Paul was raised in the Marlboro, New Jersey. His parents immigrated from Poland, where he spent a large portion of his childhood. Many of his relatives still reside there.During his high school years, Paul was actively involved in theater studies, primarily in New York City. He attended Christian Brothers Academy, Marlboro High School, and Lakewood Prep. He was expelled from the first school for getting into fights.Whilst his junior year he landed the role of Max in The Guiding Light (1952). Due to his acting schedule, he transferred to several schools. He ultimately graduated in 2000 and went on to Rutgers University but, because he was being offered roles, decided to quit after one semester.In 2009 he was cast in The Vampire Diaries (2009). He auditioned for both the roles of Damon, the bad vampire brother, and Stefan, the good vampire brother. It was ultimately decided he would work better as Stefan.He resides in Los Angeles, New York City, and Atlanta, where he continues filming as well as directing 'The Vampire Diaries'.