full size Joseph Morgan's Headshot
Credit: Faye Thomas

Klaus, Klaus, Klaus. He's the hybrid we all love to hate. But how much do you know about Joseph Morgan, the dimpled cutie who plays Klaus? Sure, we could have gone the easy route and informed you that he’s from Swansea, Wales, and appeared in the Sky One British TV show Hex, but by now everyone knows that. Nay, we traveled deep into the lore of Joseph Morgan’s life and put together this list of details just for you.

1. He has a passable American accent.
When he starred in Harmony Korine’s Mister Lonely, Joseph portrayed a James Dean impersonator and affected a pretty convincing American accent. According to his casting sheet, Australian, Cockney, and Irish are among his other voice talents.

2. He’s easy on the eyes.
Okay, yes, you know this. But did you know he’s 5'11", weighs 159 pounds, and has blue-green eyes? Alright then.

3. He’s quite adept at doing the time warp.
Playing everything from Philotas during Alexander’s great reign to Jesus-era Judah in Ben-Hur to a Jane Austen character in Mansfield Park, Joseph’s roles have spanned quite a range of years.

4. Call him Martin?
Joseph Morgan was actually born Joseph Martin. We’ve no idea why he decided to switch it up, or why he chose to go with something equally generic. What are you hiding, Mr. Morgan?

5. Sweet chariot
That was no stunt double in Joseph’s Ben-Hur fight scenes, including the one that took place aboard a chariot. Before shooting the remake of the Charlton Heston classic, Joseph, who was already comfortable in a saddle, took special riding lessons to film the scene. He told wales.online.co.uk: “I did get up there and do a fair amount of it myself, that’s something that’s going on the CV.” Hey, we know someone else who has a thing for horses! Remember when Klaus drew a pony for Caroline?

6. He’s well trained.
Joseph Morgan attended the Central School of Speech and Drama. Laurence Olivier, Lynn and Vanessa Redgrave, and Kathleen Turner also studied at the college, known for its theater training. TVD Executive Producers Julie Plec and Kevin Williamson certainly have a knack for finding talented actors to fill their roles.

7. His resume includes writer, director, and actor.
Want to see Joseph’s work behind the camera? With These Hands is a short film he wrote, produced, directed, and had a small role in. Let’s just say he’s no stranger to oodles of fake blood.

8. Why not show some skin?
When asked by the The Globe and Mail if he likes being naked on screen, Joseph responded: “It’s not something I’m afraid of, but it takes a fair bit of hard work beforehand. I don’t read a script and go, ‘how much am I naked in this?’” Since Joseph rocks some killer abs, this is good info to have.

9. He’s in good company.
It's no wonder Joseph more than holds his own among the other quality actors on TVD — he’s shared the screen with Colin Farrell, Val Kilmer, and Anthony Hopkins in Alexander; Russell Crowe in Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World; and Mickey Rourke and John Hurt in the upcoming Immortals.

10. Quick study
We know the TVD cast loves the Twitter. Even Paul Wesley’s in on the action now. And the newest addition had no trouble jumping right into the techno craze. And based on Joseph’s knowledge of vampires, the spoilers he spills, and his sometimes sinister tone, we’re pretty pleased to get this glimpse inside the man’s methods.

11. He fits in philanthropically.
Ian Somerhalder’s (Damon) is practically a do-gooder superhero, and as a strong supporter of Positive Women, a charity which aims to empower women in Swaziland, Joseph Morgan shares the same giving spirit. Awesome! Together, these two just might save the world.

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