Nina Dobrev’s Pay Disparity on The Vampire Diaries
Nina Dobrev, the sole actor portraying multiple characters in the early seasons of The Vampire Diaries, revealed that she earned less than her male co-stars Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
The actress discussed the pay inequality in Samantha Highfill’s book, I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries. Dobrev not only played Elena Gilbert but also her sinister doppelgänger, Katherine Pierce, from the season one finale.
Contract Issues and Workload
According to Dobrev, “Candice [King], Kat [Graham], and I were the three lowest-paid series regulars in the first two seasons.” She explained that her contract specified her role as Elena, even as she worked double the hours and memorized twice the lines to play multiple characters.
Negotiation Challenges
Highfill notes that actors generally start negotiating contracts in season three, meaning Dobrev received lower pay than Somerhalder and Wesley during the initial seasons. She expressed a desire for fair compensation, stating, “I wanted to be an equal to the boys.”
Studio Relations and Creative Tensions
Co-creator Julie Plec shared in the book that the studio didn’t want to continue using Katherine due to increased payments to Dobrev. However, Plec fought to maintain Katherine’s storyline, stating, “I literally think we had to say, ‘We’ll kill Katherine,’ to get permission to use her.”
Return for Final Season and Pay Dispute
When Dobrev left after season six, her character was placed under a sleeping spell, allowing the option for her return in the series finale. Upon expressing her willingness to come back, she insisted on equal pay to her male counterparts, who had received several raises since her exit.
Final Offer and Resolution
Dobrev shared that the studio’s offer for her return was significantly less than what she had made previously. Plec supported Dobrev, acknowledging that she deserved equal pay. After Dobrev refused the studio’s initial offer, Plec intervened, leading to an agreement for one episode at Dobrev’s requested rate.
