Joseph Morgan (born Joseph Martin; 16 May 1981) is a British actor and director. He is best known for his role as Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson on The CW's The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off The Originals, in which he is the lead. Joseph Morgan (born Joseph Martin; 16 May 1981) is a British actor and director. He is best known for his role as Niklaus "Klaus" Mikaelson on The CW's The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off The Originals, in which he is the lead.