Nina Dobrev walked away from The Vampire Diaries not because of storylines, but because she refused to accept being paid less than her male co-stars.
Nina Dobrev's departure from The Vampire Diaries after six seasons was not due to creative differences or personal reasons, as often speculated, but stemmed from a significant pay disparity compared to her male co-stars. The New York Post reports that in Samantha Highfill’s book I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev revealed that despite portraying multiple characters, including Elena Gilbert and her doppelgänger Katherine Pierce, she was paid less than Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.
Dobrev's dual role effectively doubled her workload, yet her contract only accounted for playing Elena. She had to be on set for extended hours and memorize additional lines to portray both characters. When she requested fair compensation for her increased responsibilities, the studio allegedly instructed writers to limit Katherine's appearances, stating they "had to pay" for both roles.
Although she eventually secured a raise, it did not equal the pay of her male counterparts. Dobrev expressed feeling unappreciated and hurt by the studio's refusal to grant pay parity, emphasizing that her fight was about fairness and recognition, not the money itself according to People.
Nina Dobrev portrays Elena Gilbert in a tense scene at a bar on The Vampire Diaries, highlighting her character’s emotional depth.
The Pay Disparity Among 'The Vampire Diaries' Cast
Reports indicate that Dobrev earned approximately $40,000 per episode by the end of her tenure on The Vampire Diaries despite playing two characters. However, this figure was reportedly lower than that of her male co-stars, Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley, who also earned around $40,000 per episode according to FandomWire. Despite her pivotal role in the series, Dobrev's compensation did not reflect her contributions, highlighting ongoing issues of gender pay inequality in the entertainment industry.
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Dobrev's Return for the Series Finale
In 2017, Dobrev returned for the series finale of The Vampire Diaries. However, her return was marred by another pay dispute. According to co-creator Kevin Williamson, the studio offered her a salary that was significantly lower than her previous pay per episode. Dobrev declined the offer, stating that it was not about the money but about being treated as an equal to her male co-stars. With support from showrunner Julie Plec, the network ultimately agreed to her asking rate, and she returned for a single episode, concluding her involvement with the show.
Nina Dobrev takes center stage alongside Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder on a The Vampire Diaries poster, emphasizing her pivotal role in the hit series.
People Also Ask
What roles did Nina Dobrev play on 'The Vampire Diaries'?
Nina Dobrev portrayed Elena Gilbert, the central character, and her doppelgänger Katherine Pierce, among other roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
How did the pay disparity affect Dobrev's relationship with the show's producers?
Dobrev felt unappreciated and hurt by the studio's refusal to grant pay parity, leading to tensions and ultimately her departure from the series.
Did other female cast members experience similar pay issues?
Yes, Candice King and Kat Graham were also among the lowest-paid series regulars in the first two seasons, highlighting broader gender pay disparities on the show.
How did Dobrev's pay dispute impact her career?
Dobrev's stand for equal pay brought attention to gender pay issues in Hollywood, potentially influencing future negotiations for actresses in similar positions.
Nina Dobrev beams for photographers on the red carpet, showcasing her signature charm and style at a high-profile event.
Conclusion
Nina Dobrev's experience on The Vampire Diaries underscores the persistent issue of gender pay disparity in the entertainment industry. Her determination to seek fair compensation, despite the challenges and opposition she faced, highlights the importance of advocating for equality and recognition in the workplace. Dobrev's story serves as a reminder that the fight for equal pay is ongoing and that standing up for one's worth can lead to meaningful change.
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