Happy Birthday, Zach Roerig! 32 Reasons We Adore 'The Vampire Diaries' Actor 

cast members work hard to ensure that each weekly episode of TVD is unforgettable and gripping, so when their special days roll around we try to make our happy birthday wishes as meaningful possible! And this week, one of television’s most sincere and wonderful boy next door, Zach Roerig (who plays Matt Donovan, a.k.a. one of the few humans left in Mystic Falls), is ringing in his 31st year of life!

Celebrate his exciting occasion with a bunch of fun facts and dashing photos that

happen to highlight those brilliant blue eyes that make sassy Katherine Pierce weak in the knees!

Zach made his acting debut in a 2004 episode of

star Alexandra Chando, with whom he starred in

Just like his onscreen persona Matt Donova, Zach was crowned prom king during his high school years!

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 08: Actor Zach Roerig of The Vampire Diaries attends SCAD Presents aTVfest at the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta on February 8, 2014 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for SCAD)

, a historical drama based on the true story of The Battle of New Market.

He\'s good friends with co-star Michael Trevino!

Zach exclusively told vampirediaries.alloyentertainment.com that he\'d love to take a date to a shooting range for Valentine\'s Day due to an amusing LivingSocial ad he saw!

Zach\'s secret wish for Matt is for him to date Sheriff Forbes. (Ha! He clearly loves The Graduate.)

"The Last Day" - Marguerite MacIntyre as Sheriff Forbes and Zach Roerig as Matt in THE VAMPIRE DIARIES on The CW. Photo: Bob Mahoney/The CW ©2011 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 17: LAS VEGAS - JANUARY 17: Cast members of "The Vampire Diaries," from left, Steven McQueen, Candice Accola, Nina Dobrey, Zach Roerig, Sara Canning and Kayla Ewell arrive at a 21st birthday celebration for actress Dobrev at Studio 54 inside the MGM Grand Hotel/Casino as the nightclub marks its 12th anniversary early January 17, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Sam Morris/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Kayla Ewell;Sara Canning;Zach Roerig;Nina Dobrey;Candice Accola;Steven McQueen

If he could have any power in the world, it\'d be to fly! But his secret talent is archery (just like Katniss Everdeen!)

He thought he and Leah Pipes were in this together High School Musical style....

"I\'m pretty sure [Matt\'s portrayer] Zach Roerig is not happy to hear that I\'ve turned," Leah Pipes joked, in reference to her character becoming a vampire, during an interview with TVLine. "He and I really thought we were in this together. I was going to be the Matt of The Originals."

And it appears real life imitates art, because Zach happens to own a ranch with 35 horses.

He\'s not afraid to express his religious beliefs, and keeps many people in his thoughts and prayers. "I\'d like to wish a happy and safe Lenten season to all of my brothers and sisters, especially to those suffering in the Middle East," he

Zach Roerig starred as Casye Hughes in the Daytime Drama AS THE WORLD TURNS, broadcast weekdays on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Robert Voets/CBS©2006 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved

He and Candice Accola dressed up as a Toddlers and Tiaras family for Halloween 2011!

He loves how Matty Blue Blue never gives up. Also, homeboy seriously knows how to work a chair. (Is that a fact? We\'re making it one.)

Speaking of Matt, did you know that Zach almost didn\'t play him? "At first I tried for Damon," he revealed during a fan-convention Q&A. "Then I tried for Stefan, and then I tried for Matt, and then I tried Tyler."

What’s your favorite thing about this amazing TVD actor? Leave your happy birthday wishes for Zach Roerig in the comments below!

Happy Birthday, Zach Roerig! 32 Reasons We Adore ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Actor

32 Magical Times Candice and Joe King Were Total #RelationshipGoals

Too Cute: Candice King’s New Photo of Baby Florence Will MELT YOUR HEART!

Sorry, Panthers & Broncos! Here’s Who Nina Dobrev Was REALLY Rooting for at This Year’s Super Bowl

Aw! Candice King in Mommy Mode is The Cutest Thing You Will See Today

8 Times Fang Fans Took Their Love for Vampires Too Far

The New Slayer Wreaks Havoc in ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Episode 7×13: Watch The Promo!

The 10 Greatest YA Book Romances You Probably Don’t Know About

This Is The Only “Damn, Daniel” Video You Will Ever Need in Your Life

10 Reasons Kissing is Beneficial To Your Health (According to Science)

The 45 Best Fan Reactions To ‘The Vampire Diaries’ Episode 7×13

The Originals Season 3 Episode 14 Synopsis: “A Streetcar Named Desire”