For the duration of The Vampire Diaries run, we've questioned the presence of Matt Donovan.

Elena's ex-boyfriend has seemed too tame, too nice. On a show about vampires and witches, he's been too... normal.

But now we're thankful he's around - because we're about to meet Matt's mother, Kelly, and she'll be played by one of our favorite, fun-loving actress: Melinda Clarke.

Best known for her role on The O.C., Clarke has also appeared on CSI and Entourage. She'll debut in March as Matt's irresponsible, hard-drinking, absentee mom.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Clarke has signed on for at least three episodes.

Here's to hoping that number grows exponentially larger as viewers fall in love with the actress.

Are you as excited about this casting news as we are? Sound off on it, and other topics, in our Vampire Diaries forum!

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