Nina Dobrev

Nina Dobrev (born January 9, 1989) is a Bulgarian-Canadian actor and producer best known for playing Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce on The Vampire Diaries. Since her breakout, she’s starred in studio films and indie comedies, led network TV and streaming projects, and taken on producing and entrepreneurial roles.

Quick facts

• Full name: Nikolina “Nina” Kamenova Dobreva
• Born: Sofia, Bulgaria; raised in Toronto, Canada
• Citizenship: Bulgarian and Canadian
• Languages: English, Bulgarian
• Education: Wexford Collegiate School for the Arts; attended (but did not complete) university in Toronto
• Active since: mid-2000s

Early life & career beginnings

Dobrev moved from Bulgaria to Canada as a child and trained in dance and performance while attending arts-focused schools in Toronto. She began booking commercials and small roles in her teens, then landed Mia Jones on Degrassi: The Next Generation, gaining early recognition across North America.

Breakout: The Vampire Diaries

From 2009 to 2015 (with a return in the 2017 finale), Dobrev led The CW’s supernatural drama The Vampire Diaries, portraying multiple doppelgänger characters. The dual-role performance built her global fanbase, earned multiple teen-voted awards, and established her as a versatile lead capable of drama, romance, and action.

Film & TV highlights

Selected films

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012) — teen drama ensemble
• Let’s Be Cops (2014) — buddy comedy
• xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017) — action franchise entry
• Flatliners (2017) — sci-fi thriller remake
• Run This Town (2019) — political drama
• Love Hard (2021) — holiday rom-com hit
• The Out-Laws (2023) — action-comedy
• Sick Girl (2023) — indie comedy (also executive producer)
• Reunion (2024) — mystery-comedy whodunnit

Selected television

• Degrassi: The Next Generation — recurring (Mia Jones)
• The Vampire Diaries — lead (Elena/Katherine and others)
• Fam (2019) — network sitcom lead (Clem)
• Guest and limited-series appearances across comedy and drama

Awards & recognition

• Multiple Teen Choice Awards for Sci-Fi/Fantasy TV Actress
• People’s Choice Award (including Favorite On-Screen Chemistry as part of an ensemble pairing)
• Numerous fan-voted nominations reflecting a strong, engaged audience

Beyond acting: producing & entrepreneurship

Dobrev has taken on producing roles on select indie projects and co-founded a California-based wine venture with a focus on approachable, lighter-style wines. She’s also known for charity work supporting youth causes, education, and disaster relief through appearances and fundraisers.

Personal interests

An avid traveler and fitness enthusiast, Dobrev often spotlights outdoor activities and training. She speaks openly about work-life balance, creative risk-taking, and expanding into roles behind the camera.

FAQs

Who is Nina Dobrev?

A Bulgarian-Canadian actor and producer best known for The Vampire Diaries, with subsequent film and TV roles across comedy, action, and drama.

How old is Nina Dobrev?

Born January 9, 1989.

What languages does she speak?

English and Bulgarian.

What are her most popular roles?

Elena Gilbert/Katherine Pierce (The Vampire Diaries), plus leads or key roles in Love Hard, Let’s Be Cops, xXx: Return of Xander Cage, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

Has she produced projects?

Yes—she has executive-produced select indie features.

What is she doing now?

Continuing to act in films and television while pursuing producing and entrepreneurial ventures.