Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva (born January 9, 1989), known professionally as Nina Dobrev, is a Bulgarian-Canadian actress and model. She gained international fame for her dual roles as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in the supernatural drama series The Vampire Diaries (2009-2017).
Early Life and Education
Nina Dobrev was born on January 9, 1989, in Sofia, Bulgaria. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Toronto, Canada. Her father, Kamen Dobrev, is a computer specialist, and her mother, Michaela Dobreva, is an artist. Dobrev attended Vradenburg Junior Public School and J.B. Tyrrell Sr. Public School, where she began her training in ballet and jazz dance. She later attended Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts in Scarborough, Ontario, and Ryerson University in Toronto, where she studied sociology.
Career
Dobrev made her acting debut in the Canadian drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2006-2009), where she played the role of Mia Jones. Her breakthrough came in 2009 when she was cast as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in The Vampire Diaries. Her performance earned her several awards, including Teen Choice Awards and People’s Choice Awards.
In addition to her television work, Dobrev has appeared in various films, including The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Let’s Be Cops (2014), The Final Girls (2015), xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017), and Flatliners (2017). She also starred in the romantic comedy Love Hard (2021).
Personal Life
Nina Dobrev is known for her philanthropic efforts and involvement in various charitable causes. She is active on social media, where she shares updates about her work and personal life with her followers. Dobrev is engaged to professional snowboarder Shaun White.
Filmography
- Away from Her (2006) – Monica
- How She Move (2007) – Girl in Bathroom
- The Poet (2007) – Rachel
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) – Candace
- Let’s Be Cops (2014) – Josie
- The Final Girls (2015) – Vicki Summers
- xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017) – Becky Clearidge
- Flatliners (2017) – Marlo
- Love Hard (2021) – Natalie Bauer
Awards and Nominations
- Teen Choice Awards 2010: Best Actress in a Drama Series for The Vampire Diaries
- People’s Choice Awards 2012: Favorite TV Drama Actress for The Vampire Diaries
