We will meet Bonnie's father on Season 4 of The Vampire Diaries. This has already been announced by Julie Plec.

But now we can seemingly break the news of that absentee dad's name, considering a casting notice that went out today which calls for an African-American man in his late 30s/early 40s named Rudy Owens.

The note described him as a "protective parent."

Very few mentions of Bonnie's father have been made over the years, with the exception of a couple references to his displeasure of his daughter's involvement in witchcraft.

What will bring him into the picture this fall? It's unclear, but prepare to meet Rudy on Episode 10.

And prepare for Bonnie to take drastic, possibly life-altering action on Thursday's Vampire Diaries season premiere.

So... who should portray Bonnie's dad?

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.