From Alias to Heroes to 24 to The Vampire Diaries...

David Anders is a guest star in demand. The actor, whose character was killed off the aforementioned Fox drama just a few days ago, has landed on his feet. Or, should we say, his fangs.

The veteran actor has landed a key role on The Vampire Diaries: He'll debut on the April 15 episode as Elena and Jeremy’s uncle, Jonathan Gilbert. A show insider tells Entertainment Weekly the character will “cause some trouble."

Yes, Jonathan Gilbert is the same name as the ancestor we saw in the series' last flashback installment. This is a different relative of Elena and Jeremy, but it's safe to assume he'll have the same issues with blood suckers as the original Jonathan.

The Vampire Diaries won't air a new episode until March 25. Sound off in our forum with your take on Anders joining the cast.

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