smith under a work-for-hire agreement, bringing on a ghostwriter instead. Later, in the 2010s, she resumed writing and utilized fan fiction to reclaim her characters. In 2014, The Wall Street Journal labeled her return as “one of the most peculiar literary comebacks ever recorded.

As reported by John Silbersack, her agent, “Although she was very unwell, she persisted with a fierce determination to keep writing.” Smith’s life partner, Julie Divola, survives her.

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2025-03-27 12:42