"Wasn't an equal": The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev talks salary dispute with studio while filming for the supernatural flick

The CW's supernatural teen drama The Vampire Diaries, starring Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, and Ian Somerhalder, wrapped up after eight seasons. Based on LJ Smith's book series of the same name and developed by Kevin Williamson and Julie Plec, this hit drama series debuted in 2009 and garnered a loyal fanbase from the pilot episode itself. It won numerous accolades and even became the most-watched series of the network. However, Nina Dobrev's shocking exit after six seasons left the fans wondering what went wrong.

Almost eight years after the supernatural flick wrapped up, Dobrev revealed what caused a rift. In Samantha Highfill's book called I Was Feeling Epic: An Oral History of The Vampire Diaries, Dobrev pointed out that despite being a lead and playing a double role, she was getting paid much less than both Wesley and Somerhalder. According to The Hollywood Reporter, she said:

“I remember feeling like the studio didn’t appreciate what I was bringing to the show, and it felt like they were saying that all the hard work I was putting into it didn’t matter to them and that I wasn’t an equal to my male counterparts, and so that was upsetting to me.”

Per Us Weekly, Dobrev added that along with her, Candice King and Kat Graham were among the lowest-paid in the first few seasons.

Dobrev stressed the fact that even though her contract only stated that she would play Elena, she had to play multiple roles and was never compensated for the extra work hours. She further noted that she enjoyed portraying double roles, and, rightfully, asked for a raise.

Continue reading to know more about what happened.

Why did Nina Dobrev exit The Vampire Diaries after six seasons?

Per Us Weekly, after Nina Dobrev asked for fair compensation the studio allegedly asked the writers to cut down Katherine's part as they were not ready to raise Dobrev's pay for the double role. Things got "heated," so much so that co-creator Julie Plec had to interfere and ask the studio to negotiate a new contract for Dobrev, but the studio remained firm in their decision and instructed the writers to write off Katherine entirely.

Dobrev finally exited The Vampire Diaries after six seasons and refused to renew her contract. She reappeared in the series finale of The Vampire Diaries. But do you know she was reportedly supposed to be back for the entire season? This time, the network again refused to increase her pay. Us Weekly reports that Dobrev has alleged in the book that the offer given to her for the finale episode was “five times less” than her pay during her stint on the show. Dobrev reportedly remained adamant about the pay and declined the offer. It was finally, after co-creator Plec interfered that the network agreed to sign her for one episode at the price she had quoted earlier.

Gender based pay disparity has been one of the most alarming issues in the entertainment industry. Many celebrities, including Olivia Coleman, Jennifer Lawrence, Patricia Arquette, Beyonce, and Emma Stone, have been vocal about it. Yet the gender pay gap in Hollywood continues to be a significant problem.

All episodes of The Vampire Diaries are available to watch on HBO Max and Peacock.

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Also read: When did Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder date? Vampire Dairies alum makes rare comment about ex

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