Nina Dobrev facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nina Dobrev
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Dobrev in 2022
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Nina Kamenova Dobreva
January 9, 1989 Sofia, Bulgaria
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| Occupation | Actress |
| Years active | 2006–present |
Nina Dobrev is a Canadian actress. She was born on January 9, 1989, in Sofia, Bulgaria. Nina is best known for playing two main characters, Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce, in the popular TV show The Vampire Diaries. This supernatural drama series aired on The CW network from 2009 to 2015.
Nina Dobrev grew up in Toronto, Canada. Before becoming famous, she had smaller roles in movies. Her big break came when she played Mia Jones in the TV series Degrassi: The Next Generation from 2006 to 2009. After The Vampire Diaries, she also appeared in several movies. These include The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012), Let's Be Cops (2014), and XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017). She also starred in the romantic comedies Dog Days (2018) and Love Hard (2021).
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Early Life and Education
Nina Dobrev's full name is Nikolina Kamenova Dobreva. She was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, on January 9, 1989. Her father, Kamen Dobrev, is a computer specialist, and her mother, Michaela Dobreva, is an artist. Nina has an older brother. When she was two years old, her family moved to Canada and settled in Scarborough, Toronto. She later spent two years back in Bulgaria with her mother when she was 10.
Nina attended Vradenburg Junior Public School and J. B. Tyrrell Sr. Public School. During these years, she started taking ballet and jazz classes. She also competed in rhythmic gymnastics. Nina took acting lessons at Armstrong Acting Studios in Toronto. She later went to the arts program at Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts. After high school, Nina started studying sociology at Ryerson University (now Toronto Metropolitan University). However, she left university to focus on her acting career.
Acting Career Highlights
Nina Dobrev's first major acting job was playing Mia on the teen drama Degrassi: The Next Generation. She was on the show for three seasons, starting in 2006. She also appeared in a few movies in the mid-2000s, like Fugitive Pieces (2007). Nina also starred in several TV movies, including Never Cry Werewolf (2008) and The American Mall (2008).
Becoming a Vampire Diaries Star
In 2009, Nina left Degrassi to join The Vampire Diaries. This show was based on a popular book series. Nina played the main character, Elena Gilbert. She also played Katherine Pierce, a 500-year-old vampire who looked just like Elena. In season 5, she even played Amara, the world's first immortal. In 2014, she appeared as another look-alike character, Tatia, in The Originals, a spin-off show.
In April 2015, Nina announced on Instagram that she would be leaving The Vampire Diaries after six seasons. However, she returned in January 2017 for the show's final episode, playing both Elena and Katherine again.
Movie Roles and Success
Nina had a small role in the movie Chloe (2010) and The Roommate (2011). In 2011, she was cast as Candace Kelmeckis in the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower. She also starred in the comedy Let's Be Cops in 2014.
In 2015, Nina played Vicki Summers in the horror-comedy film The Final Girls. She also filmed Crash Pad and Departures (originally called Arrivals).
One of Nina's biggest movie successes came in 2017. She co-starred as Becky Clearidge in the action movie XXX: Return of Xander Cage. This movie earned a lot of money worldwide. The same year, she also appeared in the movie Flatliners.
In 2018, Nina was cast as Clem in the comedy TV series Fam. The show premiered in January 2019 but was canceled after one season. Nina also starred in the thriller Lucky Day (2019) and the film Run This Town (2020). In 2020, it was announced that Nina would star in and help produce a TV show based on the Woman 99 book series.
Helping Others and Personal Life
Nina Dobrev supports many good causes. She has worked with Puma's Project Pink, which helps breast cancer charities. She also supports Hunger Bites, an organization that helps reduce hunger. Nina is also known for her long-term involvement with the WE movement. This Canadian charity helps young people make a difference in the world. She even went on a volunteer trip to Kenya to help build a school. She has hosted and appeared at WE Day events, which celebrate young people's efforts to change the world. She also supports the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Nina Dobrev is a citizen of both Bulgaria and Canada. She speaks English and Bulgarian fluently, and she can also speak some French. While filming The Vampire Diaries, she lived in Atlanta. After leaving the show in 2015, she moved to Los Angeles.
Nina has invested in several beverage companies. She also co-owns a wine brand called Fresh Vine Wine with dancer Julianne Hough.
From 2010 to 2013, Nina was in a relationship with her Vampire Diaries co-star, Ian Somerhalder. Since 2020, she has been in a relationship with Shaun White, a retired American professional snowboarder and Olympic gold medalist. They got engaged in 2024.
On her birthday in 2025, Nina had to leave her Los Angeles home because of a wildfire. Luckily, her home was safe, but she felt sad for others who lost their homes.
Selected Film and Television Roles
Nina Dobrev has appeared in many films and TV shows. Here are some of her notable roles:
- 2006-2009: Degrassi: The Next Generation as Mia Jones
- 2012: The Perks of Being a Wallflower as Candace Kelmeckis
- 2009-2015, 2017: The Vampire Diaries as Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce
- 2017: XXX: Return of Xander Cage as Becky Clearidge
- 2019: Fam as Clem
- 2021: Love Hard as Natalie Bauer
- 2023: The Out-Laws as Parker McDermott
Awards and Recognition
Nina Dobrev has won several awards for her acting, especially for her role in The Vampire Diaries.
- 2010: Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- 2011: Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- 2012: People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Drama Actress
- 2012: San Diego Film Critics Society Award for Best Ensemble Performance (for The Perks of Being a Wallflower)
- 2013: Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress – Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- 2014: People's Choice Award for Favorite On-Screen Chemistry (with Ian Somerhalder)
- 2015: Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress: Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- 2019: Teen Choice Award for Choice TV Actress Comedy (for Fam)
See also
In Spanish: Nina Dobrev para niños
