L.J. Smith, the beloved author best known for her groundbreaking series "The Vampire Diaries," passed away on March 8, 2025, at the age of 66. Smith, whose full name was Lisa Jane Smith, died peacefully in a hospital in Walnut Creek, California, after a long battle with a rare autoimmune disease. Her partner, Julie Divola, and sister, Judy Clifford, confirmed her death to The New York Times, revealing that Smith had endured the effects of her illness for over a decade.
Born on September 4, 1958, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Smith grew up in Southern California, where she developed a passion for storytelling at an early age. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and later worked as a kindergarten and special education teacher before fully committing to her writing career.
Smith's literary journey began with her first novel, "The Night of the Solstice," published in 1987. However, it was her creation of "The Vampire Diaries" that catapulted her to fame. The series, which comprised four books published between 1991 and 1992, followed the tumultuous life of high school student Elena Gilbert, who found herself in a love triangle with vampire brothers Damon and Stefan Salvatore. The books gained immense popularity, particularly in the mid-2000s, leading to a successful television adaptation on The CW that aired from 2009 to 2017.
The TV series, produced by Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson, starred Nina Dobrev as Elena, Paul Wesley as Stefan, and Ian Somerhalder as Damon. It became a cultural phenomenon, contributing to the resurgence of vampire-themed media in popular culture, especially in the wake of the "Twilight" series. The show's success also led to two spin-offs, "The Originals" and "Legacies."
Despite her success, Smith faced challenges with her publisher, Alloy Entertainment. Initially, she was signed under a work-for-hire contract, which meant she did not retain the rights to her characters. This contractual arrangement became contentious when Alloy decided to continue the series with ghostwriters after dismissing Smith in 2011. Smith later expressed her heartbreak over losing creative control, stating, "I didn’t realize that they could take the series away from me."
After her dismissal, Smith took an extended hiatus from writing, during which she dealt with personal matters, including the death of her mother. However, she eventually returned to her beloved characters through fan fiction, reclaiming her narrative voice and continuing to write unofficial entries in the "Vampire Diaries" universe.
In addition to "The Vampire Diaries," Smith authored several other young adult series, including "Night World," "The Secret Circle," and "Dark Visions." Her works have been recognized for their engaging storytelling and complex characters, particularly strong female protagonists, which resonated deeply with her readers. Smith's writing was not only entertaining but also offered solace and inspiration, earning her a dedicated fanbase.
Smith's agent, John Silbersack, remarked that she was fiercely dedicated to her craft, even amid her health struggles. "She had been quite ill, but despite the difficulties and the pain, she was fiercely dedicated to continuing to write," he said. Her commitment to storytelling was evident throughout her career, as she published over 29 books and continued to work on new projects until her final days.
In her obituary, Smith was remembered as a kind and gentle soul whose creativity illuminated the lives of her family, friends, and fans. The statement highlighted her imaginative spirit and pioneering role in supernatural fiction, emphasizing her warmth and generosity both on and off the page. Many fans took to social media to express their condolences and share how her stories impacted their lives. One fan wrote, "Thank you for helping me turn into the strong woman I am today, by portraying strong female characters in your works. The gifts you gave this world will assure you will never be forgotten."
Smith is survived by her partner Julie Divola, her sister Judy Clifford, and Judy's children, Lauren and Brian Clifford, along with their families. Smith's legacy as a storyteller will undoubtedly live on through her beloved characters and the countless lives she touched with her words.
